Registering a birth
Who can register a birth
If you are married or in a civil partnership then either parent can come and register the birth.
If you are not married or in a civil partnership then the second parent has to come with the mother to register. We can add the second parent at a later date if you are unable to come.
You do not need to bring the baby.
Coming to your appointment
You must be on time for your appointment. If you are late you will not be seen and you will need to book a new appointment.
COVID-19 restrictions
Follow the COVID-19 Government guidance at all times.
Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has COVID-19 symptoms.
When you arrive at the register office:
- you should continue to follow social distancing measures at all times
- you will be asked to sanitise your hands on entering the building
- it is recommended that people continue to wear face coverings in crowded or indoor spaces. This applies to our communal spaces/corridors and ceremony rooms.
Who should come to the appointment
- Only parents (and interpreters if required) should attend the appointment.
- If you were married or civil partners at the time of the birth only one parent need attend.
- You do not need to bring the baby.
What you should bring to your appointment
See what you will be asked at the birth registration appointment.
You will need to provide the following information:
- your child’s full name and correct spelling
- date and place of birth
- full names of the parents and correct spelling
- mother's maiden name, if applicable
- address of parents
- occupation of parents
- date and place of birth of both parents (if applicable) and, if married, date of marriage.
To make sure that the information recorded is accurate, it would be useful if you could also bring supporting documents with you for reference. This includes:
- passport
- proof of address (council tax bill, utility bill etc)
- driving licence
- birth certificate
- change of name deed (if applicable)
- marriage certificate (if applicable) / civil partnership certificate (if applicable).
You are responsible for checking the register entry before signing. Once signed, any request for a correction will be charged at £90.
We may need to cancel and/or reschedule appointments at short notice due to the COVID-19 outbreak. By booking at this time, you agree that you accept the risk of late notice cancellations and/or further rescheduling.
Changing an appointment booking
You can login to your MyLewisham account to make changes to your appointment. Any changes must be made at least two working days before the appointment date.
Claiming child benefit or universal credit
You can claim child benefit or universal credit without registering the birth.
Registering a stillbirth or neonatal death
If you need to register a stillbirth or neonatal death:
- book an appointment to register a death
- select stillbirth or neonatal death
- enter your information
and we will be in contact with you.