Modifying a Birth Record

How do I modify a birth record and receive an updated birth certificate?

The forms listed below are to be used to modify a birth record. These forms cannot be used to modify an individual's birth record due to an adoption. Upon update to the record, an updated birth certificate will be issued, if requested.

Older copies of birth certificates may have a “correction form” on the back. Please be advised that the “Request to Modify” forms on this page have replaced that correction form. Requests submitted on the old correction form are no longer accepted.

To add, remove or replace a parent on a birth record, complete the Request to Modify Parentage on a Birth Record form.

To modify information, other than parentage, complete the appropriate form below, based on the age of the individual whose record needs to be amended.

• Request to Modify an Infant's Birth Record (Age Less Than 1 Year Old)
• Request to Modify a Child's Birth Record (Age 1 Year to Less Than 7 Years Old)
• Request to Modify a Child's Birth Record (Age 7 Years to Less Than 14 Years Old)
• Request to Modify a Child's Birth Record (Age 14 Years to Less Than 18 Years Old)
• Request to Modify an Adult's Birth Record (Age 18 Years Old and Above)

Mail the completed form, your identification, payment, and documentary evidence (see each form for specific details) to:

PA Department of Health
Bureau of Health Statistics and Registries
ATTN: Birth Registry
555 Walnut Street, 6 th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1934

To improve the processing time for your application, ensure the following:

• That you have completed Part 1 of the form in its entirety
• That you have included an acceptable form of ID as outlined in Part 2
• That you have included payment if applicable as outlined in Part 3
• That you have completed Part 4 in its entirety. Please ensure that you have provided the full and correct spelling of the individual's name as it currently appears on the individual's birth certificate.
• That you have only completed information in Part 5 that needs modified on the individual's birth record. Please do not complete fields in this section that do not need modified.
• That you have signed and notarized (if applicable) the form as outlined in Part 6.
• That you have provided acceptable documentary evidence as outlined in Part 7.
  

Please note that the specific requirements for Parts 1, 6, and 7 vary based on the form you are submitting. The forms submitted must align with the age of the subject at the time you are completing the form and submitting to BHSR.

See our current Processing Times for amendments.

Changing Your Name?
When modifying your name on your birth record, you may also want to update your name with the following:

• - Bank accounts and credit card companies
• - Driver's license or government-issued ID
• - Employer
• - Passport
• - Social Security Card
• - Utility Companies
• - Voters registration