You can re-register the birth it you would like to add your child's natural father's details to the registration. You may also wish to if you have been married after joint registration of your child.

This involves completing a form and attending the register office with certain documents. The birth registration can then be updated.

The process is free and new birth certificates can be ordered after your appointment.

To add father's details

If your child's natural father's details were not added at the original registration, you can re-register to add these.  

You must complete Form 185 available on gov.uk and then call us on 0345 600 6400 to book your appointment. Both parents must attend the appointment with:

• the original birth certificate
• appropriate ID.

The application may need to be referred to the General Register Office for approval. This may happen if court decisions have been made.

 

After marriage

You can re-register the birth if:

• The child's natural father is named on the original birth certificate and the parents have now married,
• The natural father is not named on the birth certificate.

This legitimates the birth. It allows you to change the mother's and child's surnames, if desired. 

You must complete form LA1 on gov.uk and then call us on 0345 600 6400 to book your appointment.

Only one parent must attend the appointment with:

• the original birth certificate
• original marriage
• certificate and appropriate ID.

In certain circumstances, the applications may have to be referred to the General Register Office for approval.

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