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Register a birth (Easy Read)

A baby held in front of a calendar

When you have a baby, you must register the birth.

You must do this within 42 calendar days of the birth.

 

a baby held in front of a map of the United Kingdom

You must register in the area the baby was born.

A 10 minute timer symbol

You should arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.

A woman sat at an appointment with a stopwatch behind her

The appointment will last about 30 minutes.

Who needs to go to the appointment

Two wedding rings intertwined

If you are married or in a civil partnership, either parent can attend.

If not, then the mother needs to attend.

 

A couple hugging

If you are unmarried, and wish for the father’s details to be added, then both parents need to attend.

What you need to bring

An NHS red book for your child's health record

You should bring the baby’s red record book.

You do not need to bring the baby to the appointment.

What happens at the appointment

A man spelling his surname to a woman

You will need to tell the registrar:

  • where and when the baby was born
  • the sex of the baby
  • the baby’s name and surname

They will also ask questions about the baby’s parents.

A certificate

You can buy a birth certificate when booking the appointment. These cost £12.50. 

Where to go

An image of a generic council building

Your appointment to register a birth can take place at any of our Registration Offices in:

How to book an appointment

A man sat at a laptop

You must book an appointment to register a birth.

You can do this by filling out an online form.

Other things to consider

Further support and information

A counselling session

You may need additional support after a birth.

If so, you can find services and mental health professionals that can help:

If you have experienced a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, you can apply for a Baby Loss Certificate.

 

Last updated 12 June 2024