Can I register my baby's birth?
Yes — you must register your baby's birth within the legal time limit, and who can do it depends on your circumstances. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland a birth must be registered within 42 days; in Scotland it's 21 days. You register at the register office for the district where the baby was born, or at the hospital before discharge if that's offered. If the parents are married or in a civil partnership, either can register alone and record both parents' details. If the parents are unmarried, to record the father or second parent both must attend and sign — or one brings a statutory declaration of parentage or a relevant court order. The mother can register alone without the father's details, which can be added later. In short: yes, within the deadline, by an eligible person.
📋 The rules
- Register within 42 days (E&W, NI) / 21 days (Scotland)
- Register where the baby was born
- Married parents: either can register alone
- Unmarried: both must attend to name the father
- Mother can register alone without the father's details
🔓 Exceptions
- Same-sex female couples can both be named if treated at a licensed clinic
- Same-sex male couples need a parental order first
- If parents can't, someone present at the birth or hospital staff may register
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Registration itself is free; a birth certificate costs £12.50 at the time of registration. The deadlines are 42 days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 21 days in Scotland. Failing to register is technically an offence, and the registrar can require attendance, though late registrations are usually followed up rather than fined. An unmarried father's details can only be added if he attends and signs jointly, or via a statutory declaration of parentage or a court order — otherwise the mother can register without him and the father can be added later by re-registering. Beware a myth: "an unmarried father can turn up alone and add his name" is false — without being married, his details only go on the certificate if he attends and signs with the mother, or via the declaration or court order. To register: book an appointment with the local register office within the deadline.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How long do I have to register a birth?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you must register your baby's birth within 42 days. In Scotland, the deadline is shorter at 21 days. You usually register at the register office for the district where the baby was born, or sometimes at the hospital before you're discharged if that service is offered.
Who can register the birth?
If the parents are married or in a civil partnership, either parent can register the birth alone and have both parents' details recorded. If they're unmarried, both usually need to attend so the father or second parent can be named. The mother can register alone, but then the father's details won't appear unless added later.
Can an unmarried father register the birth on his own?
No, not by himself if he wants to be named. For an unmarried father's details to go on the certificate, both parents normally need to attend and sign the register together. Alternatively, one parent can bring a statutory declaration of parentage signed by the other, or a relevant court order confirming parentage.
How much does it cost?
Registering the birth is free. If you want a birth certificate — which you'll usually need for things like child benefit and, later, a passport — that costs £12.50 when ordered at the time of registration. You can buy additional or replacement copies later, though they may cost more if ordered separately.
What if the mother isn't married to the father?
The mother can register the birth on her own, but the father's details will only be included if he attends to sign jointly, or provides a statutory declaration or court order. If he isn't named at first, the birth can be re-registered later to add him, with the appropriate consent or paperwork.
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