Registering births

Information on registering child births

Contents

Who can register a birth?

Married parents

If the baby’s parents were married when the baby was born (or when the baby was conceived), either parent can register the birth.

Unmarried parents

If the parents were not married, the father’s name can be added to the birth record if:

  • Both parents go to the register office together and sign the register.
  • One parent goes alone but brings a statutory declaration from the other parent. This is a legal form that says who the baby’s father is.

You can get this form from any register office. It must be signed in front of a solicitor, and there may be a fee.

If either parent has a parental responsibility agreement or a court order, they can show this to the registrar to add the father’s details.

If both parents are named on the birth certificate, the father will automatically get parental rights until the child turns 18.

What happens if the father’s name isn’t added?

If the father’s name isn’t included at first, you may be able to re-register the birth later to add it.