Birth Certificate for Passport Application | How To Correct
How to Make Corrections on Your Birth Certificate in the Philippines (2025 Guide)
Correcting errors on your Philippine birth registration document is essential for legal, educational, and official transactions. The process depends on the type of mistake. Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide that has been updated to reflect the latest regulations and procedures.
Understanding Types of Errors [ How to Make Corrections on Your Birth Certificate ]
1. Clerical or Typographical Errors
Minor errors such as:
- Misspelled names
- Incorrect day/month of birth (not the year)
- Sex/gender misentry (if clerical)
- Spelling mistakes in middle/last names
These can usually be corrected administratively with the Local Civil Registrar (LCR)
2. Substantial or Substantive Errors
Major corrections include:
- Change of surname due to legitimacy/parental acknowledgment
- Change of birth year
- Nationality or civil status corrections
- Any change affecting legal rights or status
These require a court order through the Regional Trial Court (RTC).
Laws Governing Corrections [ How to Make Corrections on Your Birth Certificate ]
- Republic Act 9048 (RA 9048): Allows administrative correction of clerical/typographical errors and change of first name/nickname.
- Republic Act 10172 (RA 10172): Expands RA 9048 to include correction of birth day/month and sex (if the error is clerical).
- Rule 108 of the Rules of Court: Court proceedings required for substantive changes.
Administrative Correction: Step-by-Step [ How to Make Corrections on Your Birth Certificate ]
Who May File
- The person named on the certificate (if 18+)
- Spouse, children, parents, siblings, or grandparents
- Guardian (for minors)
- Authorized representative (with written consent)
Where to File
- LCR of the city/municipality where the birth was registered
- If abroad: Philippine Consulate where the birth was reported
- If relocated: LCR in current residence (verify with LCR)
Requirements
- Duly accomplished Petition form (from LCR)
- PSA birth certificate (with errors)
- 1–2 valid government-issued IDs
- Supporting documents proving correct details (e.g., school, baptismal, and medical records)
- Affidavit of Discrepancy (notarized)
- Others, as required by the LCR
- Filing/processing fee (cost varies; indigent petitioners may be exempt)
- For first name change: Proof of habitual use, no criminal/judicial cases involving the name, publication in a newspaper (weekly, two consecutive weeks)
Procedure
- Visit the LCR and secure the petition form.
- Please complete the form and prepare the necessary documentary requirements.
- Submit the petition with all required documents.
- Pay the applicable fee.
- For first name changes, arrange for newspaper publication if required.
- LCR investigates and posts notice for public inspection.
- LCR issues a decision.
- Endorsement to the PSA for database update.
- Claim the corrected PSA B birth registration document at the PSA main office/branch, then you may order future copies online.
Processing time: Several weeks to months, depending on the case and volume.
Judicial Correction: When Is It Required?
If the error is not covered by the administrative process (e.g., change of birth year, legitimacy, nationality):
- Hire a lawyer to draft and file a Petition for Correction with the RTC in the birthplace’s jurisdiction.
- Publish the petition in a newspaper of general circulation (court-ordered period).
- Attend hearings and present evidence.
- Upon court decision, the LCR implements the court’s order and updates the PSA record.
- Receive the annotated/corrected birth registration document after the process.
Note: Judicial correction is more costly and time-consuming.
After Approval: Getting Your PSA Copy [ How to Make Corrections on Your Birth Certificate ]
- Once the correction is approved and encoded at PSA, the first corrected copy must be claimed at the PSA Main Office (located on East Avenue, Quezon City), or you may inquire about its release at the nearest PSA office.
- Future copies can be requested and delivered online through the PSA Helpline or PSA Serbilis websites.
Key Reminders
- Always check with your local LCR for specific, updated documentary requirements.
- Only legal age, directly interested parties, or authorized representatives may petition.
- Be wary of illegitimate “fixers”—always transact directly with government offices.
- The corrected birth certificate is valid nationwide; however, older versions are archived.
Clickable References
Remember, getting that passport starts with the proper documents, and it all begins with a correct and updated birth certificate. I hope this personal roadmap helps you breeze through your document preparation and gets you ready to explore the world! Safe travels!
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