Registering a birth

For opposite-sex or same-sex female couples

This depends on whether or not both parents are married/in a civil partnership when the baby was born.

If the parents were married or in a civil partnership, either parent can register the birth and can include both parents' details in the registration.

If the parents weren't married or in a civil partnership, the child's mother needs to register the birth. The father or second female parent's details won't be registered (and won't appear on any birth certificate) unless the second parent:

• goes along to the appointment with the mother or,
• signs a Statutory declaration of parentage form which the mother needs to take with her to the appointment

For same-sex male couples

Male couples must get a parental order from the court before they can be registered as parents.

More information

If the 42 day period has been missed, if neither the mother or second parent to which the mother is married/in a civil partnership to are able to register the birth, or if you have any other questions to ask, please contact the register office for advice.

The baby's details

• date and place of birth; for twins or triplets the time of each child's birth will be needed 
• baby’s sex 
• the first name(s) and surname intended for the child.

The mother and father/second parent's details

(as applicable)

• first name(s) and surname – also any other names which are or have been used 
• mother’s maiden surname if different 
• her date and place of birth 
• occupation at the time of the child's birth, or last occupation if unemployed 
• usual address at the date of birth 
• date of marriage or civil partnership if applicable 
• number of previous children.

Identification

You will need some identification such as passport, driving licence and marriage or civil partnership certificate, if appropriate.

An interpreter

If you have difficulty in communicating in English you should bring someone along who can interpret for you.

Money (optional)

It doesn't cost anything to register a birth, but if you want a birth certificate this will cost £11.

Important

You should check the information very carefully before signing the entry. A mistake can easily be put right before you sign, but after signing it will be much more difficult and there will be a cost.