
Have you ever received a PSA birth certificate through PSAHelpline.ph and noticed a discrepancy compared to the information you typed in your order form? It could be a misspelled first name, incorrect date of birth, or some other missing or inaccurate detail that does not match your personal records. This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you are counting on the document for something important like a passport application, school enrollment, or legal transaction. However, before assuming there is a problem with PSAHelpline’s service, it is important to first understand the distinct roles of each government agency and service provider involved in the PSA online ordering process and why the information reflected on your PSA certificate may not always be what you expected
Thanks to platforms like PSAHelpline.ph, requesting a PSA certificate online has become much more convenient for Filipinos across the country. You no longer have to book a PSA online appointment or go to government offices just to get a copy of your civil registry documents. But while PSA certificate delivery has gotten faster and more accessible, the actual content of the certificate still depends entirely on what is recorded in the original documents filed with the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO). If there are any errors such as typographical mistakes, missing information, or outdated details, these will still appear on your PSA copy, whether you order it online or in person. That is why it is important to understand where these errors come from, and what steps you can take to correct them without blaming the wrong service provider.
In this guide, we will walk you through the possible causes of discrepancies, explain how to fix them, and show you how PSAHelpline.ph can continue to help you even after the correction is made.
What Is PSAHelpline.ph and How Does It Work?
PSAHelpline.ph is a convenient online service that allows Filipinos to request PSA certificates, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, CENOMARs, and death certificates and have these delivered to their addresses. They act as an intermediary between you and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Through PSAHelpline.ph, you can securely complete your request online without the need to book a PSA online appointment or visit a PSA branch in person. The platform guides you through a step-by-step ordering process where you enter your certificate details, choose a delivery address, and pay using various digital or over-the-counter options. Once your order is confirmed, PSAHelpline transmits your request to the PSA, retrieves the document on your behalf, and arranges for PSA delivery straight to your doorstep.
This hassle-free system is especially helpful for those living in areas far from PSA offices, individuals with mobility concerns, or busy professionals who cannot afford to queue at government offices. It is a trusted service channel officially authorized by the PSA, and it offers an efficient alternative for obtaining a PSA certificate online—whether for personal records, school requirements, job applications, travel, or legal processes.
Key Services Offered by PSAHelpline.ph:
- PSA online request for PSA birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, CENOMAR, and CENODEATH
- Door-to-door PSA delivery nationwide
- Pick up delivery options at select National Book Store and Robinsons Department Store branches
- Online tracking of order status
Advantages of Using PSAHelpline.ph:
- Skip the PSA online appointment queue
- No need to visit PSA branches
- Easy tracking of your PSA certificate online
- Secure PSA certificate delivery straight to your doorstep
PSA vs. LCRO vs. PSAHelpline: Who Does What?
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is the government agency responsible for providing official statistics and certification of civil registry documents. They also issue Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) – a document that certifies that a person has never contracted marriage and is eligible to get married, and Advisory on Marriage (AOM) – a document that provides information about the person’s marriage such as the date and place of marriage and the name of the spouse. It is important to note that the PSA does not create original civil registry documents.
Local Civil Registry Offices (LCRO): These are government offices in each city or municipality where birth, marriage, and death certificates are originally created, registered, and filed. The LCRO is responsible for the proper endorsement of the civil registry documents to the PSA for certification.
PRO TIP: If you notice a discrepancy on your PSA certificate, the first step is to contact the LCRO where your record originated, not PSAHelpline or PSA.
The Journey of Your PSA Birth Certificate
When you request your PSA birth certificate through PSAHelpline, you provide the complete birth certificate details on your order form. This includes your complete name, birthdate and place of birth, and other information that is found on your birth certificate.
PSAHelpline then transmits your request, including all the birth certificate details as you provided it, to the PSA. The PSA retrieves a certified copy of your birth certificate from their records. This certified copy becomes the PSA birth certificate you receive.
Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering a PSA Birth Certificate Online
- Visit PSAHelpline.ph and click the Order Now button
- Choose the type of certificate you want to order (Birth, Marriage, CENOMAR, Death, and CENODEATH)
- Fill out the online form with complete and correct information and submit.
