Archive Website of the UK government

Adding the natural father’s details

If the parents are unmarried and would like the natural father’s details added to the birth record, they need to re-register the birth so that a new birth record can be created to replace the original one.

In these circumstances, you will need to complete an ‘application for the re-registration of a child’s birth’ form.

Both parents should attend the register office to provide the necessary information for the re-registration. If this is not possible, they also need to complete the ‘Statutory declaration of acknowledgement of parentage’ form.

• Download 'Application form to re-register a child's birth' (PDF, 55K)

• Download 'Statutory declaration of parentage' form (PDF, 29K)

• Help with PDF files

• Search for your local register office Opens new window

The natural parents have married each other since the birth

If the natural parents have married each other since the birth, they need to re-register the birth so that a new birth record can be created showing the child as a child of the parents’ marriage.

In these circumstances, you need to complete an ‘Application for re-registration following parents’ marriage’ form.

• Download 'Application to re-register a child's birth following marriage of natural parents' form (PDF, 51K)

• Help with PDF files

Following a Court issued ‘Declaration of Parentage’

When a court in England or Wales issues a Declaration of Parentage, a birth can be re-registered to show the findings of the court.

A copy of the declaration is sent directly to the General Register Office for the birth to be re-registered. You do not need to do anything.

To find out how to apply for a Declaration of Parentage, contact a solicitor or the Chief Clerk at your local Magistrates or County Court.

Getting a new birth certificate

There is no charge for re-registrations, but if you would like a new birth certificate displaying the changes, you need to buy one.

You can order certificates at the register office you are dealing with, or online.

Contact the General Register Office on +44 (0) 300 123 1837 or email:

corrections.re-reg@ips.gsi.gov.uk

• Order birth, marriage and death certificates

For events in Scotland or Northern Ireland

You can contact the relevant General Register Office using the links below.

• General Register Office for Scotland Opens new window

• General Register Office for Northern Ireland Opens new window