The government has issued a reminder to new parents about the legal requirement to register a birth within 42 days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a potential fine of up to £1,000 for missing the deadline. In Scotland, the timeframe is shorter, at just 21 days.
Five key things to know
According to the GOV.UK post on X, parents must register a baby's birth within 42 days (6 weeks). Registration is free, and can be done at the local register office. Either parent can register if they are married or in a civil partnership. A copy of the birth certificate costs £12.50.
How to register
The government website states that all births in England, Wales and Northern Ireland must be registered within 42 days of the child being born, at the local register office for the area where the baby was born, or at the hospital before the mother leaves. If registration cannot be done in the area of birth, another register office can send details to the correct office. Different rules apply for births in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or abroad.
When registering, parents should provide: place and date of birth, name, surname and sex of the baby, parents' names, surnames and address, places and dates of parents' birth, date of parents' marriage or civil partnership, parents' jobs, and mother's maiden surname. Not all information may be required depending on who registers.
What to bring and consequences of delay
At least one form of identification should be taken, such as a passport, birth certificate, deed poll, driving licence, proof of address, Council Tax bill, or marriage/civil partnership certificate. The child's personal child health record or 'red book' may also be requested.
If registration is not completed in time, reminders will likely be sent. Prosecution is extremely rare but possible, carrying a fine of up to £1,000. After registration, parents can claim Child Benefit, but delays complicate the process. Other issues include difficulties with obtaining a passport, National Insurance number, or enrolling at school.
