Re-registering a birth

In some circumstances, it may be possible to change the details or add to the information recorded at the time of the original birth registration.

For information and assistance with re-registering a birth, use our online e-form (secure).

If the father's details were not included in the registration

If the parents were not married to each other at the time of the birth and the father did not go with the mother to register the baby, it is possible to re-register the birth at any time in the future to include the father's details in the registration and change the surname of the child.

A form is available from the Register Office that has to be completed by both parents.

The easiest way for a birth to be re-registered is for both parents to attend the Register Office together after making an appointment.

However it is possible for either parent to make a statutory declaration, before a solicitor or other person able legally to witness an oath, acknowledging parentage of the child.

It is also possible for either parent to seek a court order naming the father.

In any of these cases the birth will be registered again and certified copies of the re-registered birth can be purchased from the registrar.

If the parents have married each other since the birth was registered

In this case, the birth should be re-registered to accurately record the current legal status of the child.

A form is available from the Register Office that must be signed by both parents.

Either parent can then attend the Register Office, after making an appointment, with the completed form and a copy of the marriage certificate.

The birth will then be re-registered and the child's surname can be changed as part of this process.

Copies of the re-registered birth can be purchased from the registrar.

If the child was given the father's surname

If the parents were not married to each other at the time of the birth and it was decided to give the child the father's surname, whether or not he attended with the mother, it is not possible to change the surname in the registration back to that of the mother.

Making the changes

You will need an appointment to attend the Registry Office. Please call the Register Office on 01902 554989 ir use the online e-form (secure) to make an appointment.

We offer appointments from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm.

We will aim to see you within 15 minutes of your appointment time, if you arrive on time.

Further information

Additional information about re-registering a birth can be found on the General Register Office website.