How do I go about putting my son’s father on his birth certificate and giving him his father’s last name?

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How do I go about putting my son’s father on his birth certificate and giving him his father’s last name?

My son is almost 3 and I never put his father on his birth certificate. Recently his father and I got back together and got married. We had a paternity test done to show that it is my husband is my son’s biological father.

Asked on January 13, 2011 under Family Law, Maryland

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

In a situation where a birth father's name is not listed on a their child's birth certificate, an amendment to the certificate must be requested.  You need to contact the agency where your child's certificate is kept.  In MD it is the Division of Vital Records (see below).  Contact them regarding the change.  You will be instructed what to do from there.  Typically, to request corrections, you must be the person listed on the document (birth certificate)and both parents must write and sign a letter explaining the details of their situation (or possibly even appear in person to make their request).  Additionally, supporting identification records will be required to make an amendment (photo ID with a signature, pay stub, bank statement, utility bill, or current car registration), plus a copy of the paternity test, as well any other documentation that the Vital Records Department may request.

To amend a MD birth certificate contact: Division of Vital Records, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 6550 Reisterstown Rd., PO Box 68760, Baltimore, MD, 21215; or call 410-260-6400.


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