- Pay using your preferred payment option (GCash, credit card, Bayad Center, etc.)
- PSA birth, marriage, and death certificates – Php 365 (including processing and delivery)
- PSA Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) and Certificate of No Death (CENODEATH) – Php 420 (including processing and delivery)
- Receive your PSA certificate via secure PSA delivery
Why You May Still Receive an Erroneous PSA Certificate Even If You Provided All the Correct Information in Your Order
There are a few reasons why there might be errors with your PSA birth certificate. These errors can stem from the original information recorded at the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) when your birth was registered.
- Inaccurate details on the Certificate of Live Birth: The initial information provided at birth, such as names or dates, could have been incorrect or incomplete.
- Naming practices: Naming traditions at the time of your birth might differ from current practices, leading to variations in spelling, abbreviations, etc. on the birth certificate.
- Name changes after registration: Your parents or relatives might have chosen to change your name after the initial registration. This could lead to a discrepancy between your birth certificate and other documents.
- Human error during filing: Simple mistakes during the registration process by the recording personnel could also cause errors.
- Double or multiple registrations: In instances where the initial birth certificate registration contained errors, parents or relatives may have subsequently sought to rectify these inaccuracies by registering the birth a second or even multiple times. However, this practice can create complications, as explained in our previous blog post, The Problem with Dual Registration of Civil Registry Documents.
- Delayed registration of birth: In many cases, births are not registered immediately after they occur. Late registration often relies on recollection, secondary documents, or informal information, which increases the chances of inaccuracy. These late entries may not match other official records or personal documents later in life.
- Illegible or outdated source documents: Some older birth records submitted to the LCRO were handwritten or recorded using typewriters. Over time, the paper degrades, ink fades, or handwriting becomes difficult to interpret. When PSA digitizes these records, any misinterpretation due to poor legibility may result in errors in the PSA birth certificate.
- Encoding or transcription mistakes during PSA digitization: While the PSA strives for accuracy, human error can still occur during the digitization or transcription of handwritten LCRO records. If a mistake is carried over during encoding, it will reflect on the certified copy issued—even if the original record was correct.
These scenarios help explain why your PSA certificate may not match the details you submitted in your order. PSAHelpline.ph plays no role in creating, modifying, or encoding the actual birth record. Their responsibility begins only when you submit a request and ends once they have securely delivered the certified document issued by the PSA.
Common Types of Errors in PSA Certificates:
- Misspelled names or nicknames used instead of legal names
- Wrong gender or birth order
- Incorrect birthdates or years
- Incorrect spelling of parent names
- Missing details such as middle name or place of birth
This is one of the most common issues found in a PSA birth certificate. Sometimes, names are misspelled during registration—letters are switched, omitted, or replaced entirely. In other cases, a child’s nickname (e.g., “Jun-Jun” or “Baby Girl”) is mistakenly entered in place of the actual given name. This can lead to complications when applying for official documents that require your legal name to match across all records.
Mistakes involving gender (male vs. female) or the child’s birth order (e.g., listed as the second child when they are actually the third) are also frequent. These errors often stem from clerical mistakes during encoding at the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO). While they may seem minor, gender and birth order errors can cause issues in school, employment, and even in inheritance claims.
A wrong day, month, or year in your date of birth can be a serious issue, especially for legal identification and travel documents. This often happens due to delayed registration or poor handwriting on the original birth record, which can be misread during transcription by the LCRO or the PSA during digitization.
The names of the mother and father as recorded on your PSA birth certificate must match their legal identities. Errors such as switched letters, missing middle names, or incomplete surnames may lead to problems when establishing family relationships for legal purposes like passport applications, benefits claims, or visa processing.
Omissions in key details like a child’s middle name or the hospital/place of birth are more common than most people realize. These missing data points usually occur during the manual filling out of the Certificate of Live Birth and may not be caught before submission. Missing entries can make your PSA certificate appear incomplete and may result in delays during document verification.
It is crucial to remember that PSAHelpline simply acts as intermediary between you and the PSA. They transmit your request and deliver the certified document issued by the PSA, which is a true copy of the record on file with the LCRO. PSAHelpline cannot modify the information on the original record.
