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1. Can I amend my child's birth certificate to align with their gender identity?

In accordance with Senate Bill (SB) 180, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) can no longer process gender identity amendments to birth certificates. 

If KDHE previously changed the birth certificate to align with your child's gender identity, that birth certificate is still valid; however, if a certified copy of that record is requested, then the new copy must reflect the sex assigned at birth, in accordance with SB 180. Learn more about the impact of SB 180 (PDF).

2. If KDHE previously changed my child's birth certificate to align with my child's gender identity, is that birth certificate still valid?

Yes. If the birth certificate currently in your possession reflects a sex different from that assigned at birth, you may continue to use that as the record of birth; however, if a certified copy of that record is requested, then the new copy must reflect the sex assigned at birth, in accordance with Senate Bill 180. Learn more about the impacts of SB 180 (PDF).

3. How do I put the father or a second parent on the birth certificate?

If the child is under the age of 18, and there is no father or second parent listed on the birth certificate, and the mother or parent listed was not married to anyone between conception and birth, both parents can complete a VS211 Form (PDF). Both parents would need to appear before a judge of a district court in Kansas and complete the Paternity Consent Form for Birth Registration. To start this process, we recommend contacting your local county courthouse in the state of Kansas.

If the mother was married between conception and birth or there is another parent listed on the birth certificate the parents would need to provide our office with a court order of paternity. This situation will require a court order with both men listed as a party to the court action and the other father/parent would need to be given notice.

Note: If completing the VS211 form you're not required to have an attorney to appear before the judge and there are no court fees. Contact the clerk of the district court to set up an appointment to use this form. You will need to take a certified copy of the child's birth certificate with you and some form of identification for both parents. Once the form has been completed at the courthouse, the clerk will mail it to our office.

4. How do I change my child’s last name?

If you want to change the child's last name to that of either parent's name, and the child is under the age of 18, the parents can appear before a Kansas judge in any courthouse in Kansas and complete a VS211 Paternity Consent for Birth Registration Form (PDF).

If you want to change the child's last name but both parents cannot appear before a Kansas judge in any courthouse in Kansas you will need to obtain a court order legal name change to a minor following K.S.A. 60-1402 through your local county courthouse. You may need the assistance of an attorney or legal aid for this procedure. Once the legal name change has been granted, you will need to submit the certified court order to our office along with a cover letter stating what you are wanting us to do.

If the parent(s) do not reside in the state of Kansas they will need to obtain a court order legal name change to a minor at their local courthouse. You may need the assistance of an attorney or legal aid for this procedure. Once the legal name change has been granted, you will need to submit the certified court order to our office along with a cover letter stating what you are wanting us to do.

Note: If completing the VS211 form you're not required to have an attorney to appear before the judge and there are no court fees. Contact the clerk of the district court to set up an appointment to use this form. You will need to take a certified copy of the child's birth certificate with you and some form of identification for both parents. Once the form has been completed at the courthouse, the clerk will mail it to our office.

5. We’ve been to court to determine the father/second parent or to get child support. What do I need to do to get the second parent listed on the birth certificate?

If you have already been to court and determined paternity/parentage or established child support, you will need to mail our office the certified court order. We will also need additional information on the father/parent 2 including:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Highest level of education
• Social Security number
• Race

Once we have the request, we will review it to make sure that the court order is in compliance with state statutes and regulations. At that time, we will notify you if additional documentation and/or fees are needed.

6. I did not have a name for my child at the time of birth but I have one now. What do I need to do to get his or her name listed?

The hospital will probably name the child either baby boy or baby girl therefore, you will need to obtain a court order legal name change to a minor. You may need the assistance of an attorney or legal aid for this procedure. Once the legal name change has been granted, you will need to submit the certified court order to our office along with a cover letter stating what you are wanting us to amend.

7. One of the parent’s names is misspelled on my child’s birth certificate. How can I fix this?

If you are correcting not changing a parent name the parents can appear before a Kansas judge in any courthouse in Kansas and complete a VS211 Paternity Consent for Birth Registration Form (PDF). If the parents do not live in the state of Kansas and are unable to complete the VS211 form they will need to obtain a court order that directs our office to correct the parent(s) name on the child's certificate.

Note: If completing the VS211 form you're not required to have an attorney to appear before the judge and there are no court fees. Contact the clerk of the district court to set up an appointment to use this form. You will need to take a certified copy of the child's birth certificate with you and some form of identification for both parents. Once the form has been completed at the courthouse, the clerk will mail it to our office.

8. How can I correct an error with my child's date of birth or time of birth?

Within 90 days of birth our office would need a notarized affidavit from both parent or a court ordered legal guardian. In addition, our office would need one certified document showing the correct information.

After 90 days of birth our office would need a notarized affidavit from both parents or a court ordered legal guardian. In addition, our office would need two certified documents dated before the child's 10th birthday that shows the correct information.

9. One of the parent's date of birth or place of birth is incorrect. What do we to do to fix it?

Within 90 days of birth our office would need a notarized affidavit from both parents or a court ordered legal guardian. In addition, our office would need one certified document showing the correct information.

After 90 days of birth our office would need a notarized affidavit from both parents or a court ordered legal guardian. In addition, our office would need two certified documents dated at least five or more years ago showing the correct information.

10. Where do I mail my request or documentation?

Mail everything to:
Amendment Unit
Office of Vital Statistics
1000 SW Jackson
Suite 120
Topeka, Ks 66612-2221

11. What is the cost to amend my certificate? Are there any fees?

The fee to amend a birth certificate is $20. This does not include the charge for a certified copy.