How to Correct a Wrong Date of Birth on Birth Certificate

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How to Fix a Wrong Date of Birth on a Birth Certificate

Obtaining a new copy of your birth certificate due to a mistake is not overly common, but it can happen. One mistake that could potentially occur is the wrong date of birth placed on the certified certificate.

How do you go about getting a new authorized or informational copy? It's still not an easy process since it always involves filling out forms, waiting on a phone line, or waiting on regular postal mail.

Today we’ll explore how to fix an . It’s a huge hassle, but DoNotPay can help. Let us show you how our DoNotPay app will speed things up.

Quick Steps to Fix a Birth Certificate if it Shows the Wrong Date of Birth

You will need to:

  1. Obtain an authorized copy of your incorrect birth certificate (it can be a hassle)
  2. Find other documents proving a correct birth date
  3. Petition the local court or registrar
  4. Possibly see a notary
  5. Pay some filing fees that vary by county
  6. Apply to get a corrected copy
  7. Wait for your corrected birth certificate to arrive
  8. Double-check this document for

Yes, it’s a huge hassle. But DoNotPay can help with most of it.

What is the Difference Between an Authorized and Informational Birth Certificate?

Two different types of birth certificates exist that often confuse the public. You may be confused if you're looking for an authorized copy or an informational one.

Authorized Copies of Birth CertificatesAn authorized version of your birth certificate is one that's officially notarized by government officials.

You can use this to prove your identity when dealing with certain matters.

Plus, you'll want an authorized copy if you need to make a correction first due to a wrong date of birth.

Informational Copies of Birth CertificatesAs for the informational copy, it's just a copy of a birth certificate to use for research purposes or to find out information about a past member of your family.

Even informational birth certificates can be corrected if you find out there's an erroneous error related to birthdates.

How to Obtain a Birth Certificate to Correct a Wrong Date of Birth

What do you do to you know is wrong? While it all depends on the state where you live, here's some basic information you should know:

  • To file a petition on correcting a birth certificate error, you'll want to send it to your local civil registry office (LCRO).
  • You'll need a notarized affidavit to officially have ability to make a birth certificate change.
  • Gather all documentation that proves the information on the birth certificate is wrong. This includes two copies of documents showing the correct birthdate of the person on the certificate. Plus, you need a certified copy of the original certificate to show a birthdate is wrong.

To get that informational copy of the original birth certificate, you'll need to prove your relationship with the person. Part of this requires you to show proof of your mother's maiden name, plus your own personal ID.

How Much Does it Cost to Obtain Birth Certificate Copies?

Check with your particular state on the cost of getting a birth certificate copy to use to make a correction. Some basic facts:

  • Most birth certificate costs range widely based on the state. The cheapest is in North Dakota at $7, and the highest is $34 in Michigan.
  • If you go through VitalChek to get your birth certificate, prices can also vary based on state. This is the common place to get informational birth certificate copies.
  • It's possible to pay by cash, money order, cashiers check, Visa or Mastercard, depending on where you go or method you use.
  • Expedited mail shipping will always cost you an extra fee, sometimes up to $10.

How Long Does it Take to Get Your Birth Certificate After the Correction?

Once you've corrected your birth certificate using the above steps, you can apply to get a corrected copy in person at your local civil registry office, or by mail.

Most people order their birth certificates through the mail, which can take up to 10 business days before it arrives.

Sometimes you can get your birth certificate the same day if you manage to turn in paperwork by a certain time of day, often by noon. Just expect some waiting time if you intend to pick up your birth certificate in-person.

No matter what method you use to get your birth certificate, it's all going to take time. When you need a corrected birth certificate now and don't have time, what can you do to speed up things?

Get a Birth Certificate Quickly Using DoNotPay

Rather than filling out online forms, waiting for the mail, or sitting on a phone line, our DoNotPay app uses AI technology to help you get a birth certificate faster. It all works using our simple eight steps:

  1. Go to the Birth Certificates product on DoNotPay.

  2. Select who the certificate is for (you or a loved one). If you are requesting a copy of someone else's certificate, enter their personal details, and upload evidence that proves your relationship.

  3. Enter the location you or your loved one was born in, so we can complete the form specific to your state.

  4. Enter the name(s) of the parent(s) as displayed on the certificate.

  5. Indicate what you will be using this certificate for, and choose whether you need an authorized or certified copy.

  6. Enter your contact information and shipping address. Upload copies of your government-issued identification, such as a driver's license.

  7. Choose whether you would like to electronically sign this form or not. Once we generate the form, verify that all of the information is correct.

  8. If you need the document to be notarized, schedule a notarization appointment using our Notary product. Otherwise, proceed to our Mail Checks product and let DoNotPay mail-in your request form with a check on your behalf.

Why You Should Use Our DoNotPay App to Get Your Birth Certificate

We have three good reasons for you to use our app to

  1. It's fast.
  2. It's easy.
  3. It's successful!

We can also help educate you along the way on the procedures. For instance, we can show you how to get a birth certificate for newborns, how to replace a lost birth certificate, how to get birth certificates for passports, how to find lost birth certificates, and what the normal processing time is for getting these certificates.

In addition, our app can help you with just about any issue ranging from small court claims lawsuits to corporate complaints. Try it now!

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