The Importance of Checking and Double-checking Civil Registry Documents Before Submission
While corrections, inaccuracies, and missing information might be concerns, it highlights a crucial step before submitting any civil registry document, be it a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or death certificate, to the Local Civil Registry Office for registration. Taking time to thoroughly review the document for accuracy and completeness can save you from potential headaches and delays in the future.
Double-check all the details on the document, including:
- First, middle, and last names
- Dates (birth, death, marriage)
- Places (place of birth, marriage, or death)
- Parent/s’ information
- Spouse’s information (for marriage certificates)
TIP: If you’re planning to use your PSA birth certificate for passport application, job processing, school enrollment, or marriage license, double-check every line—tiny discrepancies can delay the process.

What To Do If You Find Errors in Your PSA Certificate
If you discover any errors or discrepancies on your PSA certificate, do not panic. There are established procedures for correcting these errors, depending on the nature and severity of the mistake.
If you think your PSA certificate needs correction, contact the LCRO where your document was registered. The LCRO that holds your original record is the primary entity to address any corrections or discrepancies. The LCRO will guide you through the appropriate process, which may involve:
- Petition for Correction of Clerical Error: For minor errors, such as misspelled names, incorrect gender, and the like, a simple request for correction might be sufficient. The LCRO will typically require supporting documents to verify the correct information.
- Supplemental Reporting: If the error is more significant, such as missing information, you might need to undergo a supplemental reporting process. This may involve affidavits from witnesses or additional documents to support the missing details.
- Court Proceedings: In rare instances, particularly for complex discrepancies or contested information, legal intervention through court proceedings might be necessary. A lawyer specializing in civil registry matters can advise you on the best course of action.
Legal Basis for Correcting PSA Certificate Errors
If you have received a PSA birth certificate with incorrect details, there are existing laws that allow you to correct these errors without assigning blame to PSAHelpline.ph or the Philippine Statistics Authority. Corrections are handled through specific legal channels depending on the type of error found on the certificate. Below are the laws and procedures you should be aware of when seeking to fix errors in your PSA certificate online.
Republic Act No. 9048 – Correction of Clerical or Typographical Errors
Republic Act No. 9048 allows the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) to correct clerical or typographical errors in civil registry documents, including PSA birth certificates, without the need for a court order. This includes minor mistakes such as:
- Misspelled first names, middle names, or surnames
- Mistakes in place of birth
- Simple errors in parent names
These corrections can be done by filing a Petition for Correction directly with the LCRO where the birth was originally registered. Supporting documents—such as valid IDs, school records, or baptismal certificates—are usually required. Once approved, the LCRO will endorse the correction to the PSA, and you can then request the updated PSA certificate online through PSAHelpline.ph for convenient PSA delivery.
Republic Act No. 10172 – Correction of Gender, and Day or Month of Birth
Enacted as an amendment to RA 9048, Republic Act No. 10172 covers the correction of errors related to:
- Gender/sex
- Day or month of birth
These are considered more substantial than typographical errors but can still be corrected without a court order, provided the discrepancy is clearly clerical and supported by adequate documentation such as:
- Medical records from hospital of birth
- Early school records
- Voter’s registration
- Valid IDs
As with RA 9048, the correction is processed by the LCRO, and once approved and endorsed to the PSA, you can request your corrected PSA birth certificate online.
Republic Act No. 9255 – Use of Father’s Surname for Illegitimate Children
For individuals born out of wedlock, Republic Act No. 9255 allows the use of the biological father's surname—but only if the father expressly recognizes the child. This can be done by:
- Signing the Affidavit of Admission of Paternity (AAP)
- Signing the Certificate of Live Birth
- Executing a Public Document acknowledging the child
This law is especially relevant to those correcting the surname reflected on their PSA birth certificate. Once the requirements are fulfilled and the documents are properly filed with the LCRO, the changes can be endorsed to the PSA for issuance of the corrected certificate.
