Births

In addition to the information here, the central government website www.direct.gov.uk holds lots of useful tips and facts for those about to have a baby, new parents and parental responsibilty including sections on health in pregnancy and after the birth. 

You can also read about maternity leave and pay.

Who should register the birth?
Every live birth must be registered within 42 days of the child being born.

The birth must be registered personally by:

• one of the parents if the parents are married to each other 
• the mother or the mother and father together if they are not married to each other                

You can not ask a friend or relative to register the birth on your behalf.

Find out more about who should register the birth.

Where do I register a birth?

The birth must be registered at the Register Office for the district where the birth takes place.
For births in Warrington, you must register the birth at:

The Register Office 
Museum Street 
Warrington 
This office is open from 9.00am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. 

Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes. For your convenience we operate an appointments system.

How do I make an appointment?
Please telephone 01925 442762 to make an appointment

Do I need to bring anything with me?
It may be helpful to bring your own (the parents') passports and the birth certificates of any of your previous children with you to your appointment.

If English is not your first language, and you would like someone to help with the registration, you should ask a friend or relative to go to register.

What will happen at the appointment?
At the time of the registration the Registrar will give you a free short birth certificate (the short birth certificate will show only the baby's forenames, surname, sex, date of birth and district of birth), plus a form for you to register your baby with your doctor.

The Registrar is also able to provide a full birth certificate at a cost of £3.50 if required. This includes details of the parent(s) and is a copy of the entire register entry.

What can I do if I can't register the birth in Warrington?
You may go to any other Register Office in England or Wales to give information for the registration but the birth will not be registered there. 

The information you give at another office will be sent to us and we will send you a free short birth certificate plus a form for you to register your baby with your doctor.

What do I do if I lose a birth certificate?
Duplicate or copy certificates can always be obtained at a later date if required.