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Registering a birth

A birth should be registered within 42 days of the date of birth in the district in which it occurred.

How do I register a birth?

For births that occur in Swansea, you must register the birth at the Register Office, Civic Centre, Swansea SA1 3SN.

You will need to have an appointment to register a birth. Please telephone 01792 637444 to arrange this.

Who can register a birth?

  • one of the parents if the parents are married to each other.
  • the mother, or the mother and father together if they are not married to each other.

If the parents are not married to each other at the time of the birth, the father's details may be entered when the mother and father come together to register the birth.

When the father is not able to attend he may make what is called a Statutory Declaration confirming that he is the father. The mother will give this declaration to the Registrar (the form for this declaration is available from any Register Office).

When the mother is not able to attend with the father, she may make a Statutory Declaration confirming the name of the father. The father should give the declaration to the Registrar. 

When either parent has a Court Order or Parental Responsibility Agreement in respect of the child the Court Order or Agreement must be handed to the Registrar who will advise on each case as it arises.

If the birth is to be registered with two female parents please telephone 01792 637444 for further advice.

What information will the registrar need and what documents should I bring to the appointment?

A Registrar will talk to you privately at the Register Office and will ask you for:

  • the date and place of birth.
  • the full name and surname of the child.
  • the full names of the parent(s).
  • the occupation of the parent(s) and where you were born.
  • the usual address(es) of the parent(s).
  • the parent(s) date of birth.

It is useful for the registrar if parent(s) bring an ID document eg passport, driving licence or birth certificate that shows their full name.

Once the registration has been completed, the Registrar will ask you to check that all the details are correct before signing the Register. You should check the information carefully before signing as any errors found after the registration has been completed will involve a formal correction procedure.

What documents will the registrar give me?

You will be able to purchase birth certificates for a fee of £11.00 per certificate.

A standard birth certificate will contain the name, date and place of birth of the child along with the parent(s) details.

A short birth certificate will only contain the details of the child.

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Last modified on 28 March 2023