You must book an appointment to register the birth of the baby. This is a free service.
You must register the baby's birth:
- within 42 days
- in the district where the baby was born.
You can book, amend or cancel an appointment to register a birth
Who can register a birth
Visit the gov.uk 'Who can register a birth page' to find out who can register a birth.
Births outside Newcastle
Visit gov.uk 'Find a register office' to register births outside Newcastle.
Contact the General Register Office for births outside England and Wales.
What you need to bring to your appointment
You will need to bring some documents and details with you.
Babys information
- full name, date and place of birth
- the birth notification or discharge letter from the hospital, or the baby's Personal Child Health Record (the 'red book')
Parents information
- the parents' full names, dates and places of birth
- the parents' address
- at least one form of identification for each parent
Other person registering the birth
- anyone who is not the baby's parent must bring one form of identification to the appointment.
Your appointment
The appointment will take about 20 minutes. You do not need to bring the baby to the appointment.
A registrar will:
- ask questions about the baby and the parents
- record the details in the birth register
- ask you to check the information and sign the record
Check the information carefully before you sign the record, as you will need to pay to correct any mistakes. You can read more at correct a birth registration.
You can:
- buy copies of the birth certificate at your appointment
- order a copy of the birth certificate online