How to register a birth

You need to make an appointment with the register office to register your baby.

When and where you can register a birth

You should register your birth within 42 days (6 weeks) of the birth date.

If your baby was born in Hertfordshire, you can register at any register office in the county.

You can register the birth, by declaration, at any register office in England and Wales whether or not they were born in Hertfordshire. The birth certificates will then be sent to you by post.

Find your nearest register office

Who can register a birth

• If you are married or in a civil partnership, either parent can register the birth.
• If you are not married or in a civil partnership but you want the father/parent's details to be included on the birth certificate, then both parents must attend together.

Visit GOV.UK for more information on who can register a birth.

Documents you need to bring

• NHS red book or discharge summary sheet
• proof of identity for the baby's parents aren't required but help make sure the registration is accurate (for example, passport, driving licence or utility bill)

Information to give the Registrar

The baby's:

• date and place of birth
• gender
• forenames and surname.

They also need to know:

• the parents' forenames, surname, date and place of birth, occupation and any other names
• the mother's address and maiden name
• the month and year the parents got married
• whether the mother has been married more than once
• the number of children the mother has.

Costs of registering a birth

Registering a birth is free.

A full birth certificate costs £12.50 at the registration. It's a complete copy of the entry in the register. You'll need it to apply for a passport, driving licence or school place.

You can also purchase a short birth certificate, but this doesn't show the parents' details.

If you require additional certificates after the time of registration, check our prices for copy certificates.

Corrections to a birth certificate cost a non-refundable fee of £83 or £99 (depending on whether they need to be referred to the General Register Office).