


You must provide the required documents (listed below) to show the name that is in use.ĭocuments required to correct a misspelled name or to add a missing name For a child under 7 years old If the first name is missing, and the last name on the record is different from the last name the person uses, the last name on the record will be updated when the first name is added. If the first and last names are missing from the birth certificate, these can be added without a court order. You must provide the required documents (listed below) to show the correct spelling. If the name on a birth certificate is spelled incorrectly, you do not need a court order to correct the spelling. Name Change for an Adult or Name Change for a Child The affidavit is available on the Maryland Department of Health's website.Ī second name change within a year, or a name change after one year, requires a court order.įor more information on the process for getting a court order, please read: The affidavit must be sworn before a notary public. Both parents must also submit an affidavit (a sworn statement) that they are the true parents of the child and that they are making the request of their own free will. If only one parent is listed on the birth certificate, only the named parent must submit an affidavit. This requires a written request to the Department of Health from both parents listed on the birth certificate.

Parents may change the name of a child born in Maryland one time within the first year, without a court order. You can find the DVR contact information, including the agency street address, on the Division website.Ĭhanging the name on the certificate to a new name You can bring documents to DVR in person or you can mail them. To change a name on a birth certificate, contact the Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records (DVR). This includes changing from one name to another, correcting a misspelled name, adding a missing name, or correcting a parent’s information. There are many reasons you might wish to change the name on a birth certificate. Amending or correcting parent information.
