Births Registration
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. If the Birth occurred in Northern Ireland then the child’s birth must be registered at a District Registrars’ Office within Northern Ireland.
The registration process is very simple and the staff at the District Registrar's Office are on hand to help you with any queries you may have. No appointment is necessary.
Where can I register my child's birth?
You have two options for registering a birth:
- If the Birth has taken place in Northern Ireland then the Birth must be registered in a District Registrars’ Office in Northern Ireland. Please see list of offices at www.nidirect.gov.uk
Our Registrars Office is located at:
14 Magazine Street
Telephone: 028 71 268439
Fax: 028 71 377964
Email: registrarsoffice@derrycity.gov.uk
What information will I need to bring with me?
You will need to fill in a birth registration form.
This is usually completed by the person who is registering the birth.
Please note that a registration cannot easily be changed once completed. When you attend the Registrar’s Office it is so important that you CHECK the details of the Registration before signing the entry.
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 of residence
- 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
- An HS123 infant registration form if the child’s usual residence is within Northern Ireland. The HS123 is 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 £8 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.
The records provide positive information about individuals and are used for many legal and administrative purposes (for example: National Insurance, Education, Transfer of Property, Employment, obtaining a Passport, etc).
Information collected on this form is used for the preparation and supply of statistical information (for example: Fertility Rates, Population Estimate, etc) published yearly in the Registrar General Annual Report.
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.
Contact Us
14 Magazine Street
Telephone: 028 71 268439
Fax: 028 71 377964
Email:
registrarsoffice@derrycity.gov.uk