The birth must be registered within 6 weeks of the date of birth

Who can register the birth?

· If the mother and father were married to each other at the time of the child's birth, either parent may register.

· If the mother and father are not married to each other at the time of the child's birth, the mother alone may register the birth. However it is possible to add the father's details by re-registration at a further date, if they both agree.

Note

Father's details may only be entered into the register if he is present at the time of registration, or both mother and father make a statutory declaration.

Important change for unmarried couples

Since December 2003 the law makes it easier for unmarried fathers to get equal parental responsibility, all you need do is for both parents to register the birth together.

Parental responsibility gives you important legal rights and responsibilities. Without, you have no right to be involved with decisions affecting your child's life i.e. their education, where they live etc. Parental responsibility treats you as the child's parent and equal responsibility for your child.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to telephone your local Register Office who will be happy to give you further advice.

Where can the birth be registered?

The birth must be registered in the registration district where the birth occurred. If this is inconvenient you can go to any Register Office in England & Wales where a birth declaration will be taken and the birth details sent to the Register Office in the area where the baby was born. That office will then send you, by post a short birth certificate and a form to register the baby with the GP.

Do I need an appointment?

At many of the Register Offices in Northumberland an appointment is required please contact the office to check.

How long will it take?

Allow about 20 minutes for the registration

Do I need to bring the baby or any documents?

No, you will be asked a number of questions as follows: -

· Baby's date, place of birth and if a multiple birth, the time

· Sex of the baby

· Baby's full forename(s) and surname

· Parents forename(s) and surname and if applicable the mother's maiden name

· Parents occupation at the time of the birth or if not employed, their last occupation

· Parents address

Other Information

The following information is required under the Population (Statistics) Act. The information is not entered into the register but used confidentially for statistical information by the Registrar General.

· Parents date and place of birth

· Date of parents wedding (if applicable)

· Whether the mother has been married more than once

· Number of previous live and still births

How much does it cost to register the baby?

The birth registration and a short birth certificate given at the registration are free. If you wish to purchase extra certificates it will cost £3.50 at the time of registration.

What documents will I receive?

· A short birth certificate issued free of charge which shows the baby's name, sex and date of birth. If you wish to purchase another short or full birth certificate, they are available at the time of the registration for £3.50.

· A form to enable the baby to be registered with a Doctor.

Can I change the baby's name after I have registered the birth?

A baby's forename(s) can be changed once during the 12 months since birth, provided the child has not been baptized with the original name.

Sometimes the child's surname can be changed by re-registration of the birth if the father's details have been added or the child's natural parents marry each other.

Contact the local Register Office for advice.

I have lost my birth certificate can I get a replacement?

Yes, replacements can be obtained from the registration district where the birth took place. A Short certificate showing the child's full name, date and district of birth is £5.50 and a Standard certificate also showing parents names and occupations is £7.00