How to Add a Father’s Name to a Birth Certificate in UK: If the father’s name was not included when the birth was originally registered, you can apply to have it added later through a re-registration process. The process depends on your marital status and whether the father is legally recognized.
Take the completed form to the register office. If you’re not married or in a civil partnership and one of you can’t be there, that person also needs to fill in a ‘Statutory declaration of acknowledgement of parentage’ form and post it to the General Register Office.
When You Need to Re-register a Birth
You must re-register a child’s birth if:
- You marry or enter into a civil partnership with the child’s natural father after the birth was originally registered (this is required by law).
- You are not married or in a civil partnership but want to add the father’s name to the birth record.
Steps to Re-register a Birth
1. Choose the Right Form
- If you marry or enter a civil partnership with the father after the child’s birth:
- Fill out form LA1.
- If you are not married or in a civil partnership but want to add the father’s name:
- Fill out form GRO 185.
2. Submit the Form
- Take the completed form to your local register office.
- If both parents cannot be present, the absent parent must complete a Statutory Declaration of Acknowledgement of Parentage form and send it to the General Register Office (GRO).
Getting a New Birth Certificate
- You must order a new birth certificate separately; it is not issued automatically when the birth is re-registered.
What Corrections Can Be Made?
You can request a correction if incorrect information was recorded at the time of birth registration. Examples include:
- A spelling mistake in a name.
- The wrong date or place of birth recorded.
- A mistake in the parent’s occupation or name.
- The wrong father’s name (if you can prove the recorded man is not the biological father).
Important: The correction must reflect what was true at the time of birth, not later changes in circumstances.
What Cannot Be Changed?
You cannot correct information due to changes that happened after birth registration. For example:
- A parent changed their name after marriage or deed poll.
- A parent adopted a new occupation after registration.
- The parents got married after the birth was registered (instead, they must re-register the birth).
Removing the Wrong Father’s Name from a Birth Certificate
If the wrong father was named on the birth certificate, you must provide proof that he is not the natural father. Acceptable evidence includes:
- A DNA test result from an approved tester.
- A court order confirming the incorrect paternity.
- Evidence showing who the real father is.
- Any other proof that confirms the recorded father could not be the biological father.
After removal, you may re-register the birth to add the correct father’s name.
Changes for Gender Recognition
If you have legally changed your gender and obtained a Gender Recognition Certificate, you can order a new birth certificate reflecting your new gender.
How Corrections Appear on the Birth Record
- The original incorrect details remain in the register.
- A note is added in the margin explaining the correction and the date it was made.
- Full birth certificates issued after the correction will include this margin note.
- Short birth certificates (which only show the child’s details) will simply reflect the corrected information.
How to Apply for a Correction
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
- Complete a correction application form (available from the General Register Office or local register office).
- Provide supporting evidence (e.g., DNA test, court order, or proof of the correct details).
- Pay the correction fee (usually £75 to £90).
Step 2: Submit Your Application
- Take the form and documents to the local register office where the birth was registered.
- If your request is approved, the correction will be made.
Step 3: Order a New Birth Certificate (Optional)
- If you need a new birth certificate with the correct details, you must order and pay for a new copy separately.
If the Wrong Father is Named on the Birth Certificate
- You can request a correction to remove the incorrect father’s name.
- After correction, you can re-register the birth with the correct father’s details.
If There’s a Declaration of Parentage
- If a court decides who the father is (Declaration of Parentage), you do not need to re-register.
- The court informs the General Register Office, and they update the record automatically.
- You can order a new birth certificate if needed.
Where to Get Forms & More Information
- Visit the General Register Office (GRO) website to download the necessary forms.
- Contact your local register office for guidance.
FAQ
How can I add a father’s name to a birth certificate in the UK?
You need to apply for re-registration. If the parents are married, use form LA1. If not married, use form GRO 185. Submit the completed form at your local register office.
Can I remove the wrong father’s name from a birth certificate?
Yes, but you need to provide proof such as a DNA test, a court order, or evidence confirming the real biological father. A correction will be made in the birth register.
Do I automatically get a new birth certificate after a correction?
No, you must order a new birth certificate separately after the correction has been made.
