Births & Deaths

Every birth or death that happens in the UK must be recorded even if the person is not a British citizen.


BIRTHS
A new baby must have details of their name, parents and place of birth recorded at a Register Office within 42 days of the birth. There are rules concerning who can register a baby. If the mother and father are married, then either one can register the birth. If the parents are not married, the mother can register the birth. If the father wants to be included on the Birth Certificate, he must either be present at the registration or sign a declaration of paternity form.  You will need to telephone to make an appointment to register the birth.




There are rules for other situations and you should ask for advice from the Register Office or the Citizens Advice Bureau (see Citizens Advice Bureau page this Section).


You can also visit the website at www.gro.gov.uk for more information.


Nationality
If a child is born on or after 01 July 2006 s/he will be a British citizen if either her/his father or mother is a British citizen or has worked in the UK for more than five years and has applied and received settled status.



DEATHS
When a person dies in the UK, a doctor will issue a medical certificate with details of the cause of death. Whether a person dies at home or in hospital, a medical professional must be called to certify the death.

The death has to be recorded at the Register Office within 5 days. This is usually undertaken by a relative. You will need to make an appointment to do this.  To register the death certain documentation should be provided, together with the medical certificate to enable the registrar to issue a death certificate.  If there are any complications concerning the death, a coroner may have to be consulted before the medical certificate can be issued.



Advice and information can be obtained from the Register Office, the Citizens Advice Bureau, or the website (see above).


Appointments
Please telephone (English only) to make an appointment.

If you need assistance with the English language, please take a friend with you to interpret.

Register Offices are at: