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Mr D of Flintshire

When and why do I need to register my baby?

The law states that registration of a baby's birth must take place within 42 days and
takes about 15 - 20 minutes.

Where can I register my baby's birth?

Please telephone the register office to find out where to register the birth and to book
a registration appointment.

Who needs to attend the registration?

This depends on whether the baby's parents are married or un-married.

Married Parents

If the mother and father were married to each other at the time of the child's birth either parent may register.

Unmarried Parents

If the mother and father were not married to each other at the time of the child's birth, only the mother may register the birth. It is possible for the father's details to be entered into the register, providing the mother agrees. The father should be present at the registration, have his details entered in the register and sign to confirm the details are correct.

In certain circumstances it is possible for the father's details to be entered into the register without him attending with the mother. For further information, please contact the Register Office.

If the mother and father are not married and the father's name is not entered in the birth register, it is possible for his details to be added at a later date.

This is known as re-registration and may be done providing both parents agree. For further information, please contact the Register Office where the birth was originally registered.

Who has parental responsibility for my child?

If you are the baby's father and not married to the baby’s mother, you do not automatically have parental responsibility for the child. The law was changed on 1st December 2003 to make it easier for unmarried fathers to get equal parental responsibility.  Parental responsibility for the child gives an unmarried father important legal rights as well as responsibilities. Without it, the unmarried father does not have any right to be involved in decisions such as where the child lives, their education, religion or medical treatment. With parental responsibility, an unmarried father is treated in law as the child’s parent, and will take equal responsibility for bringing the child up. Before this change in the law, unmarried fathers could only gain parental responsibility by later marrying the child’s mother, signing an official agreement with the mother or getting a court order.

In order for fathers to have parental responsibility their details need to be entered onto the birth register. This can be done, with the mother's consent, at the time of the original registration or at a later date through the process of re-registration. 

For further information contact:
 
Parentline Plus who have a free helpline where you can talk through the options and ask for advice.
Telephone 0808 800 2222 or Textphone 0800 783 6783

or

Department for Education and Skills

What information do I need to supply in order to register?

The baby's parents must provide the registrar with the following information:

• Baby's date and place of birth, forename(s) and surname
• Mother's full name, date and place of birth, current or last occupation and, if applicable, maiden surname and date of marriage
• If the father's details are to be entered in the register, he will need to provide his full name, date and place of birth and occupation.

How do I book an appointment to register?

Please telephone the register office. 

What costs are involved? 

Details of the cost of obtaining a birth certificate can be found on our registration fees webpages.

Where can I obtain further information?

Re-Registering a Birth  |  Naming Ceremonies | Still Births
Registration Services Homepage  |  Life Events Home