Registration of Births

Who can Register a Birth?

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

If the mother and father were not married to each other at the time of the child's birth, the mother alone may register the birth, but the father's details can only be entered in the register if he is also present at the time of registration.

Where can I Register?

The registration service in County Durham consists of a single unified registration district divided into four main areas.

As many offices are only part time or are open by appointment only, it is advisable to telephone in advance and make an appointment.

Actual birth certificates can only be issued by a registrar in whose district the birth has occurred. Where the birth has occurred outside of County Durham, a registrar can take details of the birth, i.e. a birth declaration, and forward the details to the appropriate office. The certificate will then be sent to you by post.

What will I Need to Register a Birth?

When you attend the register office, the registrar will ask you for the name, date of birth, place of birth and sex of the child. Similar personal details relating to the mother will also be required including occupation.

By law you must register a baby's birth within 42 days. Registering a birth is free. The registrar will give you a short birth certificate showing the baby's name, sex and date of birth. You will also have the opportunity to purchase a full birth certificate (copy of the entry in the register) for a small fee.

Re-registering a Birth

If you decide to change your child's first name(s) within 12 months of the date of the registration of the birth you are able to do so on the original birth registration. To do this you will either need to complete a form at the Register office or if your child has been baptised within twelve months of the birth registration you can obtain a form from the register office to take to the Minister of the Church in which the child was baptised. Once this form has been completed it needs to be returned to the Register Office for the necessary amendment to be undertaken in the original register.

A birth can also be re- registered at any time to include the father's details and change the surname of the child. A form is available from the Register Office that has to be completed by both parents to allow the re-registration to be undertaken.

Registering a Still Birth

A still born child is legally defined as a child born after the 24th week of pregnancy who did not at any time after being born breathe or show any other signs of life.

When a child is still born, the doctor or midwife who was present at the birth or examined the body will issue a medical certificate of still birth. The person who registers the still birth must take this certificate to the registrar's office.

A still birth must be registered under normal circumstances within 42 days.