Re-registering a birth

The re-registration of a birth is making a new record in the birth register. Re-registration of a birth is only available for births that took place in England or Wales.  

There are two reasons why a birth may need to be re-registered:

• if you've married or formed a civil partnership to the other parent of your child, even if the natural parent's details were entered in the original birth registration. Re-registration is recommended and the new entry will show the new status of both you and your child
• to add the natural father's name and details to your child’s birth entry if none was recorded originally

How to re-register

You can obtain a form from any register office in England or Wales. Download a form from the GOV.UK website or from one of the links below.

• for re-registering a birth after marriage, apply using form LA1
• for re-registering a birth to include natural father's details, apply using form GRO 185

Return all completed forms to the Southwark Register Office. Most re-registrations can be authorised in the register office. Some applications have to be referred to the Registrar General for consideration. If you're unable to attend the register office in the district where the birth occurred, it's possible to re-register at another register office by declaration.

Once you have attended your re-registration by declaration appointment, we will send the documentation to the relevant register office who will complete the re-registration and issue certificates if necessary.  

The re-registration process

Email us the following details:

• your name and contact details
• the child's full name
• the child's date of birth
• the place of birth
• and state the type of re- registration (after marriage or civil partnership; to include natural parent's details and re-register by declaration)

Once we've received your email we will contact the relevant register office for a copy the birth entry. We will then email you to make 30 minute re-registration appointment.

For this appointment you will need to bring:

• completed LA1 or the GRO185 form 
• your child’s birth certificate 
• photo ID for both parents
• marriage certificate if relevant

Fees

• re-registering is free of charge
• copies of certificates can be purchased at £11 each directly from the district where your child was born

For further details, contact us on registrars@southwark.gov.uk.

Page last updated: 30 June 2020