Where should a birth be registered?
A birth should be registered in the district where it took place. If required, you can register a birth outside of the district it took place by making a declaration.
Your documents will then be sent to you by post once the appropriate district has received your declaration.
Who can register a birth?
If you are married or in a civil partnership at the time of the baby’s conception or birth, either parent can register the birth.
If you are not married the mother may register alone. If the father’s or other parent’s details are to be included, both parents must attend.
If the father's or other parent’s details are included they will automatically acquire parental responsibility over the child.
Cost to register a birth
A full birth certificate can be purchased for £12.50. This shows the baby’s and parents' details.
A birth wallet is available for the cost of £1.
Information you will need to provide
You will need to tell us the following information:
- date and place of birth
- for multiple births, the time of birth for each child
- forename and surname of your child (this cannot be changed even after marriage or civil partnership)
- mother’s full name at the time of child’s birth
- mother’s maiden name (if applicable)
- mother’s place of birth
- home address at the time of child’s birth
- mother’s occupation (you can enter details of employment before the birth)
- father’s or other parent’s full name at the time of child’s birth (if their details are to be included)
- father’s or other parent’s place of birth
- father’s or other parent’s occupation at the time of child’s birth
- you do not need to bring the baby with you to register
Please check the information you give at registration very carefully. If a mistake is made an application will have to be made to the Registrar General for a correction, this may take several weeks and could cost up to £99.
Proof of identity
When you register a birth you must provide identification. Each person registering the birth must provide their own documents.
If you do not bring identification, your appointment cannot go ahead. You will need to book another one.
Please bring one of the following:
| Document | Evidence requirement |
|---|---|
| UK Passport (current or expired within the last 18 months) | Original document required |
| UK Birth Certificate or Adoption Certificate | Original document required |
| UK Valid Travel Document | Original document required |
| UK Biometric Immigration Document | Original or digital document accepted |
| UK or EU Driving Licence (full or provisional) | Original or digital document accepted |
| EU Member State Identity Card | Original document required |
| National Proof of Age Standards Scheme Card | Original document required |
If you do not have any of the above documents you must bring any two of the following:
| Document | Evidence requirement |
|---|---|
| Utility bill (not mobile phone bill) | Digital or original document |
| Council Tax statement | Digital or original document |
| Bank or building society statement | Digital or original document |
| Mortgage statement | Digital or original document |
| Credit card statement | Digital or original document |
| State benefit, pension or tax credit entitlement from DWP or HMRC | Digital or original document |
| P45 or P60 | Digital or original document |
| Marriage or civil partnership certificate | Original paper certificate only (UK) |
| Letter from a government agency | Digital or original document |
| Letter from the National Health Service | Digital or original document |
| Police or Armed Forces ID | Original document only |
| Signed firearms certificate | Original document only |
| Proof of Royal Mail Redirection | Original document only |
| Document issued by the person's local authority | Digital or original document |
| Proof of receipt of State Pension | Digital or original document |
| School or college letter (for 16 to 19 year olds) | Digital or original document |
Appointments to register a birth
Please arrive on time or you will have to make another appointment.
Make an appointment to register a birth
If you have a request regarding a declaration and re-registration appointment, please email rbdm@wirral.gov.uk
What surname will the baby have?
Your child can take the surname of either parent or both. If you are not married or in a civil partnership, and the father doesn’t attend the registration, you can still give your child the father’s or other parent’s surname.
Once your child’s name has been registered, it can not be changed in the birth entry even after marriage/civil partnership.