Registering births

You can change your child’s first name(s) on the original birth registration within 12 months of the date the birth was registered.

There are two ways to do this:

1. After a Christian baptism

If your child has been baptised into the Christian faith within 12 months of the birth registration:

• Ask your church minister to complete a Baptism Name Change form (available from Registration Services).
• Return the completed form to Registration Services.

We will update the name in space 17 of the original birth register. You can request amended copies of the birth certificate.

• The full birth certificate will show both the original and new names.
• The short birth certificate will show only the new name.

2. Using a Certificate of Naming

If your child has not been baptised, you can still change their name by completing a Certificate of Naming at any registration office.

You must provide evidence that the name change took place within 12 months of the original registration. Accepted documents include:

• Clinic card
• NHS medical card
• Bank book

We will update the name in space 17 of the original birth register. You can request amended copies of the birth certificate.

• The full birth certificate will show both the original and new names.
• The short birth certificate will show only the new name.

If you need help or want to request a form, please contact your local registration office.