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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.…

Apply for British citizenship if you have a British parent - who's eligible, fees and how to apply

• Who can apply

  You may be eligible for British citizenship if you have a British parent.…

• You were born on or after 1 July 2006

  You’re automatically a British citizen if you were born outside the UK and…

• You were born between 1983 and June 2006

  You’re automatically a British citizen if you were born outside the UK and…

• You were born before 1983

  You may automatically be a British citizen if you were born before 1…

• After you've applied

  You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months - some applications can take…

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

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.

To analyse variations in qualification levels held by country of birth to establish patterns across UK countries and migrant contribution.

• Updated: 15 May 2023

• Updated: 4 November 2025

Sure Start Maternity Grant is a £500 payment to help with the costs of a new baby: what you'll get, eligibility and how to apply (claim form SF100).

You must use form LA1 to apply to re-register a child’s birth following the marriage or civil partnership of natural parents.

Order an official birth, adoption, death, marriage or civil partnership certificate from the General Register Office (GRO) if you need a copy or want to research your family tree.