Registering a Birth

When you go to initially register the birth of a new born you will need to have the following information: -

Child: -

Date and place of birth; if the birth is one of twins, triplets, etc. the time of each child's birth will also be needed
Sex of the child
The forename(s) and surname in which it is intended that the child will be brought up

Mother: -

Forename(s) and surname, and any previous name(s) or surname(s) used
Maiden surname if the mother is, or has been, married
Date and place of birth
Occupation at the time of the child's birth or, if not employed at that time, the last occupation
Address at the date of the birth
Date of marriage, if married to the child's father at the time of the birth
Number of previous children born within a marriage

Father: -

(Where this information is to be entered in the register)

Forename(s) and surname, and any previous name(s) or surname(s) used
Date and place of birth
Occupation at the time of the child's birth or, if not employed at that time, the last occupation
Address at the time of the registration of the birth

It is important that the information recorded in the birth register is correct. If any mistake is made, for example in the spelling of a name or surname or in the description of the father’s or mother’s occupation, it can be difficult to put right after you have signed the register. You should, therefore, check the particulars in the entry very carefully before you sign.

Copy Birth Certificate Requirements

If you require a copy birth certificate, Leicestershire Registration Service can help if the birth took place within Leicestershire County Council's area. For babies born in hospital or in a maternity home, you will need to apply to the Register Office in whose area that hospital or maternity home is situated.

You can get a short or standard version of the certificate if you are requesting a copy birth certificate. There is a small fee to pay for each certificate - please see the Registration Fees page.

You must have the following information to obtain a copy birth certificate:

Forename(s) and Surname at Birth (For a married lady, her maiden surname is required)
Date of birth
Place of Birth - (full address or name of Hospital)
Fathers forename(s) and surname
Mothers forename(s) and surname at time of child’s birth - (and her maiden name, if applicable)

Please see the Copy Certificates content for current fees or further information, or call the Registration Service on 0116 305 6565.