Registering a birth
It may seem like a long way off right now, but before you know it you'll be needing to register your newborn. Don't worry, it's not as complicated as the list below makes it look! But if you need help with anything at all, you should be able to find the information you're looking for here.
When do I need to register the birth?
Where do I register the birth?
Who can register the birth?
Which details will I need to register the birth?
What will I receive after I register the birth?
When do I need to register the birth?
In England, Northern Ireland and Wales it is a legal requirement to register a birth within 42 days.
In Scotland it is a legal requirement to register a birth within 21 days.
Where do I register the birth?
The baby must be registered in the district where the birth took place. This can often be done at hospital before the mother goes home, otherwise it will require a personal visit to a register office.
A birth that takes place in England can only be registered in English, but births in Wales may be registered bilingually in English and Welsh.
Who can register the birth?
There may be slight variations within England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; but as a general rule the following should apply.
A child's parents have to register the birth. However, if this is not possible then the following people can register in their place:
- A relative of the child's mother.
- A relative of the child's father, if the couple are married.
- Someone in permanent residence in the place where the child was born.
- Someone who was present at the birth.
- Someone who has charge of the child.
If you are not married then the father can only register the birth and be indicated on the register if:
- the couple sign the register together.
- the couple both sign a declaration (available from the registrar's office) indicating the parentage of the child.
- a court finds that the dad is indeed the father.
Which details will I need to register the birth?
There may be slight variations within England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; but as a general rule you should take the following documents with you when you visit the Registrar's:
- The card issued by the hospital.
- The marriage certificate of the child's parents.
- Full name, sex and date of birth of the baby.
- District and place of birth of the baby.
- Full names, dates of birth, full address(es) and occupations of the parents.
If you don't have any of these the registrar can still register a child's birth. Afterwards, you will be provided with a certificate summarising the birth entry, free of charge. However, a full extract of the entry in the birth register can be obtained from the Registrar for a fee.
What will I receive after I register the birth?
You will receive a short birth certificate and a registration card that you will need to complete and take to your local doctor's surgery. You won't be able to register your child with a doctor without this registration card.
When you register your baby the registrar will either give you an application form to apply for a full birth certificate or you can get one there and then. If you do not get one at the time you register the birth, you will need to complete the application form and send it off with a cheque to cover the cost of the certificate. You should receive the full birth certificate within 2 weeks. You will need the full birth certificate for a number of reasons, including applying for Child Benefit.