Changing a child's forenames

• Birth registration
• Where to register a birth
• Opposite-sex parents
• Same-sex female parents
• Same-sex male parents
• Other people who can register a birth
• What you need to tell the registrar
• Birth certificates
• Child Benefit
• Re-registering a birth
• Changing a child's forenames
• Support for new parents
• Perjury warning
• Privacy Notice

An unbaptised child's forename(s) can be changed in the register under certain, specific circumstances.

• The application and change to the register must take place within 12 months of the original registration.

Or

• The application and change to the register may be after 12 months of the original registration where the applicant supplies the Registrar with evidence showing the new name was used for the child within the first 12 months.

The original name remains on the register entry, but the new name is inserted in space 17 at the foot of the page and takes precedence.

• Complete Form 14 below and submit the completed form with payment of the statutory £40 fee to the register office.
• All original certificates should be surrendered to the register office.
• This change to the register does not require you to attend the register office.
• Order new certificates showing the new name after this change has been completed.

Call 0345 60 80 198 to arrange for a Space 17 Change of name.

• Form 14 Change of name [22.9 KB] [pdf]
  

  Application form to change a child's name

Application Form Guide (Form 14) [56.9 KB] [pdf]

A guide to help you complete the application to change a child's name

Changing your child's name in baptism

A child's forename(s) can be changed on the register when baptised according to the rites of the Christian Church within the first 12 months.

• The original name remains on the register entry, but the new name is inserted in space 17 at the foot of the page and takes precedence.
• The officiating Minister or person with custody of the baptismal register should complete Form 13 below.
• The parents should submit the completed form with payment of the statutory £40 fee to the register office.
• All original certificates should be surrendered to the register office.
• This change to the register does not require you to attend the register office.
• Order new certificates showing the new name after this change has been completed.

Call 0345 60 80 198 to arrange for a Space 17 Change of name given in baptism.

• Form 13 Change of name given in baptism [46.1 KB] [pdf]
  

  Application form to change a child's name in baptism

• Application Form Guide (Form 13) [226.6 KB] [pdf]
  

  A guide to help you complete the application form for changing a child's name in baptism

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