If you've discovered an error in your child's birth certificate, whether it's a misspelled name, incorrect personal details, or missing information, you can get it fixed at the nearest National Registration Department (JPN) branch. But before you go, make sure you know exactly what kind of correction you're making, as the process, fees, and documents required will differ.
1. Correcting or Changing a Child's Name
Changing a child's name on the birth certificate is only allowed within one year of birth. After your child turns one, the only exception is if no name was registered at birth; in that case, you're allowed to add a name, but not change an existing one. Any changes after that must go through a legal process when applying for a MyKad.
Steps to change your child's name within the first year:
Step 1: Prepare the required documents
Both parents' MyKad (original & copy)
Marriage certificate (original & copy)
Child's birth certificate (original & copy)
Child's MyKid (if available)
Step 2: Visit a JPN branch and request these forms:
JPN.LM21
JPN.LM22
JPN.LM07
BMK81
Step 3:
Fill out JPN.LM22 and JPN.LM07
Get both forms stamped by a Commissioner for Oaths
Step 4:
Return to JPN and submit everything
A new birth certificate will be issued with the updated name
Fees:
RM5 for the new birth certificate
RM5 processing fee
Note: Legal guardians can also apply with a certified guardianship letter from the Department of Social Welfare (JKM).
2. Fixing Minor Spelling Errors (Clerical Mistakes)
Spelling errors made by JPN, like a misspelled name or wrong letter, are considered clerical and are easier (and cheaper) to correct.
Steps to fix a clerical error:
Step 1: Bring the following to JPN:
Both parents' MyKad (original & copy)
Marriage certificate (original & copy)
Child's birth certificate (original & copy)
Child's MyKid (if available)
Form AM80 (Statutory declaration, to be stamped by Commissioner for Oaths)
Supporting documents like siblings' birth certificates, passports, bank books, etc.
Step 2: Request these forms:
JPN.LM21
BMK81
Step 3: Submit all completed forms and documents when your number is called
Fees:
RM5 to extract the new birth certificate (no application fee)
Legal guardians can also carry out this process with a certified JKM letter.
3. Correcting Factual Errors (More Serious Mistakes)
Factual errors include wrong or missing details such as the child's date of birth, parents' names, or nationality, or marital status. These take more effort to fix and come with higher fees.
Step-by-step for factual corrections:
Step 1: Prepare these documents:
MyKad or death certificates of both parents (original & copy)
Marriage/divorce certificate (original & copy)
Child's birth certificate (original & copy)
Child's MyKid (if available)
Siblings' birth certs or ICs (if needed)
Any other relevant documents (passport, school documents, etc.)
Step 2: Request these forms from JPN:
JPN.LM21
JPN.LM22
BMK81
Step 3:
Fill out JPN.LM22 and get it stamped at a Commissioner for Oaths
Step 4:
Submit everything to JPN. A new birth certificate with the corrected details will be issued.
Fees:
RM50 application fee
RM5 to extract the new birth certificate
As with other corrections, guardians with a verified JKM letter can also apply.
For More Info
Always check the latest procedures and forms directly from JPN's official website or contact your nearest JPN office before visiting.
Source: SAYS
