Births

A child's birth can be re-registered to include up-to-date information if:

• the natural father's details weren't entered at the time of the original birth registration
• the child's parents have married after the original birth registration

Addition of father's details 

You can apply for a re-registration to be made to include the father's details by completing  this form [198KB] . Once the form has been completed, you can make an appointment for both parents to visit the register office to sign the new birth registration.

Parents who marry following the original birth registration

You are required by law to re-register the birth within three months of the marriage, even if your baby was originally registered with the father's surname. Once this form [159KB] is completed, you can make an appointment for either parent to visit the register office to sign the new birth registration. You will need to bring a copy of your marriage certificate when you attend. 

Please note: Your appointment may be cancelled and re-booked for a later date if your form is incomplete when you attend. 

Make an appointment to re-register a birth

Change of first name

You can change your child's first name(s) on the birth certificate within 12 months of the date of the original registration. This will appear in space 17 of the birth certificate.

You will need to complete a simple form which is available from the Register Office. 

Change of name deed

The Register Office now offer a change of name deed service for adults or children who are British Citizens who wish to change their forenames or surname. Please contact the Register Office for more information.