Register a birth

Register a birth

Information about registering a birth, what you will need and how to book an appointment.

Who can register a birth?

If you’re married or in a legal civil partnership:

  • either parent can register the birth
  • both parents will be named on the birth certificate

If you’re not married or in a legal civil partnership:

  • the father cannot register the birth on his own, but can go with the mother
  • only parents who go to the Register Office will be named on the birth certificate

For more information on who can register a birth, including opposite-sex and same-sex couples:

Make an appointment

To register a birth please book an appointment with us:

Birth registration booking

If you need further clarification about your appointment before booking, please complete the enquiry form below and one of our dedicated team will respond to you.

Complete an enquiry form

What information do I need?

When registering the birth, you should know:

  • place and date of birth of baby
  • baby's first name, last name and sex
  • parents' full name and address
  • parents' place and date of birth
  • parents' jobs
  • mother's address
  • mother's maiden name
  • date of the baby's parents' marriage or civil partnership

In order to improve the accuracy of the information contained in the registration and reduce the need for corrections, it is recommended that you bring supporting documentation with you to your appointment.

Examples of recognised supporting documentation include:

  • passport
  • council tax bill
  • driving license
  • all marriage/civil partnership certificates
  • birth certificate
  • deed poll documentation

You must register a birth within 42 days of the child being born. You should do this at the local Register Office for the district where the baby was born.

Useful links

Best Start website

The Best Start pages bring together the wide-ranging support, information and resources for expectant parents and families with babies and young children:

Family Hubs

Family Hubs provide help and support in one place including parenting groups, health visitor appointments, breastfeeding support, stay and play sessions and much more:

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