Births - Re-registration
There are two situations which may result in the parents of a child asking for the birth to be re-registered:
Re-registration after marriage of the natural parents
Where the natural parents of a child have married since the birth occurred, even if the father's details were originally entered in the birth register, it is a legal requirement that the birth be re-registered. Failure to re-register may affect the legal rights of both child and parents. Only one parent is required to attend the Register Office to re-register, and the marriage certificate must be produced. If the marriage took place in the UK the re-registration can take place on production of the necessary document. If the marriage took place outside the UK then the re-registration must be authorised by the Registrar General so a short delay will ensue.
Re-registration to enter natural father's details in birth entry
where the natural parents are not married to each other. If the natural father's details were not included in the original entry and the parents now wish to have his details recorded, both parents must attend together to sign the register. In exceptional circumstances, where either parent is unable to attend the office in person, statutory declarations may be obtained from the Registrar beforehand for completion before Commissioner for Oaths etc).Application forms to re-register are available from any Register Office in England and Wales.When you have completed the application form, you will need to telephone the Register Office (0191 4553915) to make an appointment to carry out the re-registration. There is no charge for re-registration, but you may wish to obtain a birth certificate showing the re-registered details. The normal certificate fee applies.