Legal requirements
You must register the birth of your baby within 42 days of the birth in England and Wales. If you can't go to the district where your baby was born you can go to another office (still within 42 days) and the registrar will send your details to the appropriate district office. If the baby was born in England or Wales however, it must be registered in England or Wales.
If you wish to take advantage of the Tell Us Once service, please make your appointment by telephoning 0345 045 1363.
Book an appointment to register a birth
Parental responsibility
Having parental responsibility for a child means that you are legally responsible for your child's life. Married parents automatically have joint parental responsibility as do unmarried parents where both attend the registration and sign the register.
Certificates you will receive
You will receive a short birth certificate. You will need the birth certificate for a number of reasons including applying for child benefit. You can also purchase full birth certificates at £3.50 each which are needed for identity, such as passport applications. Full birth certificates ordered after registration cost £7 if in a current register or £9 if in an archived register.
You can also get a Commemorative Birth Certificate priced at £9 each, using the application form below.