Birth corrections
You can apply for a birth registration correction when the information is wrong - for example if a mistake was made when recording a parent’s occupation.
You cannot apply for a correction to show new information if circumstances change after you’ve registered your child’s birth, for example if you change your name after getting married again. However, you can apply to re-register the birth if the natural parents get married at a later date.
What the correction looks like
The original information will always be shown in the birth register. After the correction has been authorised, a note will be added to the margin of the register. This will explain what the correct information is and when the correction was made.
If you apply for a new birth certificate, the note containing the correct information will be in the margin.
Removing the wrong father’s details
You can apply to change who the recorded father is if you can prove that the man named on the certificate is not the natural father of the child. Examples of proof include:
- a DNA test record from an approved tester
- a court order
- evidence that confirms the name of the true biological father
- other evidence that confirms the recorded father could not have been the child’s natural father
Who can apply
The following people can apply for a correction:
- the mother
- the father (if his details are on the certificate)
If you’re applying to change a child’s name and both parents are named on the certificate, both must sign the application form. The child named on the certificate may be able to apply for a correction if their parents are not available. Removing the wrong father’s details It is not always necessary for the named father to take part in the correction process.
The General Register Office (GRO) can correct the entry if 2 of the following people apply to have it changed:
- the mother
- the natural father
- the man named on the birth certificate as the father
At least one of these must sign the application form.
You need to provide contact addresses for the mother, the man named as the father on the certificate and the true biological father (if he took part in a DNA test).
Correction Fees
Depending on the type of correction there is a £83 or £99 fee to pay at the time of applying by card. This is a non-refundable fee which covers administration costs.
How to apply
Please email rbdm@wirral.gov.uk for more advice.
Death Corrections
You cannot change a death certificate once it’s been issued, but you can apply to get a note added to the original entry in the death register. You can then get an updated certificate issued that shows this note.
Corrections to a death registration can only be made when the information is wrong (for example a mistake in spelling a person’s name).
What the correction looks like
The original information will always be shown in the death register. After the correction has been authorised, a note will be added to the margin of the register. This will explain what the correct information is and when the correction was made.
If you apply for a new death certificate, the note containing the correct information will be in the margin.
Who can apply
Anyone can apply to correct a death entry. However, the General Register Office (GRO) will usually need a letter from the person who gave information for the death to be registered before considering a correction.
Depending on the type of correction there is a £83 or £99 fee to pay at the time of applying by card. This is a non-refundable fee which covers administration costs.
How to apply
Please email rbdm@wirral.gov.uk for more advice.
Marriage corrections
Please email the Wirral Register office rbdm@wirral.gov.uk for advice and how to apply.