The California State Office of Vital Records (OVR) has published a variety of informative pamphlets that describe different amendment options in detail—from correcting a minor spelling error to adding a father to the birth certificate. Not sure which form you need? Try looking on our Frequently Asked Questions page, or call us at 408.885.2010 for more information.

Original forms must be used and submitted to the state. Forms can be obtained from our office, a local registrar office in another county, any County Recorder’s office, or ordered online from the California State OVR Forms page.

Pamphlet Type

• Affidavit to Amend a Birth Record
• Affidavit to Amend a Death Record
• Correcting Gender Errors on Birth Certificates
• Court Order Name Change
• Delayed Registration of Birth
• Acknowledgement of Paternity & Declaration of Paternity (sample form) (add the father's name)
• Adjudication of Facts of Parentage (change or add a parent's name)
• The Adoption Process

Please check the California State OVR Processing Times page for information on how long it makes for an amendment to be completed.