Correcting a Misspelled Birth Name: Correction vs. Deed Poll

It is a surprisingly common story: you apply for your first adult passport, dig out your birth certificate, and realise that for your entire life, you have been spelling your name differently to how it is written on the register. Perhaps you are Isobel but the certificate says Isabel. Maybe Michael is written as Micheal.

Your instinct is probably to call the registry office and ask them to "fix" the typo. However, in the UK, a birth certificate is considered a historical record of fact. Changing it is difficult, expensive, and often results in a document that looks messier than before.

At UK Name Change, we help clients decide whether they need a formal GRO Correction or a simple Deed Poll. Here is the reality of fixing a birth name.

Option 1: The "Formal Correction" (The Hard Way)

You can apply to the General Register Office (GRO) to correct a mistake, but only if you can prove that the error occurred at the time of registration.

The Burden of Proof You cannot simply say, "My parents always meant to spell it with an 'e'." You must provide evidence from the time of birth (e.g., a baptismal record dated within months of the birth, or a letter from the hospital) showing the intended spelling. If you cannot produce this 20- or 30-year-old evidence, the GRO will likely reject your application.

The "Marginal Note" Problem Even if you succeed, the GRO does not print a new, clean certificate. Instead, they add a "Marginal Note" (often in Space 17 or the bottom margin). Your certificate will still show the "wrong" spelling in the main box. At the bottom, a handwritten or typed note will say: "In space 2, for 'Micheal' read 'Michael'. Corrected on [Date] by..." Many people find this unsatisfying as the error remains the most prominent feature of the document.

The Cost The fee for a correction is currently between £83 and £99, and it is non-refundable even if they reject your evidence.

Option 2: The Deed Poll (The Clean Way)

For most adults, a Deed Poll is the smarter solution. Instead of trying to rewrite history, you simply legally change your name from the "Wrong Spelling" to the "Right Spelling."

How it works: You execute a Deed Poll stating: "I, Michael Jones, abandon the name Micheal Jones." You then use this Deed Poll to update your passport, driving licence, and bank accounts. Your new ID will show the correct spelling purely and cleanly. You will keep your original birth certificate safe in a drawer, but you will almost never need to show it again because your passport becomes your primary ID.

Why choose this?

• Cheaper: Our service costs significantly less than the GRO correction fee.
• Faster: You can have your documents in 24-48 hours, rather than waiting months for a GRO decision.
• Cleaner ID: Your passport and driving licence will just show the correct name, with no "marginal notes" or asterisks.

Special Rule: Children Under 12 Months

If you are a parent and you realised you made a spelling mistake on your child's certificate very recently, you might be in luck.

If the child was registered less than 12 months ago, you can apply to change the forename using a "Certificate of Name Given in Baptism" or a "Certificate of Name Given not in Baptism." This allows you to amend the name without a full Deed Poll, though it still often results in a marginal note.

Summary: Which Route is Right for You?

Fix the spelling legally and quickly. Start your Deed Poll today.