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.Complete and sign the appropriate birth certificate form. Enclose original documents to support the amendment. Public Health Law authorizes the New York State Department of Health to file an amended birth certificate, in place of a certificate that is already on file. Correcting a Birth Certificate. You may not need a court order if you only want to correct a "mistake" on your birth certificate. How to fill out the NYC Health Application for Correction of Birth Certificate? Complete and sign the application. You cannot request a correction online. Schedule.