Rule 108 of the Rules of Court – Judicial Corrections
Some errors are too complex to be corrected through administrative procedures under RA 9048 or RA 10172. In these cases, Rule 108 of the Rules of Court applies. This legal process is used when corrections involve:
- Legitimacy or filiation
- Nationality or citizenship
- EDate and place of birth involving conflicting information
- Substantial changes in name or parentage
Corrections under Rule 108 require filing a petition in court. A lawyer is typically needed to assist with this process, and it may involve a longer timeline and additional costs. Once a court order is issued and the correction is recorded at the LCRO, the updated information can be endorsed to the PSA, and the corrected PSA birth certificate can be requested online.
Important Reminders:
- Always bring valid IDs and supporting documents
- Processing times vary by LGU, so it’s best to ask for a timeline
- Keep official receipts and certified copies for your records
Remember: The specific procedures and requirements for corrections will vary depending on the type of error and the LCRO’s regulations. It is always best to consult directly with the LCRO where your document is registered for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
List of Acceptable Supporting Documents for Correction Requests
When filing a petition to correct an error in your PSA birth certificate or any civil registry document, it’s not enough to simply point out the mistake—you also need to prove what the correct information should be. This is why the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) requires supporting documents that can validate your correction request.
The documents you’ll need depend on the nature of the error, but generally, the more independent and consistent your supporting records are, the smoother the process will be. Below is a list of commonly accepted documents when correcting your PSA certificate online through the LCRO:
Commonly Accepted Supporting Documents
- Valid government-issued IDs
- Baptismal or church records
- School records or Form 137
- Medical or hospital records
- Voter’s ID or voter registration record from COMELEC
- Marriage certificate or parent’s marriage contract
- Certificate of Employment or SSS Records
- NBI or police clearance
- Affidavits or notarized statements from parents, guardians, or witnesses
(e.g., Philippine Passport, Driver’s License, UMID, PhilHealth ID, Postal ID)
Often used to verify the correct spelling of a name or date of birth, especially for older cases.
These provide evidence of consistent usage of a name or date across a person’s academic history.
These are particularly useful for birth date or gender corrections under RA 10172.
Can help verify name spelling, birthdate, and identity for adult applicants.
Useful when correcting a child’s surname or verifying a parent’s name.
For adults with long employment histories, this supports identity consistency.
Additional government-issued documents that verify legal identity.
Required in some cases where other documents are unavailable or inconsistent.
NOTE: The LCRO may require original copies and certified true copies of these documents. It’s always best to bring multiple forms of supporting evidence, especially if your PSA birth certificate has more than one type of error.
Tip: How to Secure Missing or Hard-to-Find Supporting Documents
If you no longer have copies of old school records, baptismal certificates, or hospital documents, here are a few steps you can take:
- Contact your former school and request a copy of Form 137 or enrollment records. Some schools now digitize their archives.
- Reach out to your church or parish office for baptismal or confirmation certificates. Churches usually keep permanent registers.
- Request hospital birth records from the hospital where you were born. If the hospital has closed, check with the city health office for archived data.
- Ask your employer or the SSS office for your employment or contribution records as proof of your consistent name and identity.
- Use the PSA certificate online request system to secure related documents like your parent’s marriage certificate or your own marriage contract as needed.
Taking the time to gather accurate supporting documents is crucial for your petition to be approved. Once the correction is made, you can conveniently request a new copy of your PSA birth certificate online through PSAHelpline.ph and have it delivered to your doorstep without needing a PSA online appointment.
What Happens After You File a Correction?
After submitting your petition for correction at the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO), many people find themselves unsure of what comes next. The waiting period, along with limited updates, can be worrying—especially when you need your corrected PSA birth certificate for urgent matters like a passport application, job requirement, or marriage license.
To ease the anxiety, here’s a simplified walkthrough of what happens after you file a correction request:
Step-by-Step: What Happens After Your Correction is Filed
- Initial Processing at the Local Civil Registrar (LCR)
- Endorsement to the PSA
- PSA Updates Its Civil Registry Database
- Getting the first corrected copy of your PSA certificate
- Succeeding requests of the corrected PSA certificate may be done through PSA online
Once your petition and supporting documents are submitted, the LCR will assess the validity of your request. If complete and compliant, they will issue a decision approving the correction.
After approval, the corrected record is officially endorsed to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This endorsement is crucial—it instructs the PSA to update its central database to reflect the corrected information.
