Registering a birth is an important legal step that records your baby’s details and allows you to obtain a birth certificate. This page explains how to register a birth in Cheshire East, who can attend the appointment, what information you will need to provide, and how to book an appointment.
Before you book
You can book online if your baby:
- Was born in Cheshire East.
- Is 42 days old or less.
- Was a single or twin birth.
If your baby was born outside Cheshire East, you should contact the Register Office for the district where the birth took place.
For example:
- Births at Wythenshawe Hospital should be registered with Manchester Registration Service. https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200010/births/492/how_to_register_a_birth
- Births at Stepping Hill Hospital should be registered with Stockport Registration Service. https://www.stockport.gov.uk/births
Information needed to register the birth
The Registrar will ask for details about your baby, including the date and place of birth, their full name and surname, and their sex.
The Registrar will also need information about the parent or parents. This includes their full names and usual address, date and place of birth, occupation, and the mother's maiden surname. If the parents are married or in a civil partnership, the date of the marriage or civil partnership will also be required.
Identification and supporting documents
If available please bring your baby's Personal Child Health Record (Red Book) to your appointment.
Evidence of identity
Evidence of identity is required when registering a birth. If both parents are attending the appointment, both parents must bring identification.
If the required identification is not provided, the registration may be delayed, and a further appointment may be necessary.
Examples of accepted identification include:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- National identity card
- Residence permit or immigration document
- Please click the link for a full list of acceptable evidence prove your identity
Supporting documents
To help ensure the information recorded is accurate, it can also be helpful to bring supporting documents, such as:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage or civil partnership certificates
- Change of name documents (where applicable)
These documents are not usually required to register the birth but can help avoid errors in the registration record.
Please check all information carefully before confirming the registration. Corrections made after registration are subject to a statutory fee.
Options for registering a birth
Parents who are married or in a civil partnership
Either parent may register the birth.
Parents who are not married
If the father's details are to be included in the birth registration, both parents must attend the appointment together.
If the father's details are not included when the birth is first registered, they may be added at a later date through re-registration, provided both parents agree.
For further information, please contact the Register Office where the birth was originally registered.
Birth certificates
The fee for a birth certificate is £12.50 and must be paid for between booking and attending your appointment. Details of how to pay will be sent with your appointment confirmation.
When registering a birth, we offer a protective wallet for your baby’s birth certificate(s) at an additional cost of £2.50.
Appointments
Your appointment with the registrar will be held in private and will take about 20 minutes.
If you want to amend or cancel your appointment you will need to contact the Register Office.