Rescission of Parentage

What is a Rescission of Parentage (ROP) form?

A ROP is a legal form used to reverse changes made to a birth certificate by an Acknowledgment of Parentage (AOP) or Denial of Parentage (DOP) form. You can rescind AOP and DOP forms. The form must be completed and filed on or before 60 days after the AOP or DOP form is filed or before the first court hearing to determine parentage relating to the child, whichever happens first. If parentage is established by a court, a ROP form cannot be accepted.

Important note: The Department of Health will accept a Rescission of Parentage form for a Paternity Acknowledgment form if it is filed within 60 days or before the first court hearing, which ever happens first.

What happens after a ROP form is filed?

When a ROP form is filed, the child's birth record will reverse to how it was before the AOP or DOP was filed. We will send a letter to everyone who signed the AOP and DOP using the address provided on the forms, notifying them that a rescission was filed.

Who can sign a ROP form?

A ROP form can only be signed by a person who signed the AOP or DOP form.

When can a ROP be used?

When it is completed and filed on or before 60 days after the AOP or DOP form is filed or before the first court hearing, whichever happens first.
When parentage has not been decided on by a court.

In any other situation, a court order is required to add or remove a parent listed on a child's birth certificate. Visit the Court Order page for more information.

Instructions for completing the ROP form

The person signing the rescission must sign page 1 in the presence of a notary or witness.
The notary or witness must sign on page 1.
Submit completed ROP form with a non-refundable $18 check or money order payable to DOH.

Mail In-Person

By Mail

Mailing Address

Send all forms and payments to:

Department of Health
Center for Health Statistics
PO Box 9709
Olympia, WA 98507

Do I need a notary or a witness?

Yes. The person signing the rescission must sign in front of either a notary OR a witness. The notary or witness must also complete the signature block.

Common notary locations include hospitals, local banks, title companies, and attorneys/county clerks.

A person signing the witnessed statement must be at least 18 years of age and not related by blood or marriage to the individual who signs a ROP form. The local child support offices will serve as witnesses. Center for Health Statistics staff will not serve as witnesses.

For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.