How do I correct or amend Utah vital records (birth, marriage, divorce)? Myths vs Facts

If you were born in Utah, got married in Salt Lake City, or finalized a divorce in Provo, your vital records are on file with the Utah Department of Health and local courts. These documents are the official proof of important life events—used for everything from driver licenses to Social Security benefits. But what happens if your name is spelled wrong, a date is missing, or you simply need to update a record?

This guide debunks common myths and explains the real Utah process for fixing birth, marriage, and divorce certificates—using step-by-step plain English and direct links to Utah law.

• Myth: You can walk into any county office and get a change made on the spot.
• Fact: Most corrections require specific forms, documents, and sometimes a court order.
• Myth: Only the person named on the certificate can request changes.
• Fact: Parents, legal representatives, or spouses may be eligible to apply, depending on the change and record type.
• Myth: All mistakes can be fixed for free.
• Fact: Utah usually charges processing fees for amendments—and supporting proof is a must.

Small errors—like a typo in your last name—or big life events, such as a legal name change or confirming parentage, all require official updates. Amending a Utah vital record ensures that government agencies and courts recognize your identity and relationships correctly.

This is especially important for things like applying for a Utah REAL ID, enrolling a child in school, or claiming inheritance rights under Utah Code. An uncorrected mistake can create headaches for years.

The process depends on what needs fixing. For minor errors (like spelling or date), Utah law lets you file amended paperwork with supporting evidence—such as hospital records—using forms from the Utah Office of Vital Records.

1. Download the “Request to Amend a Utah Birth Certificate” form from the state website.
2. Gather required evidence—usually, two documents showing the correct info.
3. Mail or deliver them to an authorized Utah vital records office (for example, in Salt Lake or St. George).
4. If you are changing a child’s name or parentage, you may need a court order under Utah Code § 26B-8-104.

Expect a processing fee (often $10–$15 per certificate), and plan for several weeks of turnaround.

Updating marriage and divorce documents is a little different than birth certificates. For marriage records, corrections usually go through the county clerk’s office that issued the original license. If you spotted an error on a divorce decree, you’ll generally need to file a motion to amend it with the Utah court that finalized your divorce—such as the Third District Court in Salt Lake County.

For name changes or issues with parentage, Utah law often requires a court order. See Utah Code § 30-1-8 for marriage records or Utah Code § 30-3-5 regarding divorce decrees. If the record involves an adoption or paternity situation, specific Utah codes and court forms apply.

To amend a Utah birth certificate for reasons beyond simple errors—such as adding a biological father, changing a gender marker, or adopting a new name after transition—a petition in the Utah courts is typically necessary. Court orders, not just administrative requests, are required for these changes.

Learn more in Utah Code § 26B-8-104 and contact the district court in your Utah county for the specific steps and required documentation.

• Salt Lake City: A parent spots a misspelling on their child’s certificate. After submitting two forms of ID and a hospital record to the county office, the official record is corrected within a month.
• Ogden: A person needs to correct a marriage license issued years ago. They work with the Weber County clerk’s office and supply a notarized affidavit.
• St. George: A resident adopted as an infant uses court forms and a judge’s order to update the parent listed on their birth certificate, following Utah Code requirements.

• Not submitting enough proof: Utah requires two supporting documents for most simple amendments.
• Using outdated forms: Always confirm you have the newest paperwork from the Utah Office of Vital Records or your county clerk.
• Missing court order: For name or parentage changes, skipping the court step leads to rejection.
• Assuming instant changes: Processing takes weeks—sometimes longer when a judge gets involved.

1. Request official copies of any vital record after a major life event (birth, marriage, divorce).
2. Review for errors—especially names, dates, and parents’ info—immediately after issuance.
3. If you spot a problem, contact the appropriate Utah office quickly to minimize future hassles.
4. Save paperwork and communication in case you need proof later.

• Keep your photo ID current, since it’s required for nearly all amendments.
• If you’ve moved, locate the proper Utah county office—each county handles its own records and fees.
• If you’re not sure about your situation, the Utah Office of Vital Records answers basic questions by phone or email.

• Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics
• Utah Courts: Self-Help & Legal Forms
• Local county clerk’s offices in Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, and Weber counties