Register a birth (Easy Read)

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

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

You must register in the area the baby was born.

You should arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.

The appointment will last about 30 minutes.

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

If not, then the mother needs to attend.

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

You should bring the baby’s red record book.

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

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.

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

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

• Daventry
• Northampton
• Towcester

You must book an appointment to register a birth.

You can do this by filling out an online form.

Other aspects for consideration may include:

• Register for Child Benefit
• Check if you are eligible for Child Tax Credit
• Apply for a passport
• Register your baby with a GP
• Register your baby for a library card

You may need additional support after a birth.

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

• NHS Northamptonshire Maternity Services
• NHFT Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service
• Leaflets and information from Northampton General Hospital

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