If you need to correct information on your California birth certificate, such as a parent’s name, your name, place of birth, or date, the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records (CDPH-VR) provides an official process using a “Request to Amend a Record” form.

This process is commonly used for:

Correcting spelling errors or typos
Adding missing names or information
Changing parental names for dual citizenship applications
Fixing errors made at the time of registration

⚙️ Step-by-Step Instructions

✅ Step 1: Determine the Type of Correction

There are two main types of corrections:

Minor Corrections (Administrative): Typographical errors, missing letters, order of names, etc.
Major Corrections (Legal Amendments): Changing or adding parents’ names, altering birth name, gender, etc. These may require supporting documents or a court order.

🔍 For Mexican dual citizenship applicants: Correcting a parent’s name is considered a “legal amendment.”

📄 Step 2: Complete the Correct Amendment Form

For Most Birth Certificate Corrections:

Fill out Form VS 24 – Affidavit to Amend a Record

📄 Download: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/CDPH%20Document%20Library/ControlledForms/vs24.pdf

This form is used to:

Fix spelling errors
Add missing names
Correct parent names
Fix incorrect birth dates or cities

The form must be typed or printed clearly in black ink.

✍️ Step 3: Get the Form Notarized

The Affidavit to Amend a Record (VS 24) must be notarized by a California Notary Public or Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages.

You can:

Visit Your Local Notary Public (Santa Ana / Irvine)
Book a mobile notary to come to your home or office
Get it notarized at a consulate abroad (if you’re outside the U.S.)

📌 If the person amending the certificate is not available, a close family member may sign and provide supporting documentation.

📎 Step 4: Gather Supporting Documentation

Depending on the correction, you may need to provide:

A copy of the original birth certificate
Parent’s foreign or U.S. birth certificate
Parent’s marriage certificate
Court order (if legally changing names or correcting gender)
Valid government-issued ID

💡 For Mexican citizenship, a parent’s Mexican birth certificate is often required.

💵 Step 5: Submit the Amendment Packet

Mail the following items to CDPH:

Mail To:

California Department of Public Health – Vital Records

Attn: Amendments Unit

MS 5103

P.O. Box 997410

Sacramento, CA 95899-7410

Include:

Completed and notarized VS 24 form
Supporting documents (copies unless otherwise noted)
Processing fee: $26 (check or money order payable to “CDPH Vital Records”)

⏱ Step 6: Wait for Processing

Standard processing time: 6 to 8 months
You’ll receive a “VS 23” Amendment Sheet that will be permanently attached to the original certificate
You can then request a certified copy of the amended birth certificate

🚀 Need it faster? Let Orange County Apostille handle notarization, same-day delivery to CDPH, and expedited vital record requests.

⚠️ Important Notes

The original birth certificate is never changed—the amendment is attached as an official sheet.
Do not cross out or write over the original certificate.
You must use CDPH’s official forms—no handwritten corrections are accepted.
If the amendment is rejected, you’ll be notified by mail with instructions.

🧾 Need Apostille for Mexico or Another Country?

If you’re correcting your certificate for international use, you’ll likely need to:

Get your amendment form notarized
Obtain an apostille for use in Mexico, Spain, Philippines, etc.

We offer:

✅ Notarization

✅ Translation to Spanish

✅ Apostille service (Standard, Expedited, Next-Day, Same-Day)

✅ Document shipping to CDPH or the consulate

🌐 Start online: www.OrangeCountyApostille.org/start-now

📞 Need Help Amending Your Certificate?

Let us guide you through the process. We’ve helped hundreds of Californians successfully amend birth certificates for:

Dual citizenship
Legal corrections
Consulate paperwork
International marriage or adoption

📍 Visit Our Santa Ana or Irvine Office

📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Call: (714) 442-2345

🌐 www.OrangeCountyApostille.org

How to Amend a Birth Certificate in California (Name Corrections, Parental Info, Typos)