Correcting a birth or death registration
If you have discovered an error in a birth or death record, it may be possible to correct the register page.
Who can apply for a correction?
Birth registration
- The parents listed on the certificate should apply. If the parents are not available, email registrar@eastsusssex.gov.uk for advice.
Death registration
- The person named as the Informant on the certificate should apply. If this person is not available, email registrar@eastsusssex.gov.uk for advice.
Provide evidence that there is an error
You need to show that the information in the register is wrong. You will have to produce documents, valid or dated around the time of the birth or death. The documents should show what the correct information should have been.
If you are applying to change the named parent on a birth certificate, you may need to provide DNA evidence.
How to apply for a correction
You should email registrar@eastsusssex.gov.uk explaining the error you have found.
You may need to complete an application form and pay the applicable statutory fee.
What the correction will look like
The original information on the entry will not change. The corrected information will be written in the margin of the entry. This will show what the information should have been and the date that it was changed.
You may need to witness and sign the correction.
Replacement certificates
- Once the correction is made, you should surrender any original certificates.
- The correction application fee does not include replacement certificates.
- New certificates, showing the updated registration are charged at the standard statutory fees.
- Newly issued certificates will show the original information and the marginal note. The marginal note will detail the correction to the entry.
