Registering Your Birth

It is a legal requirement to register a baby within 42 days of the birth.

If you do not live in or near Salisbury, there may be a register office closer to where you live e.g., Tidworth, Warminster. A list of offices and opening times can be found using the GOV.UK website. Click on this link to find out who can register a birth.

Information you need when registering a birth

When registering the birth, you should know:

• place and date of the 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
• mother’s maiden surname

What you should take

If you can register the birth, you should take at least one form of identification when you go to the register office. You can use:

• passport
• birth certificate
• deed poll
• driving licence
• proof of address (for example, a utility bill)
• council tax bill
• marriage or civil partnership certificate

You should also take your child’s personal child health record or ‘red book’ as some registrars may ask to see it. Additionally, if you’re going to the register office on your own, you may need proof of paternity from the other parent before you give their details.

Choosing a baby name

Choosing a baby name is a fun part of your journey. However, it’s not always the easiest decision to make, after all your little one will have their name for life!

If you are still struggling to choose a name for your baby, and the 42 day deadline is approaching, the Office for National Statistics has a list of the most popular baby names, that could give you the inspiration you need!

After the birth is registered

Once you’ve registered the birth, you may be able to claim:

• Child Benefit
• Child Tax Credit

Birth Certificates

There are 2 types of birth certificate:

• the short version, which contains only the baby’s details
• the full version, which also contains the parents’ details

Once you have registered the birth, you’ll be able to buy a short or full certificate for your baby. Both kinds cost £11 each. The register office will tell you when you can expect to receive the certificate.