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The Texas Certificate Birth form is an essential document for anyone needing to correct or amend details on a birth certificate. This form serves various purposes, including correcting errors made by hospitals, updating a child's name, or even changing parent information. Individuals eligible to apply for corrections include the person named on the birth certificate if they are at least 18 years old, parents of minors, and legal guardians. Completing the form requires careful attention to detail; specific sections must be filled out, and original documents must be submitted. Notably, photocopies or alterations are not accepted, emphasizing the importance of providing accurate and valid information. Additionally, applicants must include a valid photo ID and may need to provide supporting documents depending on the nature of the correction. Fees vary based on the type of correction requested, and both regular and expedited processing options are available. Understanding the requirements and process can help ensure a smooth application experience, ultimately leading to a corrected birth certificate that reflects accurate and up-to-date information.

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TEXAS
Health
and
Human
Services
Texas
Department
.
of
State
Health
Services
Correcting a Birth Certificate
THIS FORM CANNOT BE USED TO CORRECT A RECORD BASED ON AN ADOPTION.
Who Can Apply for a Correction?
• The person named on the birth certificate, if at least 18 years of age.
• Parent(s) named on the birth certificate, if child is under 18 years of age.
• Legal guardian(s), managing conservator, or legal representative (proof required) of the person named
on the birth certificate.
• Hospital or medical facility where the person named on the birth certificate was born.
How Do I Make a Correction?
☐ Complete and sign this application. See pages 4 and 5.
☐ Section 1, 2, 5 and 6 MUST be completed. See pages 2 and 3 for how to complete Section 3 or 4.
☐ Everyone signing section 6 must sign before a notary public and ATTACH A COPY OF
THEIR VALID PHOTO ID(S).
☐ The application must be original. P
hotocopies, alterations, strike-through, or write overs will not
be
accepted.
☐ Submit
the appropriate documentation. See pages 2 and
3.
☐ Submit the appropriate
fees. See fee schedule
below.
For Frequently Asked Questions, go to: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vs/faq/#correct.
For more information, go to: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vs/requirements.aspx.
Where Do I Mail the Application?
Regular Mailing Instructions - Estimated processing time is 6-8 weeks.
See https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vs/processing/ for current times.
Please submit your application, supporting documents (if required) and fees to:
DSHS – Vital Statistics Section, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040.
Expedited Service Mailing Instructions - Estimated processing time is 20-25 business days.
The order and $5.00 processing fee must be sent to the Vital Statistics Section via an overnight mail
service such as: FedEx, Lone Star, or UPS.
Please submit your application, supporting documents (if required) and fees to:
DSHS-Vital Statistics Section, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49
th
Street, Austin, TX 78756.
FAILURE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION REQUESTED ON THIS FORM, MAY RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT
PROCESSING DELAYS AND/OR DENIAL OF YOUR APPLICATION.
Fees: How much must I submit?
Fee Schedule
Fee ($)
Qty (#)
Total ($)
Filing Fees (Select One):
O
Correction to Birth Certificate (Not required if child’s name change is in
same court order to add/replace/remove parent)
$15.00
=
O
Correction to Birth Certificate by adding/removing/replacing a parent
$25.00
=
O
New Birth Certificate based on child’s sex or parent’s race or color
See “Correcting the Child’s Sex or Parent’s Race or Color” on Page 3.
$25.00
=
For urgent requests, orders may be EXPEDITED by paying the below expedited processing fee AND
sending the order through an overnight mail service, such as: FEDEX, LoneStar, or UPS to: DSHS-Vital
Statistics Section, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49
th
Street, Austin, TX 78756.
O
Expedited processing Fee (per application)
$5.00
All orders are returned free of charge by USPS regular mail. For expedited return mail service, select
one of the overnight return shipping methods below.
O
Expedite Overnight Mail (shipping within USA)
$8.00
O
USPS Express Overnight Mail (shipping overnight to PO Box ONLY)
$22.95
=
Birth Certificate(s):
O
Certified Corrected Birth Certificate ($22.00 per copy)
$22.00
=
Grand Total
Fees may be combined in one check or money order made payable to DSHS – Vital Statistics
For the status of your request, contact VSS by telephone at 1-888-963-7111 or online at: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/orderstatus/.
Page 1 of 5 VS-170 (Rev. 1/21)
What type of correction are you requesting?
A correction to a birth record may be filed to complete or correct a record that is incomplete or proved by
satisfactory evidence to be inaccurate. You must complete pages 4 and 5 of this application and may need
to provide a supporting document (See Box#1). IF THE CHILD IS A MINOR AND BOTH PARENTS ARE ON
THE BIRTH RECORD, BOTH PARENTS MUST SIGN SECTION 6, unless otherwise specified in Box #1.
Box # 1: Document Checklist
I want to…
You will need one of the supporting
documents shown in Box # 2 below
Correct a hospital error before 1
st
birthday
(hospital must sign and submit application)
No documentation required.
Correct an error or omission made by the hospital after child’s 1
