Cover image via If you want to correct your child's name, the spelling, or other information on their birth certificate, you'll need to visit a National Registration Department (JPN) branch with the right documents
Before heading over, figure out exactly what kind of change you need — this can range from minor spelling errors to full-on factual amendments. Based on what you're fixing, the required documents and fees will differ slightly.
Take note: If you want to amend your child's name, it must be done within one year of their date of birth.
After your child turns one, you'll no longer be allowed to change their name on the birth cert, unless they were registered without a name. In that case, you're only allowed to insert a name, not change an existing one.
Otherwise, name changes can only be done later through a legal process for MyKad.
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Here's how to change your child's name on their birth certificate:
STEP 1: Go to a JPN branch and head to the Jabatan Pendaftaran Surat Lahir counter. Bring these:
- MyKad of both parents (original and copy)
- Parents' marriage certificate (original and copy)
- Child's birth certificate (original and copy)
- Child's MyKid (if applicable)
STEP 2: Request these forms from the officer: JPN.LM21, JPN.LM22, JPN.LM07, and BMK81
STEP 3: Fill up forms JPN.LM22 and JPN.LM07, then get them stamped at a Commissioner for Oaths
STEP 4: Return to JPN with the completed forms and documents. They'll issue a new birth certificate with your child's updated name.
Fees: RM5 for the new birth certificate + RM5 processing fee
If the child is under a guardian's care, the guardian can also complete this process — just bring a legal guardianship letter issued by the Malaysian Department of Social Welfare (JKM).
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If it's just a minor spelling error, this is considered a clerical correction:
Clerical errors refer to minor spelling mistakes made by JPN, which won't change the actual facts in the birth certificate, but can still be corrected for accuracy.
STEP 1: Bring the following to a JPN branch:
- MyKad of both parents (original and copy)
- Parents' marriage certificate (original and copy)
- Child's birth certificate (original and copy)
- Child's MyKid (if applicable)
- Form AM80 (statutory declaration — needs to be stamped by Commissioner for Oaths)
- Child's siblings' birth certs or ICs (if applicable)
- Any other relevant documents (passport, insurance, bank book, etc.)
STEP 2: Request these forms: JPN.LM21 and BMK81
STEP 3: Once your number is called, submit all the completed forms and documents. JPN will issue a new birth certificate with the corrected details.
Fees: RM5 to extract the new birth certificate (no application fee)
Guardians can also apply, with a legal guardianship letter from JKM.
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Factual errors are more serious and cost more to fix, but it's possible
Factual errors refer to details that were wrongly entered or missing during the original birth registration. These might include the parents' info, nationality, or date of birth.
This correction can be made by the child's parents, legal guardians, or the birth cert owner.
STEP 1: Bring the following to a JPN branch:
- MyKad or death certificates of both parents (original and copy)
- Parents' marriage or divorce certificate (original and copy)
- Child's birth certificate (original and copy)
- Child's MyKid (if applicable)
- Child's siblings' birth certs or ICs (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Any other supporting documents
STEP 2: Request these forms: JPN.LM21, JPN.LM22, and BMK81
STEP 3: Fill out statutory declaration JPN.LM22 and get it stamped by a Commissioner for Oaths
STEP 4: Submit everything to JPN. They'll issue a new birth cert with updated information.
Fees: RM50 application fee + RM5 to extract the new birth cert
Again, a legal guardian with a verified JKM letter can apply on behalf of the child.
For more information regarding this topic, visit JPN's official website
This article was last updated on 30 April 2025. If you notice any discrepancies or outdated information, please let us know.