The PSA will then process the endorsement from the LCR. This involves reviewing the correction, updating your official record in their system, and queuing it for certified issuance.
Once the corrected copy of your civil registry document is available at the PSA, you must first claim it at the PSA main office in East Avenue, Quezon City. If you live far from this area, you may inquire at the nearest PSA office to check if they can assist with the release.
Once you have claimed a corrected copy from the PSA office, you may now request a new copy of your corrected PSA birth certificate online. You do not need to return to the LCR or go to PSA branches. Instead, you can go to PSAHelpline.ph and file a new request for PSA certificate delivery.
Can You Still Use PSAHelpline.ph for PSA Delivery?
Yes! Once your correction has been processed and endorsed to PSA, and you have claimed the first corrected copy at a PSA office, you can use PSAHelpline.ph to request your corrected PSA certificate online. The platform allows you to skip the traveling and avoid booking a PSA online appointment. Instead, your PSA certificate delivery will be processed and sent directly to your home or office address. This is the same secure and convenient PSA delivery service that thousands of Filipinos rely on daily—now available even after your records have been corrected.
A Quick Reminder:
- If you’re unsure whether the correction has been fully updated at the PSA, contact the LCR where you filed the correction. They can confirm whether it has already been endorsed and received by PSA.
- Wait until the LCR confirms the endorsement has been transmitted to PSA before placing a new order through PSAHelpline.ph. This ensures that the updated version is what gets printed and delivered.
With PSAHelpline.ph, getting a corrected PSA birth certificate is not just possible; it’s quick, reliable, and hassle-free. No PSA online appointment, no crowds, no stress. Just fast and secure PSA certificate delivery wherever you are in the Philippines.
How PSAHelpline.ph Can Help After a Correction
Once your PSA birth certificate has been successfully corrected and endorsed by the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the next step is securing an updated copy of the document at a PSA branch. Once you have claimed the first corrected copy, this is where PSAHelpline.ph comes in as your most convenient and reliable option.
Instead of visiting PSA branches or waiting weeks for a PSA online appointment, you can simply go to PSAHelpline.ph and request your corrected PSA birth certificate online. The website allows you to complete the process in just a few clicks—no commuting, no paperwork, and no stress. Once your order is confirmed, PSA certificate delivery will be handled by a trusted courier partner and brought straight to your chosen address, whether at home or in the office.
PSAHelpline.ph is officially authorized by the PSA to facilitate PSA online requests and ensure secure, trackable, and efficient PSA delivery nationwide. It’s the ideal solution for Filipinos who need an updated PSA certificate quickly, especially after going through the lengthy correction process.
The best part? There’s no need for a PSA online appointment. You don’t have to deal with limited booking slots or physically return to a PSA outlet just to claim your certificate. PSAHelpline takes care of all that for you, making it the smart choice for busy individuals, OFWs, parents, and anyone who values time and convenience.
So, whether you've just completed a name correction, updated your gender entry, or fixed your birth date, PSAHelpline.ph makes it easy to get your corrected PSA birth certificate online, delivered safely and promptly—exactly when you need it.
Why Accuracy in Your PSA Birth Certificate Matters
It’s easy to overlook small errors in your birth certificate—until they start affecting major life milestones. Whether it’s a misspelled name, an incorrect birth date, or a missing detail, inaccuracies in your PSA birth certificate can lead to delays, rejections, and unexpected complications. Here are a few real-life scenarios that show just how important it is to review and correct your civil registry documents early.
A Student Missed Her College Enrollment Deadline
Ella, a graduating senior, had all her documents ready for college enrollment—except one. Her PSA birth certificate showed a different birth date than what was on her school records. Because of the discrepancy, her application was put on hold. By the time the correction process was completed, the university had closed enrollment. A simple clerical error cost her an entire academic year.
A Bride Had to Postpone Her Wedding
Mark and Liza had already booked their venue, caterer, and church for their wedding. But during their marriage license application, Liza discovered that her PSA birth certificate reflected a different spelling of her first name—one that didn’t match any of her IDs. The city hall wouldn’t process their application unless the name discrepancy was resolved. Because of the delay in correcting the document, they had no choice but to move their wedding date.
