Updated October 2026 · Legal review: Isadora Rizzi, lawyer (OAB/PR 75.878)
Discrepancies in names, dates and places are common in old certificates, especially those of immigrants. They can block citizenship and naturalization applications, probate and other processes. Brazil’s Public Records Law (Law No. 6,015/1973) provides two ways to correct them.
Correction at the registry office (administrative)
Art. 110 of the Public Records Law allows correction directly at the registry office, without a lawsuit, of errors that do not require further investigation, such as:
- obvious spelling errors;
- errors in transcribing documents presented at registration;
- incorrect dates, when there is a document proving the correct one;
- other administrative information.
It is a faster procedure, with participation of the Public Prosecutor in some cases.
Correction in court (judicial)
When the error requires broader evidence, or when the correction may affect third parties’ rights, the route is a rectification action (art. 109). Late registrations and restoration of lost records also go to court.
Rectification for foreign citizenship cases
In citizenship-by-descent cases, the Brazilian records of ancestors must be consistent with the documents of the country of origin. It is often necessary to rectify several certificates of the same family, at different registry offices.
Required documents
- The certificate to be corrected, in full form (inteiro teor).
- Documents proving the correct information (foreign certificates, immigration documents, church records).
- Sworn translations and apostilles, when documents are foreign.
Learn about document rectification →
Legal basis
- Law No. 6,015/1973, arts. 109 and 110.
Frequently asked questions
Can a surname error be corrected at the registry?
If it is an obvious spelling error, as a rule yes. Doubtful cases go to court.
How long does rectification take?
Administrative rectification is usually faster. Judicial rectification depends on the court.
Do I have to go to the registry in person?
Not necessarily. The request can be filed through a representative with a power of attorney.