Correct a Record

Legal Name Change

As of March 24, 2023, updates to the law limit legal name changes (affidavits) after a child’s first birthday. Parents are advised to purchase their child’s first birth certificate within the first year of life to verify accuracy. All name changes after the child’s first birthday must be processed through the Utah State Office of Vital Records and Statistics. For more information, visit the State Office of Vital Records website or call 801-538-6105.

Vital Record Corrections

Most vital records can be amended. All amendments require an affidavit or court order. Two individuals must sign the affidavit (typically the parents of the child; if the child is 18 or older, then the child and one parent). Both signatures must be notarized. All amendments must be submitted with the appropriate fees, valid identification, and any necessary supporting documents. For further information, contact the Vital Records office at 801-851-7005.

Birth records can only be amended if the certificate holder is alive. Posthumous amendments require a court order. Fields that allow changes through an affidavit can only be amended once; any additional changes require a court order.

Changes to marriage records must be filed with the county clerk where the license was issued.
Amendments to divorce records must be filed with the district court where the decree was filed.

Voluntary Declaration of Paternity (VDP)

A Voluntary Declaration of Paternity (VDP) allows unmarried parents to legally declare the paternity (fatherhood) of their child without obtaining a court order. The VDP must be initiated by the birth mother.

When filed with the Department of Health, the VDP establishes a legal parent-child relationship between the biological father and the child. Signing the VDP is voluntary and grants certain rights and responsibilities under Utah law. If there is uncertainty regarding the biological father, genetic testing is recommended before signing. Genetic tests are available for FREE through the Office of Recovery Services (ORS) if applying for child support services, or through private companies at personal expense.

*If the biological father or the mother is under the age of 18, the VDP must also be signed by his or her parent or guardian. 

*Once signed, either parent may rescind the VDP within 60 days by contacting the State Office of Vital Records at 801-538-6105.

Important: Before signing a VDP, individuals must receive verbal notice or view the “Power of Two” video, available on this webpage or at the Vital Records office. Written notice outlining the legal consequences, rights and responsibilities, and alternatives to signing the VDP must also be provided.

To listen to the verbal presentation, dial 1-877-886-5332. Select option 2, then 6. Press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish.

• “Power of Two”  Paternity Matters 
• “El Poder De Dos” Paternity Matters

For further questions contact the Vital Records Office: 

Vital Records  
151 S. University Ave, Suite 1100  
Provo, Utah 84601  
or call 801-851-7005  
Monday – Tuesday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM*
Wednesday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM*
Thursday – Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM*
*except holidays

Putative Father Information

An individual who believes they are the biological father of a child may register with the Putative Father Registry. Please note that registering does not establish paternity.

Before an adoption is finalized, a Putative Father Registry Search/Paternity Search must be conducted, and the results presented to the court.

For more information, forms and instructions, visit the State Office of Vital Records.