Register a birth

Who can register a birth

If they are married or in a civil partnership, either parent can register the birth.

If the parents are not married or in a civil partnership, the child's mother must register the birth. 

The father, or second female parent, must be present if they want their name on the birth certificate. A child's parents are both given equal parental responsibilities and rights if both parents' names are on the child's birth certificate.

If the parents are not married or in a civil partnership but it's not possible for them to register the birth together, call the registrar for advice on 030 33 33 3004.

How to register a birth

Call 030 33 33 3004 to make an appointment to register a birth. The appointment can be:

• by telephone
• by online video call
• in person

What you need at your appointment

You'll need a few things for your appointment with the registrar: 

• the birth notification card from the hospital
• the child's full name
• the full names of the parents to be included on the birth certificate
• the occupations of the parents to be included on the birth certificate
• the birth dates of the parents to be included on the birth certificate
• the parents' marriage or civil partnership certificate, if they have one

The birth certificate

You get one free copy of the abbreviated birth certificate when the birth is registered. The abbreviated certificate contains no reference to the child’s parents. You can also buy a full birth certificate for £10 on the day or within one month of registering.

If you register in person you can get the certificates on the day. If you register by telephone we'll send them to you. 

After a month it costs £15 for each certificate. Find out how to order certificates.