st
birthday
1 or 2
Add or correct child’s first or middle name, BEFORE child’s 1
st
birthday
Examples: Cindie to Cindy or “no name” to Kathie
No documentation required
Add or correct child’s first or middle name, AFTER child’s 1
st
birthday
Examples: Ann to Anne or Merie to Marie or “no name” to Ryan
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9
Correct spelling of child’s last name (all documents must be dated
PRIOR to birth of child unless providing a court order)
Example: Martines to Martinez
5, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14
Correct child’s date of birth, place of birth, time of birth or sex
1, 2, or 5
Correct child’s sex after medical/surgical sex change
5
Correct parent’s information
(parent must be currently listed on the birth certificate)
5, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14
Correct mother’s residence address at the time of the child’s birth
1, 2, or 5
Adding a parent AND the parents were married BEFORE the child was
born (Both parents must sign Section 6 of this application in the
presence of a notary. A Hospital Representative cannot apply)
12
Change First, Middle, Last name Example: Martinez to Brown
5
Remove information from birth record
5
Add/remove/replace a parent (A Hospital Representative cannot apply
for this correction)
See page 3, “Adding, Removing, or
Replacing a Parent’s Name”
Suggested Supporting Documents:
Documents must be original certified copies (no photocopies) on official letterhead or with an original
certification or seal unless otherwise specified below. Foreign documents, including notaries, must have an
apostille or legalization from the Foreign Country where the document was issued. All supporting
documents must match the requested correction(s) exactly and cannot be altered.
If an acceptable supporting document cannot be obtained, a court order to correct the information must be
submitted. If an item has already been amended once, a court order is required to amend the same item
again.
Box # 2: Supporting Documents
1
Hospital or medical record at birth (admission/discharge or worksheet)
2
Letter from Hospital or medical facility at birth explaining correction needed
3
Baptismal certificate - Must be within first 5 years of birth
4
Numident printout from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Issued by the SSA, PO BOX 33022,
Baltimore, MD 21290-3022. Contact SSA at 410-965-1727 for fees and more information.
5
A certified copy of a court order affecting information shown on the birth certificate. Include all pages with
judge’s signature and seal of the court.
6
Elementary school record - Must be signed by custodian of school records based on earliest attendance.
7
Federal census record
8
School census record
9
Armed forces discharge papers (form DD 214) – Photocopy accepted
10
Birth certificate(s) of child’s parent(s)
11
Birth certificate of child’s older brother or sister
12
Certified copy of Parent’s Marriage license
13
Parent’s Naturalization Certificate (must include name change) Call the Immigration and Naturalization Service
(ICE) at 800-375-5283 to obtain information on how to secure this document.
14
Photocopy of Parent’s domestic passport or Parent’s foreign passport with U.S. Visa
Page 2 of 5 VS-170 (Rev. 1/21)
Adding, Removing or Replacing a Parent’s Name
A new birth certificate may be filed based on parentage to Add, Remove or Replace a parent on the birth
certificate. Complete Sections 1,2,4,5 and 6 of this application (pages 4 and 5). In addition, one of five
types of documentation must be presented as evidence to file the new birth certificate:
1. A certified copy of the certificate of marriage of the parents;
2. A copy of the Acknowledgment of Paternity (VS-159.1) filed with the Vital Statistics Section;
3. A certified copy of the court decree establishing parentage;
4. A copy of the Acknowledgment of Paternity Rescission (VS 158) filed with the Vital Statistics Section;
or,
5. A gestational agreement.
Box # 3: Adding, Removing or Replacing a parent’s name
I am/We are…
You need to complete this application and…
A mother not married during pregnancy and
not married now and wants to add a father
Or
A mother married within 300 days prior to the
birth of the child and wants to add a biological
parent who is not the spouse
(1) Both parents sign Section 6 of this application in
the presence of a notary; and,
(2) Complete an Acknowledgement of Paternity (Visit
the Office of the Attorney General, Paternity
Opportunity Program at
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/cs/establishing-
paternity)
A mother not married during pregnancy but is
now married to the parent
(1) Both parents sign Section 6 of this application in
the presence of a notary; and,
(2) Provide a certified copy of your marriage license
A parent with a court order establishing
parentage / removing parent (only corrections
ordered in the court order will be completed)
Or
Parents with a gestational agreement
(1) One parent signs Section 6 of this application in
the presence of a notary; and,
(2) Provide a certified copy of the entire court order
(all pages) signed by a judge
Parents who have signed a State of Texas
Acknowledgment of Paternity (VS 159.1)
(1) Both parents sign Section 6 of this application in
the presence of a notary; and,
(2) Provide a copy of the signed Acknowledgement of
Paternity (VS-159.1).
A parent who has an Acknowledgement of
Paternity Rescission (VS 158) filed with the Vital
Statistics Section and wants to remove their
name from the birth certificate*
(1) One parent signs Section 6 of this application in
the presence of a notary; and,
(2) Provide a copy of the signed Acknowledgement of
Paternity Rescission (VS-158).
Certified documents submitted will be retained by VSS and placed in a sealed file. A court
