Family & community

New baby? How to register the birth on time in England, Wales, Scotland or NI

Every birth in the UK has to be registered, and the deadline depends on where your baby was born: 42 days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 21 days in Scotland. This guide explains where to register, who can do it, what to bring and what you leave with in each nation.

Reviewed 07/11/2026 · Applies to: UK-wide

Who this helps

New and expecting parents in the UK, including people new to the country, who need to register a baby's birth.

What to do

Diary the deadline straight after the birth: within 42 days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and within 21 days in Scotland.
Book with a registration office. In England and Wales you can go to the register office for the area where the baby was born, or ask whether the hospital registers births before the mother leaves. In Scotland you can use any registration office, in person or by a phone or online 'remote registration'. In Northern Ireland any District Registration office can register the birth, by appointment only.
Check who can register. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, either parent can register if the parents are married or in a civil partnership; if they are not, the mother can register, and the father's details are added only if both parents register together or the right declaration (or, in Scotland, a court decree) is provided. In Northern Ireland, grandparents, certain other relatives, people present at the birth or the child's carer may also register. In England and Wales, if you go to the register office alone you may need proof of paternity from the other parent before their details can be included.
Gather the details: the baby's full name, sex, and date and place of birth (Scotland also asks the time), plus each parent's full name, address and occupation. In Northern Ireland you also complete a birth registration form, and in Scotland it helps to bring the hospital's birth notification card or letter and, where relevant, a parent's birth certificate or a marriage or civil partnership certificate from outside Scotland.
In England and Wales, bring ID showing your first name and surname. From 9 November 2026 this means one primary document (such as a passport, driving licence, birth certificate or UK biometric immigration document) or two secondary documents (such as a utility bill or bank statement). Contact the register office first if you cannot provide these.
Leave with your documents. In Northern Ireland you get one free short birth certificate and an Infant Registration Card for registering with a GP. In Scotland you get an abbreviated birth certificate and form EC58, which you need to register your baby with the NHS, and you can buy a full certificate. In England and Wales you can buy a short or full certificate.

Before you act

Rules differ between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Follow the guidance for the nation where your baby was born, and check details with your local registration office.
Rules for unmarried parents, same-sex couples, surrogacy and births abroad have extra conditions not covered in full here. Ask the registrar before your appointment.
General information, not legal advice. Fees and document rules can change, so check the official pages before you go.

Take the next step

Continue to the provider’s website to check the latest details and use the service.

GOV.UK guide to registering a birth (with links for Scotland and Northern Ireland) ↗

Destination: www.gov.uk

Sources

MyAgumba explains the sources above. Eligibility and availability depend on your circumstances and the provider’s current rules.