Registering a birth

A birth must be registered in the area where it took place. So if your baby was born in the borough of Brent, whether at home or in hospital, you need to come into see us within 42 days or six weeks of the birth.

If your baby was born elsewhere, then you should go to the register office for that place. Check with the hospital or midwife to find out where to go. Alternatively, go to any register office in England or Wales and register the baby by declaration.  The register office will send the details to the local authority where the baby was born, so the registration can be completed and the certificate sent to your home address.

If the couple were married at the time of the birth, then either the mother or father can register the baby. If you were not married, the mother must register the baby. If the father details are to be added, he will need to come along to the registration. To enter the father's name after the birth has been registered, the mother must complete a GRO 185 form. Both parents should come to the re-registration.

After the registration you will receive a free, short birth certificate.

A copy of the full birth certificate is available for a fee. Copies requested at a later date can cost more. Request a birth certificate online

Couples who marry after registering a birth have to re-register the child by both completing an LA1 form in person at our offices. If it is more than one child they may need to book an appointment. Just one parent can complete the re-registration at the register office on production of a marriage certificate. The mother's and child's surnames can be changed at this point and a new birth certificate made. The cost is £3.50.

If the ceremony takes place abroad, the LA1 form is sent to the General Register Office (GRO), to check the marriage is legal. We will let you know the decision and what action to take.
 

Change of name
If you wish to change your name, for a fee, you can do so by Deed Poll.

You must notify all UK organisations and the relevant government departments after you've changed name so their records can be amended.

The New Name kit contains a database of UK organisations and automatically generates letters with your change of personal details, just print and send.