When and how to register a birth

If your baby was born in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, you must register the birth with us within 42 days.

You can make an appointment to do this by calling 020 8921 5015 or 020 8921 5016. 

You do not have to bring your baby to the appointment.

Who can register a birth

If the mother and father are married

Either parent can attend the appointment alone, but both are welcome. 

If the mother and the father are not married

Both parents must attend the appointment.

If the father cannot attend, he must complete a statutory declaration of parentage form before the appointment.

He must get the form witnessed by a solicitor, a justice of the peace or a magistrate.

You must then bring it with you to your appointment.

If both parents are female

Either parent can attend the appointment alone, as long as:

  • you were married or in a civil partnership with each other at the time of the fertility treatment
  • you both consented to the fertility treatment

If you were not married or in a civil partnership but you have legal parental responsibility, both parents must attend the appointment. 

If both parents are male

You must get a parental order from the court before you can register your baby’s birth. This will make both parents the legal parents. 

A parental order costs £232.

If you are married or in a civil partnership, only one parent needs to attend the registration appointment, but both are welcome. 

If you are not married or in a civil partnership, both parents must attend the appointment.

The cost of a birth certificate

If you want to buy a full birth certificate at the time of registration, each one will cost £12.50.

If you want to buy copies of the full birth certificate after the registration, each copy will cost £12.50 plus postage.

Request a copy of a birth certificate

How to prepare for your appointment

You will need to bring these documents with you:

  • the red book issued to you at the hospital
  • your passport, driving licence or birth certificate
  • your marriage certificate if you're married
  • deed poll documents if you've changed your name by deed poll

You will be asked for these details during the appointment:

Baby’s details

  • Full name
  • Date, time and place of birth
  • Sex

Mother’s details

  • Full name, and maiden name if married
  • Date and place of birth
  • Current occupation
  • Address 

Father’s details

  • Full name
  • Date and place of birth
  • Current occupation
  • Address, if this is different from the mother's address