Legally recording the birth of a child born in Suffolk and
issuing a birth certificate.
When should I register a birth?
A baby must be registered within 42 days of being born.
Where can I go to register a birth?
If your baby was born in Suffolk you can attend any of our
11
registration service points to register the birth.
If your baby was born in another county you may still attend any of
our offices in Suffolk to give a 'Declaration of Birth'.
The birth certificates will be posted to you a few days later
instead of being handed to you in person by the registrar.
In all cases you will need to make an appointment.
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Who can register a birth?
If the parents of the baby are married to each other then either
of you can register the birth.
If you are not married and you would like the father's details
entered into the Register then both parents will need to attend.
Or, alternatively either the mother or father may attend with a
completed form of Statutory Declaration by the absent parent.
Please contact your local office for more information on this
issue.
If you are not married to the father of the baby you are not
normally obliged to have the fathers details included in the
Register. In some cases it may be possible for the father's name to
be added at a later date.
In certain exceptional circumstances someone other than the
parents may register the birth. In this situation please contact
your local Registration Office.
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Do you need to see the baby?
No, the baby does not need to be present.
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What information will the Registrar need about the baby?
The Registrar will need the date and place of the baby's
birth. If you have twins or triplets then the time of each baby's
birth will be needed as well. You will also be asked for the full
name (forenames and surname) in which you intend the child to be
brought up.
You may be interested in the current Top Ten babies names
|
Boys |
Girls |
| 1 |
Oliver |
Olivia |
| 2 |
Jack |
Sophie |
| 3 |
Harry |
Emily |
| 4 |
Alfie |
Lily |
| 5 |
Charlie |
Amelia |
| 6 |
Thomas |
Jessica |
| 7 |
William |
Ruby |
| 8 |
Joshua |
Chloe |
| 9 |
George |
Grace |
| 10 |
James |
Evie |
Source: Office of National Statistics (published 28 July
2011)
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What other information will the Registrar need ?
The Registrar will need the name of the mother and any names she
has used previously, the date and place of the Mothers birth and
her occupation. If the father's details are to be entered in the
Register then the same information will be required for him. If you
are married to each other you will be asked the date of your
marriage. The mother will also be asked for the number of children
she has had previously.
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Do you need to see any other identification documents ?
No, there is no need for you to produce any official
documents.
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What documents will the Registrar give me?
You will be given a short birth certificate free of charge. This
will show the name of the child and the date of their birth. A full
birth certificate that shows the parents' details in addition to
the baby's information costs £3.50 if issued at the time of
registration. You will also be given a form which will enable you
to register your child with your chosen general practitioner.
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