Births

If you or your partner have recently had a baby, you will need to register its birth.

This must be done within 42 days of the birth.

The registration process is very simple and no appointment is needed.

Where can I register my child's birth?

You have two options for registering a birth:

in the Registrar's office in the district where the child was born
in the Registrar's office in the district where the mother normally lived at the time of the birth.

Our Registrar's office is located in Adelaide Exchange, 24-26 Adelaide Street, Belfast.

What information will I need to bring with me?

You will need to fill in a birth registration form.

Download a birth registration form (PDF - 801KB)

This is usually completed by the person who is registering the birth (normally the child's mother).

We use this information to complete your child's registration.

Please note that a registration cannot easily be changed once completed.

Who can register a birth?

The following people can register a child's birth:

the mother or father of the baby, if you are a married couple.
If your child has been born outside marriage, the name of the father and his details may only be recorded if both parents register the birth together.
If either parent is unavailable, you should speak to the Registrar.
Further information on unmarried fathers is available from the birth registration form.
maternal grandfather of the baby
maternal grandmother of the baby
maternal uncle of the baby
maternal aunt of the baby
occupier of the premises where the baby was born
any person present at the child's birth
any person who has charge of the child.

What details are needed to register my child's birth?

You will need the following details to register a birth:

full name and surname of the baby
date and place of birth
usual address
full names and occupations of the baby's mother and father.

What will the Registrar give me in return?

Once you have registered your child's birth, you will be given the following documents:

one free short birth certificate
a HS123 infant registration form to help you register with your family doctor and obtain your child's medical card.

Further certified copies (either short or full) are available at the time of registration.

There is a charge of £6 per copy for this service.

Why do I have to register my child's birth?

You will need proof of your child's birth for various purposes, for example, to claim child benefit and to register your baby with a doctor.

We are also required by law to keep track of the number of babies born in Belfast.

This helps us to calculate fertility rates and population estimates.

Some of the information we ask for is for statistical purposes only. However, it is strictly confidential and will not appear on your child's birth certificate.