order is required to unseal a file. Parents should keep copies of certified documents for their
records and future use before sending them to VSS.
* Once a parent is removed from the birth certificate, they are no longer a qualified applicant to
request a certified copy of the child’s newly corrected birth certificate.
Correcting the Child’s Sex or the Parent’s Race or Color
A new birth certificate may be filed that incorporates the corrected sex of the person named on the birth
certificate. It may also be filed on older records to remove the parent(s) “race or color”. The filing fee to
create a new birth certificate is $25.00. Complete Section 3 and check the bottom box requesting a new
birth certificate be filed. If the bottom box on Section 3 is not checked, the correction will be attached to
the original record as an addendum ($15.00 filing fee required).
Reviewing the certified copy of the amended birth record
Once the amendment has been filed, the certified copy of the birth certificate will describe the corrections
made below the image of the original birth record.
Page 3 of 5 VS-170 (Rev. 1/21)
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IMPORTANT: Photocopies, alterations, strike-through, or
write-overs in Section 1 through 6 will not be accepted.
Please use a new application if you make a mistake.
Birth Certificate Correction Application
Type or Print (please use blue or black ink ONLY)
Remittance No.____________
Section 1: What is Your Name? (Applicant’s Information)
Name (First, Middle, Last):
Address (Mailing Address, City, State, Zip):
Email Address:
Telephone # (daytime)
( ) -
Your relationship to Person named on the birth certificate: ☐Parent ☐Self ☐Hospital Representative
☐Legal guardian(s) or Managing Conservator ☐Legal Representative (proof required)
>>>>>>>
A COPY OF THE APPLICANT’S VALID PHOTO ID MUST BE ATTACHED
<<<<<<<
Section 2: Birth Certificate Information
Enter information as it appears on the current birth certificate (before corrections).
Birth Certificate Number, if known:
142 - -
Child’s First Name:
Middle Name:
Last Name:
Date of Birth:
Sex:
Place of Birth (City or town)
(County)
(State)
TEXAS
Full Maiden Name (First, Middle, Last) of Parent 1:
Full Maiden Name (First, Middle, Last) of Parent 2:
Section 3: What do you want to correct?
If you are adding, removing or replacing a parent, complete Section 4.
List items to be added,
corrected or removed
What is on the birth certificate
now?
What should the birth certificate say?
Example: Child’s First Name
Not Shown
Tara
Example: Date of Birth
August 2, 2010
August 12, 2010
If you have a certified court order granting a name change only (not changing parentage), complete the information
below.
Court Ordered Name Change
First Name:
Middle Name:
Last Name:
Check box (if applicable): We are/I am requesting a new birth certificate be filed to incorporate the
correction to the child’s sex or remove the parent’s race or color.
Page 4 of 5 VS-170 (Rev. 1/21)
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Section 4: Add, Remove or Replace a Parent
If you want to add, remove or replace the name of a parent, please fill out this section.
I am requesting to:
Add Remove Replace
CHILD’S NAME ON NEW RECORD (Even if it will remain the same) If changing child’s first or middle name,
birth certificate correction procedures on page 2 apply.
First Name:
Middle Name:
Last Name(s):
Suffix:
INFORMATION FOR PARENT 1 (Even if it will remain the same)
Title (check one):
Mother Father Parent
Full Name (Full Maiden Name Prior to First Marriage)
First Name:
Middle Name:
Last Name(s):
Suffix:
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Month: / Day: /Year:
State or Foreign Country:
INFORMATION FOR PARENT 2 (Even if it will remain the same) If only 1 parent will remain on the birth
certificate, leave this information blank.
Title (check one):
Mother Father Parent
Full Name (Full Maiden Name Prior to First Marriage)
First Name:
Middle Name:
Last Name(s):
Suffix:
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Month: / Day: /Year:
State or Foreign Country:
Section 5: Would you like to request a birth certificate? Check one:
No, I would not like a certified copy of the corrected birth certificate.
Yes, I would like a certified copy of the corrected birth certificate. Number requested: _______
Please verify fees and quantity ordered in the fee box on Page 1.
Section 6: Affidavit
Please sign below in the presence of a notary public and ATTACH a copy of your valid Photo ID.
Applications without acceptable valid ID attached will not be processed.
Cross-outs or white-outs will VOID
your application.
WARNING: The Penalty for knowingly making a false statement in this form can be 2-10 years in prison
and a fine of up to $10,000. (Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 195).
Self, Parent 1, Legal Guardian, or Hospital Rep. >>>>>ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR VALID PHOTO ID<<<<<
Printed Name:
Signature:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Notary Public, County Clerk, or other person authorized to administer oaths
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this ______ day of ____________ 20______.
[Stamp or Seal]
Signature:
Printed name and title:
Parent 2 or Legal Guardian 2, if applicable:
>>>>>ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR VALID PHOTO ID<<<<<
Printed Name:
Signature:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Notary Public, County Clerk, or other person authorized to administer oaths
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this ______ day of ____________ 20______.
[Stamp or Seal]
Signature:
Printed name and title:
Page 5 of 5 VS-170 (Rev. 1/21)
➤ PDF File

