Birth registering
What to do
Registration is a legal process so it is important you
understand what is required. You must register the birth personally
and cannot ask a relative or friend to attend instead.
If you have any difficulties with English please let us
know so we can arrange an interpreter for you. If you know someone
who is willing to interpret for you please bring them with you.
Is there a time limit to register?
Your baby’s birth must be registered within 42 days. Please do
not leave it to the last minute.
Where can I register the birth?
You should register the birth in the registration district where
it took place. If you have any queries, please contact the Register
Office for further advice.
Can the baby’s father register the birth on his own?
He can if you were married at the time of the birth. If you were
not married he cannot register on his own and his details cannot be
entered unless he attends with you. The Register Office will be
happy to advise you further.
What information do I have to supply for the registration?
Baby
- Date and place of your baby’s birth. For twins or triplets, you
must give the time of each baby’s birth
- Sex of baby
- Forename(s) and surname
Father (if details entered)
- Occupation at the time of the birth, or details of last
occupation
Mother
- Forename(s) and surname
- Maiden name if married or previously married
- Date and place of birth
- Usual home address at the date of the birth
- Occupation or details of last occupation
- Date of marriage to the father if married at the time of the
birth
- Number of previous children
Please check the information carefully as it is very difficult
to make changes after you have signed the register.
What certificates will I get?
After the registration you will get a birth certificate free of
charge. This shows your child’s name, surname, sex, date of birth
and district of registration. You can buy full birth certificates
showing the full copy of the entry in the Register for £3.50 at the
time of registration. A birth
certificate is a legal record, which is very difficult to
correct at a later date.
For further information contact:
Tower Hamlets Register Office or the General Register
Office:
Tower Hamlets Register Office
Bromley Public Hall
Bow Road
London
E3 3AA
Tel: 020 7364 7880
Fax: 020 7364 7885
Email: register.office@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Open: Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm,
except Wednesdays when the office is closed between 11.30 am and
2pm.
General Register Office
Room D209
Smedley Hydro
Trafalgar Road
Southport, Merseyside
PR8 2HH
Tel: 0151 471 4805
Email: registering.still-births@ons.gov.uk
Related Services