Re-registering a birth
Re-registration can update the birth record where applicable, but it cannot be used to change a child's first names or surname.
Re-registration is free but new certificates, showing the updated registration are charged at the statutory fee of £12.50 each.
From 9 November 2026 anyone attending to re-register a birth must provide evidence of their identity.
Accepted forms of identification include:
- Passport (issued in the UK or overseas)
- UK or EU driving licence (full or provisional). Paper counterpart driving licences are not accepted.
- UK birth or adoption certificate
- PASS card (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
If you do not have any of the documents listed above, please see the full list of accepted documents.
Unmarried parents
To add the father to a birth registration at a later date, you can apply to re-register the birth using Form GRO185 (gov.uk).
Once the form is complete, phone us on 0345 60 80 198 to book your re-registration appointment.
The parent attending the appointment must bring evidence of their identity.
Married or Civil Partnered Parents
If you married or are civil partnered after registering the birth of your child, you can re-register.
You can apply to do this by completing Form LA1 (gov.uk).
Form LA1 can also be used to add the natural father's name to the birth registration after the parents have married or civil partnered, if he was not previously named on the original birth certificate.
Once the form is complete, phone us on 0345 60 80 198 to book your re-registration appointment.
The parent attending the appointment must bring evidence of their identity.
