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How can I add my child's name in the birth certificate?

How can I add my child's name in the birth certificate?

Full question:

I have not yet named my child. In his birth certificate the space for his name is left blank. How can I add his name in his birth certificate under New York law?

Category: Paternity
Date: 04/07/2025
State: New York

Answer:

In New York, by filling a supplemental report one can add a living child’s name in his birth certificate, which was left unnamed at the date of filing the birth certificate. This is specified under NY CLS Pub Health § 4134, which reads as:
1. If a living child has not yet been named at the date of filing the certificate of birth, the space provided for the given name of the child is to be left blank, to be filled out subsequently by a supplemental report, as herein provided.

2. If a child dies without a given name, there shall be entered in the space provided for the name the words "died unnamed." The parents of the deceased child may submit a supplemental report of the given name of the deceased child. Such report shall be returned to the local registrar and the given name shall be entered on the original birth certificate.

3. When any certificate of birth of a living child is presented without the statement of the given name, the local registrar shall make out and deliver to the parents of the child a supplemental report of the given name of the child, which shall be filled out as directed, and returned to the local registrar as soon as the child shall have been named. The given name, supplied by the supplemental report, shall be entered on the original birth certificate.

In this instance, the child’s name can be added to the birth certificate by simply filing a supplemental report.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

How do I amend a New York birth certificate?

To amend a New York birth certificate, you must file a request with the local registrar where the birth was recorded. This typically involves completing a form and providing supporting documentation, such as proof of the change you are requesting. If the amendment is to add a name, you may need to submit a supplemental report if the name was initially left blank. Ensure you check with the local office for specific requirements and fees. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What happens if a child is not named?

If a child is not named at the time of birth registration in New York, the birth certificate will have a blank space for the name. Parents can later add the child's name by filing a supplemental report with the local registrar once the name is chosen. This process allows the name to be officially recorded on the birth certificate. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What happens if a child has no name?

If a child has no name when the birth certificate is filed in New York, the birth certificate will reflect this by leaving the name space blank. Parents can later add a name by submitting a supplemental report to the local registrar after naming the child. This ensures that the birth certificate is updated with the child's official name. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

Can you put a father's name on a birth certificate without him present in New York?

In New York, a father's name can be added to a birth certificate without his presence if the mother provides the necessary information. However, if the father is not present at the time of registration, the mother may need to complete an acknowledgment of paternity form or other documentation to establish the father's rights. It's advisable to check with the local registrar for specific procedures. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What happens if I don't give my child a name?

If you do not give your child a name at the time of birth registration in New York, the birth certificate will have a blank name field. You can later provide a name by filing a supplemental report with the local registrar. It is important to name your child to ensure proper identification and legal documentation. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What happens if you don't put a name on a birth certificate?

If you do not put a name on a birth certificate in New York, the name field will be left blank. To add a name later, you must file a supplemental report with the local registrar once you have chosen a name. This process allows the name to be officially recorded and ensures that your child has proper identification. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*