Step 5 - Update birth certificate

The instructions below will guide you step-by-step through the process.  If at anytime you are unsure of what to do, the tan colored box will give you more information and tips.  If you would like to contact an attorney or the courthouse, find resources for your area by selecting the county.
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Please note - The process on this page does not apply if the person changing their name was not born in the state of Florida.  If you were born in a state other than Florida, you must check with your state's department of health to determine what is required to amend your birth certificate.  If you need help finding this information you can contact the Southern Legal Counsel.    

1 - Fill out application for amendment to florida birth Certificate

The first step to updating the legal name on your Florida Birth Certificate is to fill out the amendment form below.  

​We don't currently have an automated form, sorry. Download the blank form and fill it out.
Want to work with an attorney?
Select your county to see options to work with an attorney.

​What department handles birth certificates?
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) Bureau of Vital Statistics
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application_for_amendment_to_florida_birth_certificate.pdf
File Size: 171 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
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birth_certificate_amendment_instructions.pdf
File Size: 59 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
There are also instructions on Page 2 of the Application for Amendment form.

2 - fill out affidavit of amendment of certificate of live birth

The second step to updating the legal name on your Florida Birth Certificate is to fill out the affidavit of amendment form below.  

​We don't currently have an automated form, sorry. Download the blank form and fill it out.​

​Very important - The affidavit of amendment form will need to be notarized before you are able to sign and turn it in.  Please make sure you do not sign the form before you are at the notary.
Have questions?
Contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics at 904-359-6900, extension 9005.

What is an "affidavit"?
A fancy word for an official form
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birth_certificate_affidavit.pdf
File Size: 163 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
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​Important instructions:
  • Write the word "Name" in the box "Item omitted or in error"
  • Write your former legal name in the box "Birth certificate shows"
  • Write your new name exactly as shown on your court ordered name change under in the box "Should be"

Additional instructions are provided on Page 2 of the Affidavit form.

Download and print the form, fill it in with black ink but don't sign it yet.  You will need to sign the affidavit in front of a notary (we'll take care of that in the next step).

3 - Sign and notarize your affidavit

The purpose of a notary is to ensure that you are really the person that is signing and filing the affidavit.  Your county clerk's office can usually notarize your documents for a small fee.
Does your work schedule make it hard to get to the clerk's office for a notary?
There may be other options to have your affidavit notarized.  A quick google search for a notary in your area may bring up several options.  There is also www.notarize.com that can notarize documents over the internet.

4- Mail documents

Mail the following:
  • Completed Application for Amendment to Florida Birth Record
  • Notarized Affidavit of Amendment to Certificate of Live Birth
  • Certified copy of court order for legal name change (from Step 1 - Petition)
  • Payment of required $20.00 fee

Mail to:
To check on the status of your application
Contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics at 904-359-6900, extension 9005.
Department of Health
Office of Vital Statistics
ATTN: Amendment Section
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042

Congratulations!

That wasn't easy, we're proud of you!
Sources: DOH Forms