by Rachelle de Bretagne

Created on: April 23, 2010   Last Updated: April 25, 2010

The birth of a child is a joyous occasion though registering the birth is essential. UK law states that the birth of a child must be registered within a set 42 days. This gives the couple ample time after the birth to get the paperwork done. The registration of birth is important, since this gives a child status as a UK citizen, and gives the authorities details they need to establish information for the Birth registry.

Language.

A birth which is registered in the UK should always be registered in English. This is important, since there are many people of different nationalities who have babies, though the only exception to this rule is in Wales, where the Welsh language is recognized as a national language for that country. However, Welsh is not acceptable in other parts of the British Isles, where understanding of that language would be limited.

Where to register.

Registration takes place at a Registry Office. Ideally this is in the area where the birth took place. This makes the paperwork a lot easier, and the couple or one of the couple should present details at the Registry Office who can supply them with a Birth Certificate. Often the hospital where the child is born is different from the home area of the couple, due to the availability of hospitals to locals of a community, and if a couple try to register in any other area than that where the child is born, they will have to wait for the Birth Certificate to be sent to them from the appropriate office, though can indeed register in another Registry Office.

Another place where it is sometimes possible to register the birth of a child is the hospital where the child is born. Do ask staff in the hospital if this service is available, since this may indeed save a lot of time for the couple.

Why you need a Birth Certificate.

The Birth Certificate or short version of the Birth Certificate will be needed when you try to claim child benefit. This may also be needed for numerous other administrative uses, so it may be wise to get a couple of copies. Items such as insurance may require this certificate, so do look into the amount of copies you will need.

Who can register the birth.

This gets a little complex. If the couple are married, then either of the parties can register the birth of the child. If unmarried, this means that if both parties cannot be present for the registration process, the missing party will need to fill out a Statutory Declaration. This can be obtained from the Registry though is

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