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You must register your child’s birth within 42 days of them being born. You may be able to do this at the hospital, whilst still a patient, or you can make an appointment at your local register office.

Who should register the birth?

If you are married, either parent can register the birth. If you are not married, the father’s details can only be entered in the following circumstances:

• Mother and father register the birth together.
• If the father cannot attend, he can make a statutory declaration, confirming that he is the father. The mother gives this to the registrar.
• If the mother cannot attend, she can make a statutory declaration, confirming the father’s name. The father gives this to the registrar.
• If either parent has a court order or parental responsibility agreement, this must be given to the registrar, who will advise on each case.

You cannot ask a friend or relative to register the birth on your behalf.

What information does the Registrar need to know?

• Date and place of birth. In the case of multiple births, the time of birth for each child will be needed.
• Forename and surname of your child.
• Mother’s full name at the time of child’s birth.
• Mother’s maiden name if she is or has been married.
• Mother’s place of birth.
• Home address at the time of child’s birth.
• Mother’s occupation (you can enter details of employment before the birth if you wish).
• Father’s full name at the time of child’s birth (if his details are to be registered).
• Father’s place of birth.
• Father’s occupation at the time of child’s birth.

What surname will the baby have?

Normally, your child will take the surname of either parent. Even if you are not married and the father doesn’t attend the registration, you can still give your child his father’s surname. Once your child’s name surname has been registered, it can only be changed in the following circumstances:

• You apply for re-registration of the birth to have the father’s details included, if they were not included in the first entry.
• You get married after registering the birth. In this case, you should re- register the birth, even if you gave your child their father’s surname at the original registration.

What can I do if I can't register the birth in Knowsley?

• You can go to any register office in England and Wales and provide them with the relevant information, but the birth will not be registered there. They will send the information to us and we will send you a free short birth certificate plus a form for you to register your baby with your doctor.
• Please contact us if you require further information about registering your child’s birth.

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