Form Specifications

Fact Name Details
Governing Law The Texas Certificate Birth form is governed by Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 191.
Eligibility to Apply Individuals who can apply include the person named on the birth certificate (if 18 or older), parents (if the child is under 18), legal guardians, and the hospital where the birth occurred.
Application Requirements Sections 1, 2, 5, and 6 must be completed. All signatures in Section 6 must be notarized, and valid photo IDs must be attached.
Submission Guidelines The application must be original. Photocopies, alterations, or any write-overs will not be accepted.
Processing Times Regular processing takes 6-8 weeks, while expedited processing takes 20-25 business days.
Fees Fees vary based on the type of correction requested, ranging from $15 to $25, plus an additional $5 for expedited processing.
Types of Corrections Corrections can include errors in names, dates, and parent information, but cannot be used for records based on adoption.

Texas Certificate Birth: Usage Guidelines

Completing the Texas Certificate Birth form is a crucial step in correcting information on a birth certificate. This process requires careful attention to detail to ensure all necessary information is provided accurately. Once the form is filled out correctly, it will be submitted along with any required documentation and fees for processing.

  1. Obtain the Texas Certificate Birth form. Ensure you have the most recent version.
  2. Fill out Section 1 with your information. Include your name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number. Indicate your relationship to the person named on the birth certificate.
  3. In Section 2, enter the birth certificate information exactly as it appears on the current record. This includes the birth certificate number, child’s name, date of birth, sex, and place of birth.
  4. Complete Section 3 by specifying what corrections you want to make. Clearly list the current information and what it should be corrected to.
  5. If you are adding, removing, or replacing a parent’s name, fill out Section 4 with the relevant details about the child and the parents.
  6. In Section 5, indicate whether you would like to request a certified copy of the corrected birth certificate. Specify the number of copies you need.
  7. Sign Section 6 in the presence of a notary public. Attach a copy of your valid photo ID. Ensure all signatures are original; photocopies will not be accepted.
  8. Gather any required supporting documents based on the type of correction you are requesting. Ensure these documents are original certified copies.
  9. Prepare a check or money order for the total fees, made payable to DSHS – Vital Statistics.
  10. Mail the completed application, supporting documents, and payment to the appropriate address based on your mailing preference (regular or expedited service).

