Filing a Petition for Change of Date of Birth in the Philippines

Simplified Query: What are the documentary requirements for filing a petition for change of date of birth in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, changing the date of birth in official records is a formal legal process that requires specific documentation and adherence to procedural guidelines as per the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and local civil registry offices. This process is governed by the rules and regulations under the Civil Registrar Law and related administrative orders.

The typical documentary requirements for filing a petition to change the date of birth include:

1. Petition Form: A properly completed petition form, which is usually available at the local civil registry office where the birth was registered or where the petitioner currently resides.

2. Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate: A copy of the birth certificate issued by the PSA that currently shows the date of birth the petitioner seeks to change.

3. Supporting Documents: These are crucial and must substantiate the reasons for the change in the date of birth. They may include, but are not limited to:

   • Baptismal certificate
   • School records (e.g., form 137 and transcript of records)
   • Employment records
   • Medical or clinical records
   • Other government-issued documents such as a passport or driver’s license showing the correct date of birth.

4. Affidavit of Merit: An affidavit that details the reasons for the change, the facts surrounding the birth date currently recorded, and why the correction is necessary.

5. Clearances: Various clearances may be required to prove the absence of any pending case or legal impediment against the petitioner. These might include clearances from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

6. Publication: Depending on the local civil registry’s requirements, the petition might need to be published in a newspaper of general circulation for a certain period to allow public comment.

7. Payment of Fees: There are prescribed fees for the filing of the petition and other procedural costs, which vary by municipality and the specific requirements of the case.

Each local civil registry may have additional specific requirements or slight variations in the process, so it is advisable for petitioners to consult directly with local officials to ensure all documentation is complete and appropriate for the specific circumstances.

This process ensures that any changes to a birth date are substantiated, reducing the risk of fraudulent alterations and maintaining the integrity of public records. For individuals seeking to correct their date of birth, following these legal procedures is essential to align their official documents with their actual personal data.