Register a birth

What to expect at your appointment

You need to arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment.

If English is not your first language, you can ask a friend or relative to go with you to register.

Information you need when registering a birth

When registering the birth, you should know:

  • place and date of the birth
  • name, surname and sex of the baby
  • parents’ names, surnames and address
  • parents’ jobs.

This information will be included on the full birth certificate.

You will also be asked for the following information. This will stay confidential. It will not be entered in the register entry or on any birth certificate.

  • If the parents are married or in a civil partnership at the time of birth, you will be asked the date of parents’ marriage or civil partnership.
  • Places and dates of parents’ birth.
  • The number of children the mother had before this birth.

Documents you should bring

If you can, bring proof of parents’ identity (ID). For example, you could bring a passport or driving license. This helps to make sure the correct full names are entered in the registration.

Birth certificate

When you have registered, the Registrar can issue you a full birth certificate. A full birth certificate costs £11. Extra copies cost £11 each.

You can pay by credit or debit card.