Births

• where the mother and the father attend together before the registrar to register the birth
• or where the father is unable to attend with the mother it is possible for him to make a statutory declaration, confirming that he is the father, which the mother should produce to the registrar (copies of this form can be obtained from any registrar in England and Wales)
• or where the mother in unable to attend the office with the father, it is possible for her to make a statutory declaration, confirming the name of the father, which the father should produce to the registrar
• or where either parent has obtained a relevant court order this should be produced to the registrar who will advise you further.

However, if the parents are not married to each other the father cannot register the birth unless the mother attends the office with him and they both sign the register or she makes a legal declaration naming him as the father.

The mother can register the birth on her own but the father's details will not be recorded in the register. There are circumstances in which other people may be legally qualified to register the birth. However, these are unusual and you should contact the Register Office for advice.

Please remember one of the parents must register the birth in person. They cannot ask a friend or relative to register the birth on their behalf.