Registering your child's birth

Registering your baby's birth is one of the first things you should do after the event.

This web page will answer most of your questions about the registration process. If you need more help or information, call one of our offices. You will find the numbers and addresses via our Contract the Registration Service pages. A member of our staff will be pleased to deal with any questions you may have.

When can my baby's birth be registered?

You have 42 days from the birth of your child to register. Registration is a legal requirement.

Who can register the birth?

• If both parents were married to each other at the time of the birth, either parent can register.

• In the case of unmarried parents, and where the father's particulars are to be recorded, both are required to attend (special arrangements may apply in exceptional circumstances - please contact your local registration office for further details).

• In some specific circumstances a father's particulars can be added to the register at a later date.

• The mother.

Where can my baby's birth be registered?

You should go to an office in the registration district where your child was born. Hampshire is now one unified district. If you are not sure where it is, call one of our offices for advice.

All Hampshire's registration offices have an appointment system. You can make an appointment during opening hours.

What if I can't register at the registration district office?

No problem. You can register by declaration at any office in England and Wales. The declaration will then be sent to the office for the registration district where your baby was born. That office will then forward your documents to you.

What information will the registrar need?

·The date and place of your child's birth. Whether the baby is one of a multiple birth, its sex, and the names in which you intend to raise the child.

·Information about the father; where appropriate. This will include his full names; date and place of birth; and details of his employment. If the father was unemployed at the time of the birth, his last known occupation.

·Information about the mother. Her full names; any previous names, including maiden name; date and place of birth and usual address; employment before or at the time the child was born. Where appropriate, details will also be required of the marriage, and any children born previously.

It is important to be sure that information provided for the registration of your child is correct. It might be a good idea to look up the information before you come to the office. Alternatively, you could write it out in advance and bring it with you on the day.

After my child has been registered, do I get a birth certificate?

After the details are entered in the register, you will be given a short copy of your baby's birth certificate, and an application form for your child to register with a doctor. This should be given to your doctor as soon as possible.

If you choose to register your child by declaration outside the registration district where it was born, these documents will be sent to you by post from the receiving office. This could take up to a week.

A "full" or "standard" birth certificate, containing all the registered details (including parent's names and addresses) is available for a small fee.

Can I get additional copies of my child's birth certificate?

Yes. The certificate given by the registrar at the time of registration is free. If you need extra copies, the registrar will tell you about the current fee you will have to pay. You can, of course, request additional copies of your baby's birth certificate at any time after the registration.