Here you will find out how to register a birth and order copy certificates.
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If the parents of the child were married to each other at the time of birth, either can register. If they were not married, the mother alone may register the birth.
The father’s details can be added if he is present, or if both mother and father make a statutory declaration. It is possible to add the father’s details by re-registration at a later date if both parents agree.
The law has made it easier for unmarried fathers to get equal parental responsibility, providing both parents register the birth together.
Parental responsibility gives you important legal rights, treating you as the child’s parent. Without that, you have no right to be involved with decisions affecting your child's life.
If you have any queries, call us on 0345 600 6400.
It will take 20 to 30 minutes to register the birth. If available, please bring:
You will be asked for:
It is not necessary for the baby to be there. There is no charge to register the birth but you may wish to buy copy certificates.
Once the birth has been registered, you will be asked by the registrar to check that the details you have given are correct. It is important that you do this before you sign the register page. If a mistake is found at a later date and you require a correction to be made, a fee of up to £90 is payable.
The following information is required under the Population (Statistics) Act. The details are not entered into the register but are used confidentially for statistical information by the registrar general.
Full birth certificates showing the parents details are available at the time of the registration for £11 per certificate.
The cost for additional certificates is £11 (processed within 3 to 5 working days, posted 2nd class) or £35 (processed within 24 hours (Mon - Fri), posted 1st class)
Order a copy certificate
A baby's forename(s) can be changed once during the 12 months since birth, provided the child has not been baptised with the original name. There is a £40 fee for any forename changes. Please contact your local register office for advice.
A naming ceremony is a non-religious way of celebrating your child's birth or welcoming an adopted or stepchild into the family. Ceremonies can be for a child of any age.
More information about naming ceremonies
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