Amended Birth Certificate: What It Is and How It Appears
An amended birth certificate is a birth record that has been formally changed after it was first filed, for example to fix an error or add information. Each state sets its own rules for who can request an amendment and what evidence is needed.
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How an amendment is made
Under the Illinois Vital Records Act, an amendment is made on the original certificate held by the state, not on a copy, unless the State Registrar approves otherwise. The applicant submits an application with supporting evidence. The department keeps a summary description of that evidence permanently, and the documents themselves may be returned to the applicant.
How an amended certificate looks
Illinois law says an amended certificate shows the correction on its face, clearly indicates that an amendment was made and includes the date of the amendment. Other states handle this differently. Texas, for example, says its long form birth certificate shows the correction history, while its short form does not.
Minor corrections soon after a birth
Illinois allows certain minor additions or corrections within one year of the event without the certificate being treated as amended, under conditions set by regulation. Other states have their own timelines.
What to check
Because amendments follow state law, check three things with the issuing office: who may apply, which documents prove the change, and which version of the certificate shows the amendment. If a court order is needed for your type of change, the office will say so. This page is general information and not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does an amended certificate replace the original?
It becomes the current version of the record. Illinois law does not say whether the earlier version is retained, so ask the issuing office.
Will an amended certificate say it was amended?
In Illinois it does, with the amendment date. Practice varies by state.
Where do I request an amendment?
Contact the vital records office in the state of birth and ask for its amendment instructions.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
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