Re-registering a birth
Circumstances in which re-registration may apply
There are two main situations in which the child’s parents may request the birth to be re-registered:
- where the child’s natural parents have married each other since the birth. Even if the father’s details were recorded at initial registration and the child was given the father’s surname, it is in the child’s best interests (and a legal requirement) that the birth be re-registered to reflect the parents’ marriage to each other. Failure to do so may affect the legal rights of parents and child
- where it is the wish of the parents to add the father’s details to the register entry.
How to apply for re-registration of a birth
The relevant forms are available from your local Register Office.
For re-registration after marriage of the child’s natural parents:
- the Registrar will need to see a certified copy of the child’s full birth certificate and a certified copy of the parents’ marriage certificate. In most cases the marriage certificate will be returned straight away
- both parents will be required to complete and sign the application form (LA1), but only one of them will need to attend the Register Office to effect the re-registration.
For re-registration to add the father’s details:
- the Registrar will need to see a certified copy of the child’s full birth certificate
- both parents will be required to sign the application form (GRO 185) and both will be required to attend the Register Office together to effect the re-registration
- the Registrar will make a fresh register entry. At that point the new entry supersedes the original record and all subsequently requested certificates will be issued from the new entry.
If the above information does not cover your circumstances please contact your local Register Office.
How much does it cost to re-register a birth?
There is no charge to re-register a birth. However, new certificates showing the re-registration details may be purchased. A short certificate with just the child’s details, or a full certificate showing the parents’ details, is £3.50 at the time of re-registration. These can be obtained from the same Registrar for a short time afterwards.
