Register a birth

Register a birth

Information about registering a birth, what you will need and how to book an appointment.

The Register Office at County Hall is open for both appointments and ceremonies. 

Please park in the visitors car park and follow the brown signage to the Register Office entrance.

Who can register a birth?

If you’re married or in a legal civil partnership:

  • either parent can register the birth
  • both parents will be named on the birth certificate

If you’re not married or in a legal civil partnership:

  • the father cannot register the birth on his own, but can go with the mother
  • only parents who go to the Register Office will be named on the birth certificate

For more information on who can register a birth:

Make an appointment

To register a birth please book an appointment with us:

Birth registration booking

If you need further clarification about your appointment before booking, please complete the enquiry form below and one of our dedicated team will respond to you.

Complete an enquiry form

What information do I need?

When registering the birth, you should know:

  • place and date of birth of baby
  • baby's first name, last name and sex
  • parents' full name and address
  • parents' place and date of birth
  • parents' jobs
  • mother's address
  • mother's maiden name
  • date of the baby's parents' marriage or civil partnership

In order to improve the accuracy of the information contained in the registration and reduce the need for corrections, it is recommended that you bring supporting documentation with you to your appointment.

Examples of recognised supporting documentation include:

  • passport
  • council tax bill
  • driving license
  • all marriage/civil partnership certificates
  • birth certificate
  • deed poll documentation

You must register a birth within 42 days of the child being born. You should do this at the local Register Office for the district where the baby was born.

Useful links

Was this page useful?