You must establish paternity before adding father to birth certificate. Paternity is established either voluntarily or involuntarily. Paternity can be established voluntarily by completing and submitting an Acknowledgment of Paternity form. Paternity can be established involuntarily (for unwilling fathers) through a court order. Adding father to birth certificate will cause the original birth certificate to be sealed and a new on to be recorded and issued.
Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity
You must complete the Acknowledgment of Paternity form VS22 for adding a father to birth certificate. You must provide information on the current birth certificate to complete this form. You must provide the father’s full name, date of birth and state of birth. The form must be signed by both parents and indicate their relationship status: unmarried, married or domestic partners. If you are married, you must provide a photocopy of your marriage certificate. Individuals who are registered as domestic partners must attach their SRDP declaration. Unmarried parents need to provide the declaration of paternity form filed with the Department of Child Support Services.
Completing Paperwork
Your completed VS22 form for adding father to birth certificate. You must also submit a copy of the birth certificate, a notarized sworn statement, documentation of relationship status and fees. This information is sent to: California Office of Vital Records M.S. 5103 P.O. Box 997410 Sacramento, CA 95899-7410. The California Department of Health will mail a postcard of acceptance when your application is received.
Establishing Paternity by Court Order
You will have to obtain a court order for adding father to birth certificate if father is not willing to acknowledge paternity. You must receive a court order of adjudication through the Superior Court in order to add him to the child’s birth certificate.
Amending the Birth Certificate
You will then complete the Application to Amend a Birth Record-Adjudication of Facts of Parentage form (VS21). You must provide information to locate the current record: name, date of birth, place of birth, city of birth and parental information for the child. The Vital Records office requests that a copy of the existing birth certificate be attached to your application to assist with locating the record. You must provide the new information regarding the father, including his full name, date of birth and state of birth. Submit the application, certified court order, a copy of existing birth record and the fee to: California Office of Vital Records M.S. 5103 P.O. Box 997410 Sacramento, CA 95899-7410. You will receive a postcard of acknowledgement in the mail. Rejected requests contain a letter advising of the reason for rejection and the methods you can use to resolve it. You will receive a certified copy of the amended birth certificate when your application is complete.
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