How to Add a Parent to a Birth Certificate in Arkansas
Brandon Haubert
Jan 13, 2026
If you are an Arkansas parent trying to ensure your child’s birth certificate accurately reflects their legal parentage, this guide is for you. We will walk through the two primary ways to add a parent to a birth certificate in the Natural State: voluntary acknowledgment and court-ordered amendments.
Key Takeaways
The Document Matters: A birth certificate is the "source of truth" for a child’s legal identity and access to benefits.
Two Paths: You can add a parent via a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or through a court order.
Location Rules: You must file your request with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Vital Records, regardless of which county you live in.
Not Always Automatic: Simply being the biological parent doesn't automatically put you on the document if you weren't married at the time of birth.
Table of Contents
Why Accurate Parentage Matters
Path 1: The Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP)
Path 2: Obtaining a Court Order
Document Checklist
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Costs and Timelines
When to Talk to a Lawyer
Why Accurate Parentage Matters
A birth certificate is more than a sentimental record; it is the key that unlocks a child's access to Social Security benefits, inheritance rights, and health insurance. In Arkansas, if the mother is unmarried at the time of birth, the father's name is not placed on the birth certificate unless both parents take specific legal steps. Without this document being accurate, a child may face "legal invisibility" regarding their relationship with their father.
Path 1: The Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP)
The simplest way to add a father to an Arkansas birth certificate is through the Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity. This is common when both parents agree on who the father is and want him listed on the document.
How it Works:
Signing the Form: Both the mother and the biological father must sign the AOP form in the presence of a notary.
Where to find it: These forms are available at hospitals at the time of birth, or later through the Arkansas Department of Health or local Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE).
Filing: Once signed, the form is sent to the Division of Vital Records. They will then update the birth record to include the father’s information.
Path 2: Obtaining a Court Order
If the parents are not in agreement, or if there is a legal dispute regarding who the father is, an AOP cannot be used. Instead, you must obtain a Court Order of Paternity.
The Process:
Petition the Court: A parent (or the state) files a petition to establish paternity in the Circuit Court of the county where the child lives.
Genetic Testing: The court may order DNA testing to confirm biological parentage.
The Decree: Once paternity is confirmed, the judge signs an order. This order explicitly directs the Department of Health to add the father to the birth certificate.
Submission: You must obtain a certified copy of this court order (with the clerk's raised seal) and mail it to Vital Records with the appropriate amendment forms.
Document Checklist
To ensure your application isn't rejected, have these items ready:
[ ] The Correct Form: Use the ADH "Affidavit for Amendment" form.
[ ] Government-Issued Photo ID: A clear copy of the applicant’s driver’s license or passport.
[ ] The Evidence: Either the original signed/notarized AOP or a certified copy of the court order.
[ ] Payment: A check or money order for the amendment fee (usually $15) and any new copies requested ($12 each).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Standard Photocopies: Vital Records will reject a standard photocopy of a court order. It must be a certified copy from the Circuit Clerk.
Mailing to the Wrong Place: Do not mail your birth certificate request to the court. It must go to the Arkansas Department of Health, Vital Records Section, Slot 44, Little Rock, AR 72205.
Missing Signatures: If using an AOP, ensure both parents have signed it. If one refuses, you must move to Path 2 (Court Order).
Incomplete Forms: Every field on the amendment affidavit must be filled out. If a field doesn't apply, write "N/A" rather than leaving it blank.
Costs and Timelines
In Arkansas, the cost of amending a birth certificate is generally affordable, but the court costs can vary.
Item | Estimated Cost |
Vital Records Amendment Fee | $15.00 |
New Certified Birth Certificate | $12.00 |
Court Filing Fee (if needed) | $165.00 - $185.00 (Varies by County) |
DNA/Genetic Testing | $100.00 - $300.00 |
Timeline: Simple AOP updates typically take 4 to 8 weeks. Court-ordered changes can take 3 to 6 months depending on the court's schedule and whether DNA testing is required.
When to Talk to a Lawyer
While many people handle paternity updates on their own, certain "red flag" situations mean you should contact a licensed Arkansas attorney or Arkansas Legal Services:
Presumed Father Issues: If the mother was married to someone else at the time of birth, that husband is the "presumed father" under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-10-101. Overcoming this presumption usually requires complex legal filings.
Safety Concerns: If there is a history of domestic violence and you are worried about sharing contact information during the process.
Next Steps
Updating a birth certificate is an act of affirming a child's identity and securing their future. If you are ready to take the next step:
Determine if you can use a voluntary AOP or if you need a court order.
Gather your identification and certified documents.
Use a trackable mailing method (like USPS Certified Mail) when sending your packet to Little Rock.
ArkansasLegalNow provides the tools you need to handle these filings with confidence. We offer court-approved forms and clear instructions to help you through the process without the high cost of a traditional law firm.
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