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Re-registering a birth

Situations in which re-registration can apply

There are two situations that may result in the parents of a child asking for the birth to be re-registered:

Addition of father's details

Where only the mother's details were originally entered in the birth register, but now both parents wish to have their details entered, it requires both parents to give their written consent on a re-registration form and attend a Register Office together (or provide a statutory declaration or court order for the absent parent).

Addition of father's details gives an opportunity, in certain circumstances, to change the surname of the child upon re-registration.

Marriage of the child's parents

Where the natural parents of a child have married each other since the birth occurred it is a legal requirement that the birth be re-registered. This applies even if the father's details were originally entered in the birth register, and even if the child has the father's surname. It is in the best interests of the child as failure to re-register may affect the legal rights of both child and parents.

A re-registration form must be completed by both parents and, in certain circumstances, it is possible to change the surname of the child upon re-registration. Only one parent need attend at the register office.

Applying for re-registration

Re-registration forms are available from Peterborough Register Office or any Register Office in England or Wales. The original birth certificate for the child and/or an original marriage certificate will need to be seen by the registrar and an appointment will need to be made to attend to complete the re-registration.

A fresh register entry will then be completed. This entry supercedes any previous record so any subsequent certificates would be issued from this register entry.

Fees

There is no charge made for re-registration. However, a birth certificate showing the re-registration details may be purchased. At the time of the re-registration a short birth certificate, which shows just the child's details is £3.50. A full birth certificate at the time of re-registration is also £3.50, this shows the child's and the parents' details.