Registering Your Baby’s Birth

When Do I Register My Baby’s Birth?

You must register your baby’s birth within six weeks of giving birth in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, in Scotland it must be done within three weeks.

Who Do I Register My Baby’s Birth With?

You must register with the registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. You can ask your hospital for the local office.

What Do They Need To Know?

The registrar will ask the following:

• the name and place of birth of the baby
• father’s occupation
• if you are married only one of you needs to register the baby, if you are unmarried both of you will need to appear.

What Will I Receive?

Once you have been to register your child, you will receive a basic certificate which states the name and sex of the child, as well as the place and date of birth. You can however get a full certificate for a small fee.

You will also receive a form that enables you to receive a National Health Service number as well as a medical card which you will need to register at your local surgery.