Correcting and Amending Vital Records
Correcting a Vital Record
If the vital event is filed in New York City
The New York State Department of Health does not file and cannot issue copies of, or make changes to, New York City birth, death or marriage certificates. To correct a birth or death certificate for an event that occurred in one of the five (5) boroughs of New York City (Manhattan - New York County, Brooklyn - Kings County, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island - Richmond County), please visit the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene web site.
To correct a marriage record if the marriage license was issued (purchased) in New York City, contact the Office of the City Clerk.
If the vital event occurred in New York State outside of New York City
Vital records (birth, death, marriage and dissolution of marriage certificates) may be corrected if an error was made when the record was filed.
A new document is not created. The correction becomes a part of the certificate which will show the history of any changes made to the record.
Amending a Vital Record
Only birth records may be amended. Birth records are amended for a number of reasons including the filing of an Acknowledgment of Paternity (LDSS-4418); adoption; court adjudication of parentage and court ordered change of name.
When a birth record is amended, the original record and all documents pertaining to the amendment are placed under seal. The sealed records are available only by order of a New York State court of competent jurisdiction. A new birth certificate is created with the amended information and this certificate becomes the official record of the birth.
Correcting a Certificate
If you wish to correct a birth certificate and the birth occurred within the last 12 months, the fastest way to process your correction may be through the hospital of birth.
For information about correcting a record:
- Correct a birth certificate (see typical corrections below)
- Adding a child's first and middle name.
- Correcting a child's name, date of birth or gender. (If you are changing a name legally, see Amendments below.)
- Correcting a parent's name, age, date of birth, Social Security Number, residence, etc.
- Correct a death certificate
- Correct a marriage certificate
- Correct a dissolution of marriage (divorce) certificate
Amending a Certificate
Only birth records may be amended. Birth records are amended when a change is ordered by the court (such as an adoption; court adjudication of parentage and ordered change of name) or when the parents file a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (LDSS-4418).
When a birth record is amended, the original record and all documents pertaining to the amendment are placed under seal. The sealed records are available only by order of a New York State court of competent jurisdiction. A new birth certificate is created with the amended information and this certificate becomes the official record of the birth.
For further information, visit our Amending a Birth Certificate page.
