There are many reasons to register your child after it’s born including signing on with the NHS so you have a doctor and receiving child benefit.
Registering your child couldn’t be easier so we’ve put a couple of points below to answer some of the common questions that are often asked.
How long after the birth do I need to register my child?
• In Scotland it is a legal requirement to register the birth of your child within the first 21 days.
• In England, Northern Ireland and Wales the legal requirement is to register your baby within 42 days.
Where do I register the birth of my child?
Your child must be registered with the local District Council where the baby was born. You will likely be given the option of registering your child just before you leave hospital after giving birth. Alternatively, you may need to visit your local registry office.
Who can register the birth of my child?
The parents is the obvious answer, but in a situation where the parents are unable to register the birth a nominated person can do it on their behalf.
Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland rules all differ slightly, but in general the following people are authorised to register the birth of a child:
• A direct relative of the mother
• A direct relative of the father if the couple are married
• A professional who works full time in the hospital where the child was born
• Anyone present at the birth
• The legal guardian of the child
The father that isn’t married to the mother can only register the baby in his own name if:
• The couple sign the register together
• The couple sign a declaration confirming the parentage of the child
• A court finds that the dad is proven the father
What information will I need to bring with me to register my baby?
Again there are slight variations between the different countries in the UK but in general:
• The certificate issued by the hospital
• The marriage certificate of the parents if applicable
• Full name, sex and date of birth of the baby
• Name of the District Council of birth
• Full names, addresses, occupations, and dates of birth of the parents
What do I get after I’ve registered my baby?
After you’ve finished registering your baby you should receive the summary birth certificate and a registration card which requires you to fill in and take to your local GP, without this card you will not be able to register your child with a doctor.
With the summary birth certificate and doctors’ registration card you will also receive an application to apply for a full birth certificate. The full birth certificate is important for a number of reasons such as claiming child benefit. The full birth certificate currently costs around £9 and will need to be included with your filled application form.