Register a birth
Registering a birth creates an official record of your baby’s birth. This page explains who can register a birth, what you will need and how to book an appointment.
It also explains parental responsibility, birth certificates and how to re-register a birth.
Who can register a birth
If the parents are married to each other when the baby is born, either parent can register the birth.
If the baby’s parents are not married to each other and they want the father’s details included, both parents must attend the appointment together.
If both parents cannot attend together, contact a registrar. They will explain the alternative process.
If the parents are not married to each other, the father’s details do not have to be included in the register.
If his details are not included when you register the birth, there are special procedures for adding them later. There may be other options in some cases.
Parental responsibility
A father who is not married to, or in a civil partnership with, the baby’s mother does not usually have parental responsibility automatically.
He can get parental responsibility by registering the birth jointly with the mother. Parental responsibility gives him important legal rights and responsibilities.
Parental responsibility includes being involved in decisions about:
- where the child lives
- the child’s education
- the child’s religion
- the child’s medical treatment
A father may also be able to get parental responsibility by:
- later marrying or entering a civil partnership with the mother
- making a parental responsibility agreement with the mother
- getting a court order
Different rules may apply to children conceived through fertility treatment and to same-sex parents.
Read about parental responsibility on GOV.UK.
What you need to register a birth
You will need to provide:
- the date and place of birth
- the time of each birth, if more than one baby was born
- the baby’s forename or forenames, surname and sex
- the parents’ names, surnames and places of birth, if both parents will be included in the register
- the parents’ occupations
- the mother’s address
- the mother’s maiden name
- the name the mother used for her most recent marriage, if she has been married more than once
- the date of the parents’ marriage
- the number of previous children from this marriage or any previous marriage
Birth certificates
You can buy a full birth certificate at your appointment.
You can also pre-purchase certificates when you book your appointment. We will issue them after you have registered your baby or babies.
You can buy certificates, including extra certificates, at the appointment.
We will give you the certificates to take away with you.
Make an appointment
Use the online form to book an appointment using the mother’s surname. You will need to provide your baby’s date of birth.
You can discuss the full name you want to give your baby at the appointment.
If possible, do not bring children to the appointment.
Book an appointment to register a birth
Re-register a birth
Call reception on 01793 522738 instead of using the online booking system if you are:
- re-registering your child’s birth after marriage
- adding a father or parent to the birth registration