Who Can Apply for a Correction? To apply for a correction: you must be the person named on the certificate and at least 18 years old, or a.You cannot request a correction online. If you want to add, remove or replace the name of a parent, please fill out this section. I am requesting to: Add. Yes, it is legal, but it requires more than simply going to the vital records office and telling the employees that you want to change your name. Complete the "VS 24" form, which is the application to amend a birth record in California. In some cases, an affidavit explaining the reason for the change. Complete and sign the application, with no cross outs, no white out, and no correction tape. Present originalacceptable ID .