Re-register a birth

If you married after your child was born

If you were not married when your child was born, but you have since married each other, you can re-register your child's birth.

This is done under the Legitimacy Act 1929.

How to book an appointment

Email rbdm@wirral.gov.uk to arrange an appointment.

What you need

Bring:

Who needs to attend?

If you are married, only one parent needs to attend the appointment.

Important information:

  • the only surname that can be changed during this process is the mother's surname
  • a new birth certificate will be issued after the re-registration
  • the fee for a new certificate is £12.50

If you married outside England or Wales

If your marriage took place abroad, we must send the application to the General Register Office (GRO).

The GRO will check the laws of the country where the marriage took place. We will then contact you to let you know if any further action is needed.

Adding the father or other parent to a birth certificate

If the father or other parent was not included when the birth was first registered, you can apply to add them later.

How to book an appointment

Email rbdm@wirral.gov.uk to arrange an appointment.

What you need

Bring:

Who needs to attend?

Both parents must attend the appointment.

Important information:

  • this process only adds the natural father to the birth record
  • the child's name cannot be changed as part of this re-registration
  • a new birth certificate will be issued after the change is made
  • the fee for a new certificate is £12.50

You can not change a child's surname

If:

  • the parents were not married when the child was born, and
  • the child was registered with the father's surname

You cannot change the surname back to the mother's surname through re-registration.

What are my options?

You may wish to seek legal advice about changing the child's surname by:

  • a Statutory Declaration, or
  • a Deed Poll

Please note:

  • this does not change the original birth registration
  • the Statutory Declaration or Deed Poll should be kept with the birth certificate
  • together, these documents provide evidence that the child is using a different surname from the one shown on the birth certificate
 

Quick checklist

Married after the birth?

  • Email rbdm@wirral.gov.uk
  • Marriage certificate
  • Original birth certificate(s)
  • LA1 form signed by both parents
  • One parent attends

Adding a father or other parent?

  • Email rbdm@wirral.gov.uk
  • Original birth certificate
  • GRO 185 form
  • Both parents attend
  • New birth certificate fee: £12.50