Can a DNA Test change a Birth Certificate? - Home Office Approved Legal DNA Testing Services
- Cryo Medical Logistics
- Jul 12, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 13, 2025
Yes — a legally accredited DNA test can support a change to a child’s UK birth certificate, particularly when there is a question of biological paternity. At Cryo Medical Logistics, our company Greenplace Healthcare Ltd provides Home Office-approved, court-admissible DNA testing services worldwide, making this sensitive process as clear and stress-free as possible.
Whether you need to add or remove a father's name from a birth certificate, obtain parental rights, or correct legal records for passport, visa, or immigration purposes, our team ensures your samples are securely hand-carried to our UK-based lab, avoiding the risk of customs delays or mishandling.
Understanding the Legal Process
To amend a birth certificate in the UK, you must apply through the General Register Office (GRO) with strong supporting evidence. This often includes a Declaration of Parentage from the Family Court or a legal DNA test from a Ministry of Justice-approved laboratory. These documents prove whether the person named — or not named — is the biological father.
When both parents agree and evidence is clear, the process is generally straightforward. However, in cases of dispute or non-consent, a court order is often required to make the change official.
At Cryo Medical Logistics, we guide clients through every step — whether you're a parent seeking legal recognition or an adult correcting your own birth record.
Why Change a Father's Name on a Birth Certificate?
Here are the most common legal reasons:
❌ A man was wrongly named as the father at registration
➕ A biological father was not included at the time of birth
👨⚖️ A court has issued a Declaration of Parentage
👶 The child was adopted or born via surrogacy with a parental order
Can a Father’s Name Be Removed?
Yes, but only with compelling legal evidence. This generally requires:
A legal DNA test proving the man is not the biological father
A Declaration of Parentage from a UK court
Once approved, the GRO will issue an updated birth certificate reflecting the correct parental details.
Who Can Apply?
The following people may apply to change or correct a birth certificate:
The child’s mother
The biological father
The named father (who contests paternity)
The child themselves (if over 18)
A legal guardian with parental responsibility
Required Documents
You'll typically need:
✅ A court-admissible DNA test result
✅ A Declaration of Parentage (if applicable)
✅ The current birth certificate
✅ Valid ID and proof of parental responsibility
At Cryo Medical Logistics, our DNA tests are fully compliant with UKAS ISO 17025 standards, home office approved, and follow strict chain-of-custody procedures, making them legally valid for court and GRO use.
Do You Need a Court Order?
Not always. A court order is required when:
Parents disagree on paternity
The named father contests his inclusion
The alleged biological father is uncooperative or unknown
If both parents agree and proper documentation is submitted, a court order may not be necessary.
How DNA Testing Supports Birth Certificate Changes
A legally accredited DNA test offers undeniable proof of biological paternity (or non-paternity). It's one of the most powerful tools to support:
Adding a biological father not named at birth
Removing someone falsely registered as the father
Obtaining a court declaration when consent is lacking
Only tests performed under legal chain-of-custody procedures are accepted by UK courts and the General Register Office.
What Kind of DNA Test is Accepted?
Only legal DNA tests from UKAS-accredited labs are valid for court and GRO use. These tests must:
Be collected by trained professionals (not self-administered kits)
Use tamper-proof packaging and verified ID procedures
Be processed under chain-of-custody from collection to lab
Cryo Medical Logistics offers global, hand-carried sample collection, ensuring your DNA sample isn’t delayed or compromised in customs — a key benefit for clients based outside the UK.
Costs and Timeline
Costs can vary depending on:
GRO application fees
Court/legal fees (if needed)
DNA testing fees
At Cryo Medical Logistics, we offer competitive pricing with fast turnaround times — next-day results are available from the moment the sample reaches our London laboratory.
Once the GRO receives all required documentation, the process to amend the birth certificate can take up to 25 working days for straightforward cases.
Can You Make Changes Without the Father's Consent?
Yes — but only with a court-issued declaration. If the father refuses to consent or cooperate:
A legal DNA test and court order can allow the change
The court may approve adding or removing the father’s name based on evidence
What Happens After the Name Is Changed?
A new birth certificate is issued, and the original is marked as corrected in government records. This update can also impact:
Parental responsibility rights
Immigration, passport, and legal identity matters
Can a Child’s Surname Be Changed Too?
Not automatically. A surname change is a separate process but can be requested during re-registration if:
Both parents agree
A court approves it (if there's disagreement)
Why Choose Cryo Medical Logistics?
We’re not just a DNA testing provider. We’re a global logistics and medical service specialist offering:
✅ Home Office-approved DNA testing
✅ Legally admissible reports for court and GRO use
✅ Hand-carried DNA sample transport across borders
✅ Trusted support for immigration, surrogacy, and family law cases
✅ Rapid turnaround and expert guidance at every stage
Whether you're in Nigeria, the Middle East, the UK, or beyond — we bring the highest standards of legal DNA testing right to your door, securely and efficiently.
Need legal DNA testing to update a birth certificate?
Contact Cryo Medical Logistics today to start your application or schedule a secure, global sample collection.
📞 Call: +442081500059
📧 Email: clients@greenplacehealthcare.co.uk
🌍 Website: www.greenplacehealthcare.co.uk
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