A Passport Application Was Denied
RJ was excited about his first overseas trip. He prepared all the DFA requirements, including a PSA birth certificate. But his passport application was rejected because the middle name on his PSA certificate didn’t match the one on his school and government records. He had to postpone his travel plans and start the correction process with the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO). The delay not only cost him time but also rebooking fees for his flights.
Why Early Corrections and PSAHelpline.ph Can Save You Time
These situations happen more often than most people think. That’s why it’s so important to double-check your PSA birth certificate well before you need it. If you find an error, start the correction process early and allow enough time for your documents to be updated with the PSA.
Once your correction is approved and endorsed, you can request a copy at the PSA main office in East Avenue Quezon City. Eventually, you can request your corrected PSA certificate online through PSAHelpline.ph. There is no need to book a PSA online appointment or go to a PSA branch. With PSA certificate delivery, you can have your updated documents sent directly to your home, saving you from further delays or missed opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Errors on a PSA Certificate
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How do I correct an error on my PSA birth certificate?
To correct an error on your PSA birth certificate, you can file a petition for correction at the LCR where your birth certificate was registered. Here's a breakdown:
For clerical or typographical errors (e.g., misspelled name, wrong date): You can file a petition for correction under Republic Act 9048 with the:
- Local civil registry office of your city/municipality where your birth is registered (if born in the Philippines).
- Philippine Consulate where your birth was reported (if born abroad).
For complex or unique errors: It is advisable to consult with the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) or a lawyer for proper guidance on how to proceed.
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How to fix a wrong surname in a birth certificate?
Fixing a misspelling in your surname on your PSA birth certificate can be done by filing a petition for correction with the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) of your birthplace, assuming it's a simple clerical error. However, if the surname change is more complex, a court order might be necessary.
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What to do with an unreadable PSA birth certificate?
A blurred entry on your PSA birth certificate is a relatively simple fix. Just contact your local civil registrar and request them to endorse a clearer copy with the correct information to the PSA.
Bonus Tip: When Should You Order a New PSA Birth Certificate?
Ordering a new copy of your PSA birth certificate may be necessary if:
- You’ve recently filed a correction and need the updated version
- You lost your original copy
- You need a recent copy for passport application, marriage license, or government transactions
Use PSAHelpline.ph to order your PSA certificate online and enjoy hassle-free PSA delivery, with no need to book a PSA online appointment.
Conclusion
The Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) is the original source of all civil registry records in the Philippines. This is where vital events such as births, marriages, and deaths are first recorded. Any errors or omissions that appear on your PSA birth certificate typically come from the documents filed and registered with the LCRO at the time of the event. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), on the other hand is the national agency responsible for archiving, encoding, and certifying these records for official use. When you request a copy of your certificate from the PSA, either by visiting a branch or requesting it online, you are receiving a certified copy of the record as it was transmitted by the LCRO, including any typographical or clerical errors that may have existed from the beginning.
PSAHelpline is a legitimate service provider authorized by the PSA and plays an entirely different role. It is not involved in creating, editing, or validating the contents of any civil registry document. Instead, PSAHelpline.ph functions solely as an online channel that facilitates your request and ensures the secure and convenient delivery of your PSA certificates. When you place an order through the platform, your request is submitted to the PSA, and once the PSA generates the document, PSAHelpline.ph handles the PSA delivery process. That means any errors found in your PSA certificate are not caused by PSAHelpline. The certificate you receive through their service is a true and faithful reproduction of what is on file with the PSA and ultimately, what was submitted by your local civil registrar.
Understanding the roles of PSAHelpline, PSA, and the Local Civil Registry Offices is essential when dealing with civil registry documents. Errors on the PSA certificate delivered to you by PSAHelpline are not PSAHelpline’s fault. It simply reflects the information recorded in the original LCRO record. By following the recommended steps, you can work towards getting a corrected PSA certificate if necessary. More importantly, remember to carefully review all civil registry documents before submitting them to the LCRO for registration. If you encounter any errors after registration, consult with the LCRO where the document is registered for the most appropriate solution, whether it is a simple correction, supplemental reporting, or legal assistance.