When the natural parents of a child get married or form a civil partnership, the birth should be re-registered to show that they are a child of the marriage / civil partnership.

When a re-registration takes place, a new birth record is created replacing the previous one, and any future certificates will be issued from the new registration. If the natural mother is taking her new husband’s or wife's surname, then the child's surname can also be changed, provided they were originally given their mother’s surname.

To apply for the re-registration, you will need to complete form LA1 (download link below). A separate form will be required for each child that you wish to re-register, as well as their original birth certificate, and your marriage certificate. If you were married abroad, then the register office will send your documents to General Register Office who will need to approve the re-registration.

Once our Register Office has all of the required documents, you will be contacted to book an appointment to attend a re-registration appointment in person. Either or both parents can attend the appointment. There is no charge for the appointment or re-registration. Fresh birth certificates showing the updated information will cost £12.50 each at the time of re-registering.

Download the LA1 re-registration application form.

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