Registering a neonatal death

For babies who die after birth, even if they live for a very short time, both birth and death must be registered. Your doctor will give you a medical certificate of death, which must be taken to the registrars within 5 days of the date of death. Your baby's birth can be registered at the same time, if you have not previously done this.

Information you will be asked to supply will include:

• the mother's name, date of birth and place of birth.
• the father's name, date of birth and place of birth.
• the date and time of baby's delivery
• baby's name
• the date and time of baby's death. (This is shown on the medical certificate)

The registrar will record baby's first name/s as well as the surname. You can also ask for a Death Certificate to keep, which currently costs £3.50. The registrar will give you a "green certificate" which is free of charge and this is needed before a funeral can take place.

To contact the Register Office see our Registration Services contacts page.