Your Questions, Answered

What is the Texas Certificate Birth form used for?

The Texas Certificate Birth form is primarily used to correct information on a birth certificate. This includes fixing errors, adding or removing names, and updating details such as the child's sex or parent's race. However, it cannot be used for corrections related to adoptions.

Who is eligible to apply for a correction?

Eligible applicants include the person named on the birth certificate who is at least 18 years old, parents listed on the certificate if the child is under 18, legal guardians, managing conservators, or legal representatives with proof. Additionally, the hospital or medical facility where the person was born may also apply for corrections.

What steps do I need to follow to make a correction?

To make a correction, you must complete and sign the application form. Sections 1, 2, 5, and 6 are mandatory. Signatures in Section 6 need to be notarized, and a valid photo ID must be attached. The application must be original; photocopies or alterations are not accepted. You will also need to submit any required documentation and pay the appropriate fees.

Where should I send my application?

For regular processing, mail your application, supporting documents, and fees to: DSHS – Vital Statistics Section, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. If you need expedited service, use an overnight mail service to send your application to: DSHS-Vital Statistics Section, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756. Be sure to include the expedited processing fee.

What are the fees associated with corrections?

The fees vary depending on the type of correction. For example, a basic correction costs $15, while adding or removing a parent costs $25. If you require expedited processing, there is an additional $5 fee. Each certified corrected birth certificate costs $22. It’s important to check the fee schedule and ensure you include the correct amount with your application.

What documentation do I need to provide?

The required documentation depends on the type of correction you are requesting. For example, correcting a hospital error before the child's first birthday does not require documentation. However, for other corrections, you may need to provide supporting documents such as hospital records, court orders, or school records. Ensure that all documents are original certified copies unless specified otherwise.

How long will the processing take?

Regular processing typically takes about 6 to 8 weeks. If you choose expedited service, the processing time is approximately 20 to 25 business days. For the most current processing times, it is advisable to check the Texas Department of State Health Services website.

Can I track the status of my application?

Yes, you can track the status of your request by contacting the Vital Statistics Section at 1-888-963-7111 or visiting their online status page. This will help you stay updated on the progress of your application.

What if I make a mistake on the application?

If you make a mistake while filling out the application, do not attempt to cross out or white-out the error. Instead, you should start over with a new application. This ensures that your submission is processed without delays or complications.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Sections: Many people forget to fill out all required sections, particularly Sections 1, 2, 5, and 6. If these sections are not completed, the application will be rejected.

  2. Notary Requirements: It's crucial that all signatures in Section 6 are notarized. Applications without notarized signatures will not be processed, causing delays.

  3. Invalid Photo ID: Applicants often fail to attach a valid photo ID. Without this, the application cannot be accepted, and applicants may need to start over.

  4. Original Documents Only: Submitting photocopies or altered documents can lead to immediate denial of the application. Only original certified copies are acceptable.

  5. Incorrect Fees: People sometimes miscalculate the fees or forget to include them altogether. Applications without the correct fees will be returned, adding unnecessary time to the process.

Documents used along the form

When applying for a Texas birth certificate correction, several other documents may be needed to support your application. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose and helps ensure that the correction process goes smoothly.

  • Hospital or Medical Record: This document provides proof of the child's birth details as recorded by the hospital. It can be an admission or discharge record and is especially useful for correcting errors made by the hospital.
  • Letter from Hospital: A letter from the hospital or medical facility can explain the specific correction needed. This is often required if the correction is due to an error made after the child’s first birthday.
  • Baptismal Certificate: This certificate can serve as a supporting document to confirm the child's name or date of birth. It must be issued within the first five years of the child's life.
  • Numident Printout: Issued by the Social Security Administration, this printout can verify the child's name and date of birth. It is particularly helpful if there are discrepancies in the birth certificate.
  • Court Order: If a legal change has been made regarding the child's name or parentage, a certified copy of the court order is necessary. This document must include the judge's signature and the court's seal.

