A Guide to Registering a Birth

A Guide to Registering a Birth

2 A Guide to Registering a Birth

Congratulations on the birth of your baby.

Who can register? If the parents are married to each other or are in a civil partnership with each other , either one can register on their own. If the parents are not married or are not civil partners with each other , both parents must attend together. If the parent who is registering the birth does not speak English , they must bring someone who is able to translate for them.

You must register the birth within 42 days (six weeks) in the district in which it occurred. You need to book an appointment online to register at Kensington and Chelsea Register Office. Please visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/registerabirth . If you have any specific questions about registering a birth, please visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/registrars for full information. If you have any specific requirements, including access requirements, please contact the Register Office at [email protected] . If you live in another district, you can attend your local register office to make a legal declaration.This is a slower process and certificates will not be available on the same day.

It is not necessary to bring the baby to the appointment with you.

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You will need to provide the following information: • place and date of the baby’s birth • full name and sex of the baby • parents’ full names and address/ addresses • place and date of birth for both parents • date of the parents’ marriage or civil partnership (if applicable) • parents’ occupations • mother’s maiden name (if applicable). Please bring the following documents with you: • a proof of identity for each parent (e.g. passport, birth certificate, deed poll, driving licence) • paperwork issued by the hospital proving that the birth has occurred (e.g. any hospital discharge papers).

You do not need to bring the following documents with you, but it is helpful if you are able to provide: • proof of marital status, if relevant (e.g. a marriage or civil partnership certificate) • proof of address (e.g. utility bill or Council Tax bill). Birth certificates There are two types of birth certificate: • the short version, which contains only the baby’s details; • the full version, which contains both the baby’s and the parents’ details. Birth certificates cost £11 and you can purchase as many as you need. Payment is made when you book your appointment.You can purchase further copies at any time though our website www.rbkc.gov.uk/registrars . You can purchase further copies at any time from the Register Office. However, certificates cost more after registration. Please note that legislative changes can increase the cost of certificates at any time.

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Registering a birth – Frequently Asked Questions How do I register a birth? You must register the birth within 42 days in the district in which it occurred. You need to book an appointment online to register a birth at Kensington and Chelsea Register Office www.rbkc.gov.uk/registerabirth . We do not offer a walk-in service; appointments are compulsory. I cannot find any documents. Can we still register a birth? It is extremely helpful if you are able to bring a proof of identity and the paperwork issued by the hospital with you, but you can still register if you are not able to bring these documents. Can I reschedule my appointment? You can reschedule your appointment using the link in your online booking confirmation email. What should I do if I am running late for my appointment? It is not necessary to call us if you are running late for your appointment. Please arrive promptly. We may not be able to accommodate you on the same day if you miss the start time of your appointment.

reschedule using the link in your online booking confirmation email. What is shown on the birth certificate? The birth certificate has the baby’s name, date and place of birth. It also contains parents’ details, including their names, place of birth, occupation and address. Birth certificates can be purchased at the appointment if you have not already done so online. I want to change my child’s name on their birth certificate. It is not always possible to change a child’s name on their birth certificate. A child’s forenames (but not surname) can be changed within one year after registration only. Please visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/registrars for further information. A child’s surname (but not forenames) can only be changed if the birth is re- registered or the father’s name is added to a birth certificate. In all other circumstances a child’s name can be changed by deed poll . This will legally change their name, but does not change the name on their birth certificate.

If you are unable to make it to your appointment on time, you can

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How can I correct an error on the birth certificate? A birth certificate is an important legal document.The registrar will ask you to carefully check the information before you sign the register as it is not always possible to amend the information. Incorrect information can sometimes be corrected, but new information cannot be added if your circumstances change. If you have found an error on a birth certificate, you can find information on how to amend a legal document by visiting www.gov.uk/correct-birth- registration . How do I add a father or second female parent to a birth certificate? If the father or second female parent is not named on the original birth certificate, they can be added at any time. You will need to complete an application form and then book an appointment for re-registration. Both parents will need to attend the appointment together. What do we have to do if we have married or had a civil partnership since our child was registered?

Natural parents of a child are legally required to re-register the child’s birth if they marry or register a civil partnership with each other at any time. You will need to complete an application form and then book an appointment for re-registration. Only one parent needs to attend this appointment. You will need to bring your marriage or civil partnership certificate with you to the appointment. If your marriage or civil partnership did not take place in the United Kingdom, please email [email protected] for further information. Can we be seen if we have not booked an appointment? No, you must book an appointment before you come to the register office.

We may be able to arrange an emergency appointment in very

exceptional circumstances. Please email [email protected] if you feel that you have an urgent reason which means you cannot attend with a pre- booked appointment.

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10 A Guide to Registering a Birth

Naming Ceremonies A Naming Ceremony is an occasion for parents, family and friends to pledge their love and commitment to a child. It is an opportunity to celebrate the birth of a new baby or to welcome an adoptive child or step-child into a new relationship and to form a bond within an extended family. A Naming Ceremony allows supporting adults, grandparents and older siblings to offer assurance and guidance through their promises to your child.You can choose poems or readings to enhance the ceremony and may present your child with a special gift to mark the occasion. Naming Ceremonies can be arranged by any parent, from any cultural background and with any spiritual or religious beliefs.There is no age limit to a Naming Ceremony and more than one child may be named at the same time.

We can perform these at any of the ApprovedVenues within the Royal Borough and you do not have to live in Kensington and Chelsea in order to have a naming ceremony here. Please visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/ registrars or email us at registrars@ rbkc.gov.uk if you would like further information.

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Visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/registrars for more information. Kensington and Chelsea Register Office Chelsea Old Town Hall Kings Road London SW3 5EE Telephone: 020 7361 4100 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm

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