Who can register the birth?
If the parents were married to each other at the time of the birth (or conception) either the mother or father can register.
Contact Details:
Telephone: 023 8091 5327
Details of service:
If the parents were married to each other at the time of the birth (or conception) either the mother or father can register.
An unmarried mother can register on her own without the father's details being included in the register.
Both unmarried parents can attend together and have the father's details included in the register.
If the unmarried father is unable to go to the register office with the mother, but still wants his details included, he can make a statutory declaration on Form 16 (available from the Register Office) acknowledging his paternity that the mother must give to the Registrar.
If the mother is unable to go to the register office with the father, she may make a statutory declaration acknowledging the father's paternity on Form 16 (available from the Register Office) that the father must give to the Registrar.
It may be possible to record the father's details in the register if you have a Court Order or Parental Responsibility Agreement relating to the child.
If neither parent is able to register the child the Registrar can advise who is qualified to register the child.
You should contact the Registrar for advice if you have any further queries.
Please note - From 1st December 2003 if the father's details are entered in the register he has equal parental rights and responsibilities with the mother. This does not apply to children registered before that date.
Last updated: 13 July 2007
