Register a birth

Registering a birth is an important legal requirement. We will help you complete the process as simply and efficiently as possible.

On this page

1. Before you book an appointment
2. When you need to register a birth
3. Who can register a birth
4. What you need to bring
5. Where and how to register
6. At your appointment
7. Certificates
8. If the parents are not married
9. If the birth did not take place in Torbay
10. Contact us

1. Before you book an appointment

You should only book an appointment after the birth has been registered by the hospital or midwife.

Most births in Torbay are electronically notified to the register office by the hospital. If this has not yet happened, you may not be able to register the birth.

Important: Do not book an appointment until you have been advised that the birth notification has been sent to the Registrar.

2. When you need to register a birth

You must register the birth within 42 days (6 weeks).

If this time limit has passed, please contact the Register Office for advice as soon as possible.

3. Who can register a birth

Who can register the birth depends on the parents’ circumstances.

If the parents are married or in a civil partnership

• Either parent can register the birth.

If the parents are not married or in a civil partnership

• The mother can register the birth alone
• The father or second parent can be included if:
• Both parents attend together, or
• A statutory declaration is provided

More information is in section 8 below.

4. What you need to bring

All information is taken from the person registering the birth.

Please bring supporting documents to help ensure accuracy. The absence of documents will not prevent registration.

Documents for the baby

• Red book (if issued)
• Documents for the parents
• Passport
• Driving licence
• Proof of address (utility bill)
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)

You will also need to know:

• The date and place of birth
• The full names of both parents
• Dates and places of birth of the parents
• Occupations of the parents
• The mother’s maiden name

5. Where and how to register

Births must be registered in the district where the baby was born.

Appointments are available at:

Paignton Library

Monday to Friday

Appointments from 9:30am to 3:30pm

6. At your appointment

You will be seen in a private room.The appointment usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes.You will:

• Provide the information needed for the register
• Check the details carefully
• Sign the register to confirm the information is correct

7. Certificates

Birth certificate — £12.50 each

A birth certificate is a certified copy of the birth register. It cannot be photocopied.

You can buy certificates:

• When booking your appointment
• At your appointment (card payments accepted)
• Online at a later date

Birth certificates may be needed for:

• Passports
• Child benefit claims
• School enrolment

8. If the parents are not married

The father or second parent’s details can only be included if certain conditions are met.

This can be done by:

• Both parents attending the appointment together, or
• Providing a statutory declaration of parentage
• If only one parent attends, only that parent’s details will be recorded.

9. If the birth did not take place in Torbay

If your baby was born outside Torbay, you must normally register the birth in the district where the birth occurred.

In some cases, you may be able to attend another register office and make a declaration, which will be sent to the correct district.

Please contact us for advice before booking.

10. Contact us

Torbay Registrars

Telephone: 01803 207130

Online enquiry form