Amending an Oklahoma Birth or Death Record

An Oklahoma birth or death certificate may require an amendment if the information was:

• Recorded incorrectly by a health care provider or funeral director
• Provided inaccurately by a parent or informant
• Missing at the time of registration
• Legally changed later (such as a name change)

By law, all amended records are marked “Amended.” The record will also show the amendment date and a brief description of the supporting evidence.

All amendment requests are reviewed to ensure:

• The applicant’s legal eligibility
• Any previous amendments to the record
• Any court or administrative actions that have already been taken
• Valid supporting documentation
• Instructions are given on a case-by-case basis depending on the type of correction requested.

Check your child’s birth certificate as soon as it arrives. Ensure all details, like names and dates, are accurate. Correcting errors early helps avoid issues later.

State law (HB 1688) requires a judge to approve all minor corrections or small mistakes on birth certificates.

Small mistakes might include:

• Misspelled names
• Missing information
• Typing or clerical errors

Send the following to Vital Records (VR):

• Amendment application:
  • For more information: (405) 426-8880
  • Order by Mail
• $15 fee
• Copy of a valid ID
• Short statement explaining the mistake

Who can apply:

• A parent
• The person named on the record
• A legal guardian

You must obtain one of the following:

Option 1: Administrative Order (OSDH)

• Requested through OSDH’s Administrative Law Court
• A lawyer is not required

Option 2: District Court Order

• Issued by a local District Court

After VR receives your complete application, they will send:

• Instructions to request a hearing
• A petition template

Once VR receives the order:

• Pay the $25 amendment fee
• VR will contact you with payment instructions
• The amended birth certificate will be issued after payment

State law requires a judge to review proof before changes can be made.

These are not minor corrections.

• A District Court order is required
• Contact your local court clerk or an attorney for help

For questions about applications, fees, or next steps, contact OSDH Vital Records.

Birth records are sealed and replaced—without being marked “Amended”—only when legal parentage changes, such as:

• Adoption
• Paternity

These records are confidential by law. The original record is sealed, and the final record does not show an amendment.

Updated correction timeframe (effective May 7, 2026)

HB 3931 allows for the correction period past the current window of 1 year following the initial issuance of the death record.

For amendment requests of a death record initially issued within the last year

• The Funeral Home or Funeral Director of record may submit written or electronic affidavits to amend the death record.

For amendment requests of a death record issued more than 1 year prior

• Applicant will need to submit an application request including fees ($35) and include a note that identifies any item(s) that need to be corrected.
• If a district court order to amend the record has been issued, please provide a copy of the certified court order. If not, an administrative order will be required.
• Once the application is received and verified, Vital Records will provide instructions and contact information for the Administrative Law Judge’s clerk to obtain the petition and instructions to obtain the administrative order.
• Once the Administrative Law Judge has issued the order, the clerk will send it to Vital Records, and the ordered changes will be completed and the record will be issued to the applicant.

• Check that your application is complete before you submit. Mission information will result in processing delays.
• All legal changes to a record can take up to 4 months, which includes new adoptions, paternities, and delayed registrations. Prompt responses to inquiries will help us complete your request more quickly.
• Maintain possession of any original versions of your documents. We can accept clear and legible copies. 

Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 248964
Oklahoma City, OK 73124-8964

Phone: (405) 426-8880
Email: AskVR@health.ok.gov