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Find out how to register a birth - who can register, birth certificates

• Overview

  All births in England, Wales and Northern Ireland must be registered…

• Who can register a birth

  Opposite-sex couples Married or civil-partner parents Either parent can…

• Birth certificates

  There are 2 types of birth certificate: the short version, which contains…

Correct the original registration with the register office or GRO - find out what corrections can be made, who can apply, how long it takes, what they look like

• What corrections can be made

  You can apply for a birth registration correction when the information is…

• Who can apply

  The following people can apply for a correction: the mother the father (if…

• How to apply

  It costs £83 or £99 to apply to correct a mistake in a birth registration.…

Use this framework to buy musical instruments, equipment and technology from Department for Education (DfE) approved suppliers.

• Updated: 14 October 2025

Parents must register the birth in the country where the child was born - find out if you can also register the birth in the UK.

Re-register your child’s birth to add the father's name to the birth record or certificate at the register office

You can claim relief on Customs Duty and VAT if you're importing scientific materials and apparatus for education or research to the UK.

• Updated: 31 December 2020

Form GRO 185 to apply to re-register a child's birth and add the father's details.

Annual birth registrations, including birthweight and stilbirth occurrence by age of parents.

• Updated: 7 September 2015

Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports - carry-on luggage, checked-in baggage, restricted items and liquids, electronic devices carried from Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt and Saudi Arabia

Order birth, adoption, marriage, civil partnership and death certificates from the General Register Office (GRO) - find GRO index numbers