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How Do I Register a Birth?

When must a birth be registered?

• Within six weeks of the baby’s birth. The National Health Service informs registrars of births that have taken place in their area.

How long does it take to register a birth?

• Approximately 20 minutes.

How much does it cost to register a birth?

• There is no charge to register a baby’s birth.
• Short certificates are free of charge at the time of registering. Full certificates (which include parents details) cost £3.50 each.

Who can register a birth?

• One parent if married.
• Both parents if unmarried.
• In exceptional circumstances a person other than a parent can register. Please contact the Registrar for further details.

Where can a birth be registered?

• You can register a baby at any register office. However, if attending a register office outside the district where the baby was born, the Registrar will take a declaration of all information and this will be forwarded to the district where the baby was born.
• A person’s birth records are always held in the district where they were born. Any copies required in the future can also be obtained from the district of birth, though fees are likely to have increased. For example if parent(s) attend the Register Office in Torfaen, but their baby was born in the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, their declaration would be forwarded from Torfaen to the Newport Register Office and the details held there permanently.

What is a declaration?

• The Registrar will record the information about the birth, in duplicate. The parent(s) will be asked to check and sign both copies and this declaration will be sent to the Register Office in the district where the baby was born. On receipt, the relevant district will transfer all the information into the Register and forward the necessary documentation to the parent(s) by mail.

What documentation can I expect to receive when registering a birth directly or by declaration?

• One short birth certificate (free of charge).
• One application form for baby to join a doctor’s list.
• A full birth certificate, which includes the parent(s) details, if requested (£3.50 to be paid on registration).
• If a baby is registered by declaration all documentation should be received, by mail, within 7-10 days.