Who can register the birth depends on your personal circumstances. Find out who can register a birth on the government's website.

As a quick reference guide:

• if the child's parents were married to each other, or in a civil partnership at the time of the child's birth, either parent may attend the Register Office for the appointment.
• if the child's parents were not married to each other, or in a civil partnership at the time of birth, and both parents wish to be named on the birth certificate, both parents must be present at the appointment. If a the second parent's details are not to be included on the birth certificate, the child's mother alone may attend the appointment.

During the appointment, the registrar will ask you for the following information:

• Your name and address
• Your occupation
• Where and when you were born
• If you have any other children
• Any previous names or surnames
• The date of your marriage or civil partnership (if this applies)

Your Registrar will then ask you to check and sign the register page – please bring your own pen (blue or black ink).

It’s really useful if you can also bring:

• Your passport(s) or,
• Your driving licence(s) or,
• A recent utility bill
• and your marriage or civil partnership certificate, if this applies

But don’t worry if you don’t have these documents available, you may still sign the register page without them. However, it can cost you between £75 and £90 if you need to correct or add any information at a later date. So before you sign the register, please make sure you check all the information carefully.

If English is not your first language and you feel you may need the help of an interpreter, please ensure someone who can interpret for you is also present at your appointment.

We've moved! Our new office is located at 1 Time Square, Warrington, WA1 2NT

Visiting the Register Office

Although face coverings are no longer mandatory, our staff will continue to wear them during appointments with the public, particularly since coronavirus cases remain high in Warrington. Therefore, we request you wear a face covering throughout your visit (unless exempt).

For the safety of staff and visitors, we can only accommodate up to two households in our reception area at any one time. During busy periods you may therefore be asked to wait outside until your Registrar is ready for you. Please be prepared for inclement weather in case you do have to wait outside.

We are open for appointments between 9am and 4:30 on Monday to Friday. We are not available for appointments at weekends nor bank holidays.

You will be able to purchase Birth Certificates at your appointment

There are two types of birth certificates:

• a short one which shows only your baby’s name, gender, date and place of birth

please note, the short Birth Certificate is not a legal document and cannot be used for identification purposes

• a longer one which also shows information about you as the parent(s)

If you choose to buy a Birth Certificate at your appointment, we are unable to accept cash or cheques at the moment. Payment for certificates can be made with credit/debit cards only.

You will be able to order birth certificates online at any point immediately after your appointment. 

Find out about ordering a copy of a birth certificate.

It’s free to book an appointment and register a birth, but there is a cost if you want to buy a copy of the birth certificate. 

You can order your birth certificate online

Find out about ordering a copy of a birth certificate.

We offer a priority Next Day service, where the cost is £35 per certificate or a standard 5 working days service where the cost Is £11 per certificate.