Registration of births

It is a legal requirement to register a birth within 42 days. The birth must be registered at the Register Office in the borough where the birth took place.

Book an appointment to register a birth.

Who can register the birth?

Who can register the birth
Marital status Who can register the birth
If parents are married at time of birth or conception
  • Either the mother or father can register the birth on their own.
If parents are not married at time of birth or conception
  • Both parents can attend and sign the birth register together.
  • The mother can register without the father, but his details will not be included. It may be possible to re-register at a later date and add his details.
  • If one parent cannot attend the register office, they will need to complete the statutory declaration form, which must be attested by a legal professional (see the accompanying notes on the form). The parent registering the birth should give the completed form to the registrar.
  • Where there is a parental responsibility agreement in force or either parent has an appropriate court order, this can be presented at the time of registration.
If neither the mother nor the father can attend

If the baby was born outside the borough

We cannot register the birth, or issue a birth certificate, if the baby was not born in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

To locate the Register Office where the baby can be registered, please visit GOV.UK.

Alternatively, you can ‘make a declaration’ to the registrar at Richmond Register Office.

The appointment process for a Declaration

  • The Registrar will take the details of the birth and send signed paperwork to the Register Office of the borough where the birth took place.
  • The birth will be registered at that Register Office, and the certificate(s) will be posted to you by that office, approximately 10 days after your appointment.
  • A short birth certificate will be issued free, by the office registering the birth. Full certificates cost £4.00 each (a full certificate would be needed for a child’s passport application).
  • You will need to bring a cheque book or postal order, no other payment can be accepted, as your fee will be posted.
  • Please bring the baby’s NHS number or Red book (although there is no legal requirement it can be helpful).
  • There is no requirement to bring baby to the appointment.
  • Please note that if you choose to make a declaration, the birth will not be registered at this office, and we will not hold any records or be able to provide copy certificates, either at the time of taking the details or in the future.

If the baby was born in the borough

If the baby was born in the borough of Richmond upon Thames, the birth must be registered at Richmond upon Thames Register Office.

The appointment process for a registration

  • Payment is required for any full certificates required - £4.00 per copy.
  • A short birth certificate is issued free (but a full certificate is required for passport applications).
  • Bring the baby’s NHS number or Red book (although there is no legal requirement it can be helpful).
  • There is no requirement to bring the baby to the appointment.
  • The certificate(s) will be issued at the appointment.
  • Further copies of certificates can be issued at a later date, as the record of the birth will remain at this office.

Details asked by the Registrar

  • The baby’s name, date and place of birth.
  • The parents’ names, places of birth, occupations, and addresses.

The Registrar will also ask the following, however the answers will not appear on the birth certificate:

  • If the parents were married to each other at the time of the birth, and the date of the marriage.
  • If the mother has had any previous children.
  • The parents’ date of birth.

If you do not speak or understand English, please bring someone who can translate for you.

Have you thought about holding a naming ceremony?

A naming ceremony is a lovely way to celebrate the birth of a child, or the formation of a new family by welcoming an adopted child or step children. The ceremony can be held for a child or children of the same family up to 18 years of age.