There are two situations when parents of a child may need the birth to be re-registered:

1. Where the natural parents of a child have married each other since the birth occurred. Even if the father's details were originally entered in the birth register and even if the child has the father's surname, it is in the best interests of a child (and a legal requirement) that the birth be re-registered. Failure to re-register may affect the legal rights of both child and parents.
2. Where only the mother's details were originally entered in the birth register, but now both parents wish to have their details entered. Entering the father's details in the Register will give him parental rights and responsibilities.

Applying to re-register a birth

Re-registration forms are available from any Register Office in England and Wales and after completion should be returned to the office where you wish to attend. It is possible for some re-registrations to be authorised in the Register Office, in which case you will need to make an appointment. However, some re-registration applications do have to be referred to the Registrar General for consideration.

Costs

There is no charge for re-registration, but you may wish to obtain a birth certificate showing the re-registration details. The normal certificate fee applies.