How to add your Father’s Name in a Birth Certificate in UK: Complete Guide

If the father’s name was not included when the birth certificate was originally registered, you can apply to have it added later through a re-registration process. Whether you are married, in a civil partnership, or not, there are steps you can take to ensure that the father’s name is officially recorded.

This guide explains the process of adding a father’s name to a birth certificate in the UK, what you need to do, and how to get a new certificate.

When Do You Need to Re-register a Birth?

You must re-register a child’s birth in these two cases:

• If you marry or enter a civil partnership with the father after the birth was originally registered (this is required by law).
• If you are not married or in a civil partnership but want to add the father’s name to the birth record.
• This ensures that the father’s details are correctly recorded in the official birth register.

Steps to Re-register a Birth

1. Choose the Right Form
   You’ll need to fill out the appropriate form based on your situation:

If you marry or enter a civil partnership 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).

Once the form is submitted and processed, you will be able to re-register the birth with the father’s name added.

Getting a New Birth Certificate

After you have successfully re-registered the birth, you will need to order a new birth certificate. Please note that a new birth certificate is not automatically issued after the re-registration. You will need to order it separately and pay the applicable fee.

What Corrections Can Be Made?

You can request a correction to the birth record if there was any incorrect information when the birth was first registered. Common corrections include:

• Spelling mistakes in a name
• Incorrect date or place of birth
• Mistakes in the parent’s occupation or name
• A wrong father’s name (if you can prove the recorded man is not the biological father)
• Important: Corrections must reflect what was true at the time of birth, not changes made later.

Removing the Wrong Father’s Name

If the wrong father is listed on the birth certificate, you must provide proof that he is not the biological 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
• After removal, you can re-register the birth to add the correct father’s name.

How to Apply for a Correction

If you need to apply for a correction or update the father’s name, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

• Complete a correction application form (available from the GRO or your local register office).
• Provide supporting evidence (e.g., DNA test, court order, proof of the correct father’s name).
• Pay the correction fee (usually £75 to £90).

Step 2: Submit Your Application

• Take the form and documents to your local register office.
• If approved, the correction will be made in the birth record.

Step 3: Order a New Birth Certificate (Optional)

• If needed, order a new birth certificate with the correct details. This must be done separately.

What About a Declaration of Parentage?

If a court decides who the father is (a Declaration of Parentage), you do not need to re-register the birth. The court will inform the GRO, and they will update the birth record automatically. You can then order a new birth certificate if required.

Adding a father’s name to a birth certificate in the UK can be done through a simple re-registration process. Whether you are married, in a civil partnership, or not, you can ensure the correct information is recorded with the right forms and documents.

If you need to correct any mistakes or remove the wrong father’s name, follow the steps provided and make sure to gather the necessary evidence. For any questions or guidance, visit the GRO website or contact your local register office.

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