Normally one or both parents must come in person. If the parents were married to each other at the time of the birth, either the mother or father can register the baby.

However, if the parents were not married to each other, the father's details can only be entered in the Register in the following circumstances:

• Where the mother and father attend together before the Registrar to register the birth
• Where the father is unable to attend with the mother it is possible for him to make a statutory declaration before a Solicitor, Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths, confirming that he is the father, which the mother should produce to the Registrar. (Copies of this form can be obtained from any Registrar in England or Wales)
• Where the mother is unable to attend the office with the father it is possible for her to make a statutory declaration before a Solicitor, Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths, confirming the name of the father. The father should give this declaration to the Registrar. (Copies of this form can be obtained from any Registrar in England or Wales)
• Or where either parent has obtained a relevant Court Order this should be produced to the Registrar who will advise you further.

If English is not the first language of the parents and they would like someone to help with the registration they can ask a friend or relative to come with them to the Register Office.

However, the parent(s) must always be there to register the birth personally as a relative or friend cannot register instead of them.

For further information please contact us on 020 8430 3617 or email us - see Get in Touch for contact details and opening times.