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1. Can I amend my birth certificate to align with my 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 your birth certificate to align with your 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 birth certificate to align with my 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 your 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. My name is misspelled/wrong on the birth certificate. How do I fix it?

If your first, middle, or last name is misspelled, not changing, you will need to provide our office with an original or certified copy of one document dated before your tenth birthday that shows your name as it should appear on your birth certificate. We also need a notarized request stating what you are wanting our office to amend on your birth certificate. View a Sample of a Notarized Statement (PDF).

If your first, middle, or last name is changing you would need to obtain a court order legal name change. Once you have obtained that court order you would then need to mail the certified order our office along with a cover letter. The cover letter needs to include your name at birth, date of birth, and what you are wanting our office to do.

With regard to the required documentation, we suggest certified copies of any of the following:

• Early school record (may be obtained from the office of register of deeds in the county where you attended school)
• Hospital or medical record
• Immunization record
• Census record (school, state, or federal)
• A newspaper announcement of the birth from the Kansas State Historical Society in Topeka, Kansas

4. My birth date is wrong. How do I fix my date of birth?

You will need to provide our office with an original or certified copy of two documents dated before your tenth birthday which show your correct date of birth. We also need a notarized request stating what you are wanting to amend on your birth certificate. View a Sample of a Notarized Statement (PDF).

With regard to the required documentation, we suggest certified copies of any of the following:

• Early school record (may be obtained from the office of register of deeds in the county where you attended school)
• Hospital or medical record
• Immunization record
• Census record (school, state, or federal)
• A newspaper announcement of the birth from the Kansas State Historical Society in Topeka, Kansas

5. My first and/or middle names are missing. How do I add my first and/or middle name?

If your first and/or middle names are missing from your birth certificate, you will need to provide our office with one certified document dated at least five years ago which shows your name as it should appear on your birth certificate. We also need a notarized request stating that you want to amend your birth certificate. View a Sample of a Notarized Statement (PDF).

With regard to the required documentation, we suggest certified copies of any of the following:

• Hospital or medical record
• Insurance policy
• Marriage license
• School record or diploma
• Service record
• Your child's birth record

6. My last or entire name is missing. How do I add my last or entire name?

If your last or entire name is missing from your birth certificate, you will need to provide our office with two certified or original documents dated at least five years ago that shows your name how it should be listed on your birth certificate. We also need a notarized request stating that you want to amend your birth certificate. View a Sample of a Notarized Statement (PDF).

With regard to the required documentation, we suggest certified copies of any of the following:

• Hospital or medical record
• Insurance policy
• Marriage license
• School record or diploma
• Service record
• Your child's birth record

7. My first and middle name are switched around. How do I fix this?

To switch your first and middle name around on your birth certificate, you will need to provide our office with one certified document dated at least five years ago which shows your name as it should appear on your birth certificate. We also need a notarized request stating that you want to amend your birth certificate. View a Sample of a Notarized Statement (PDF).

With regard to the required documentation, we suggest certified copies of any of the following:

• Hospital or medical record
• Insurance policy
• Marriage license
• School record or diploma
• Service record
• Your child's birth record

8. I have had a legal name change. How do I fix my birth certificate?

If you have had a name change that would change your name on your birth certificate, then you will need to provide our office with a certified copy of the name change order and a cover letter stating what you want done.

Note: You only want to change your name on your birth certificate if your name change is intended to change your birth name.

9. I have gotten married; do I need to change my birth certificate?

People who get married do not need to change their birth certificates. Your birth certificate is to show your birth name (maiden name). Your marriage certificate or license is your proof that you have taken your spouse’s name.

10. My father’s name is not listed on birth certificate. How do I list my father’s name on the birth certificate?

You will need to obtain a court order of paternity to list your father's name on the birth certificate. Your mother and father will need to be made a party to the court action. Once the court action has been completed, you will need to provide our office with the certified court order. We will also need additional information on the father:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Race
• Highest grade completed
• Social Security number (if he has one)

Note: If your mother was married to someone else other than your natural father while she was pregnant with you (from conception to birth) or if there is another man's name listed on the birth certificate as the father, that man will also need to be made a party to the court action. The court will need to determine that he is not the natural father and terminate his rights to the birth certificate.

11. 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

12. 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.