Gathering these documents can help streamline the correction process for a Texas birth certificate. Make sure to check the specific requirements for your situation to avoid delays.

Similar forms

  • Birth Certificate from Other States: Similar to the Texas Certificate Birth form, other states issue birth certificates that serve as official records of birth. They typically require similar information, such as the child's name, date of birth, and parents' details.
  • Death Certificate: A death certificate documents the date, location, and cause of death. Like a birth certificate, it requires official verification and is often used for legal purposes.
  • Marriage License: A marriage license is a legal document that authorizes a couple to marry. It shares similarities with the birth certificate in that it requires identification and proof of eligibility.
  • Divorce Decree: This document finalizes a divorce and includes essential information about the parties involved. Like the birth certificate, it must be filed with the appropriate government office and often requires notarization.
  • Social Security Card: A social security card serves as proof of identity and eligibility for social security benefits. It requires personal information and identification, similar to what is needed for a birth certificate.
  • Passport: A passport verifies identity and citizenship for international travel. It requires proof of birth and identification, akin to the requirements for obtaining a birth certificate.
  • Adoption Records: Adoption records document the legal adoption process. They share similarities with birth certificates in that they establish a legal relationship and require formal documentation.
  • Voter Registration: Voter registration forms require proof of identity and residency. They serve as a record of an individual’s eligibility to vote, paralleling the birth certificate's role in establishing identity.
  • Military Service Records: These records document an individual's service in the armed forces. They require personal information and verification, much like the birth certificate.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Texas Certificate Birth form, it’s crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here are five things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do complete all required sections (1, 2, 5, and 6) accurately.
  • Do provide original documents; photocopies will not be accepted.
  • Do sign the application in front of a notary public and attach a valid photo ID.
  • Do check for any mistakes before submitting; corrections cannot be made on the form.
  • Do submit the correct fees based on the type of correction you are requesting.
  • Don't submit altered or marked-up forms; use a new application if you make a mistake.
  • Don't forget to include any required supporting documents.
  • Don't send in a photocopy of your ID; it must be an original.
  • Don't assume that all corrections are straightforward; some may require additional documentation.
  • Don't delay your application; processing can take several weeks, so act promptly.

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: Anyone can apply for a correction to a birth certificate.

    This is not accurate. Only specific individuals can apply for a correction. The person named on the birth certificate, a parent if the child is under 18, or a legal guardian can submit an application. Proof of identity or legal authority may be required.

  • Misconception 2: The application can be submitted in any format.

    In fact, the application must be an original document. Photocopies or altered forms will not be accepted. All signatures must also be notarized, and a valid photo ID must accompany the application.

  • Misconception 3: Corrections can be made at any time without restrictions.

    This is misleading. There are specific timeframes for certain types of corrections. For example, some corrections related to a child's name can only be made within the first year after birth without additional documentation.

  • Misconception 4: All fees are the same regardless of the type of correction.

    This is incorrect. Different types of corrections have different fees. For example, correcting a name may cost less than adding or replacing a parent's name on the birth certificate. It's important to check the fee schedule before submitting an application.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the Texas Certificate Birth form requires careful attention to detail. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • Eligibility to Apply: The person named on the birth certificate, parents, legal guardians, or the hospital can apply for corrections.
  • Complete the Form Accurately: Sections 1, 2, 5, and 6 must be filled out completely. Sections 3 or 4 require additional information depending on the type of correction.
  • Notarization Required: All signatures in Section 6 must be notarized. A valid photo ID must be attached to the application.
  • Original Application Needed: Only original applications will be accepted. Do not submit photocopies or altered documents.
  • Documentation is Key: Submit appropriate supporting documents as specified in the form. Missing documentation can lead to delays.
  • Fees Vary: The fees for corrections depend on the type of change requested. Be sure to include the correct amount with your application.
  • Mailing Instructions Matter: Follow the specified mailing instructions for regular or expedited service to ensure timely processing.

By following these guidelines, applicants can navigate the process more smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.