Re-registration of a birth

Types of re-registration appointments

There are three types of re-registration for a child born in England or Wales:

  • Following the natural parents' marriage to show the child as a child of marriage. This type of re-registration is a legal requirement.
  • To add the natural father's details where the existing record does not show any father and the child's natural parents have not married each other since the date of the child's birth.
  • Following the marriage or civil partnership of two female parents to show the child as a child of marriage or civil partnership.

You cannot change a child's forenames at re-registration.

There is no charge for the re-registration of a birth. However, new birth certificates can be purchased on the day of re-registration for a cost of £12.50 for each certificate.


Re-registration following the natural parents' marriage


Adding the natural father's details

This type of re-registration gives the natural father parental responsibility for the child. This responsibility can only be removed by a court. You may wish to seek legal advice on this prior to your application.


Re-registering a child born to two female parents

Authorisation is required from the General Register Office to re-register a child born to two female parents. To obtain more information and the required application form, contact us.


Book your re-registration appointment

book your appointment


Contact us

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding birth re-registration.


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