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Info Centre - Registering a birth

This article is published from the Money for Mums website: www.moneyformums.co.uk

Which details will I need to register the birth?

There may be slight variations within England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland but, as a general rule, you should take the following documents with you when you visit the Registrar's office:

The card issued by the hospital.
The marriage certificate of the child's parents (if applicable).
Full name, sex and date of birth of the baby.
District and place of birth of the baby.
Full names, dates of birth, full address(es) and occupations of the parents.

If you don't have any of these, the registrar can still register a child's birth. Afterwards, you will be provided with a certificate summarising the birth entry, free of charge. However, a full extract of the entry in the birth register can be obtained from the Registrar for a fee.

What will I receive after I register the birth?

You will receive a short birth certificate and a registration card that you will need to complete and take to your local doctor's surgery. You won't be able to register your child with a doctor without this registration card.

When you register your baby, the registrar will either give you an application form to apply for a full birth certificate or you can get one there and then. If you do not get one at the time you register the birth, you will need to complete the application form and send it off with a cheque to cover the cost of the certificate. You should receive the full birth certificate within two weeks. You will need the full birth certificate for a number of reasons, including applying for Child Benefit.