Birth Certificates
Free birth certificate at registration
Following the registration of your baby, the registrar will issue one free short birth certificate which will have the child’s name and date of birth on, plus a pink slip to enable the child to be registered at a doctors.
When you need to buy a copy certificate
You can request a duplicate birth certificate if you have not purchased or have lost your original certificate.
You are required to state the precise date and place of birth and the full name of the person whose certificate you want, with as closely as possible, the names and surnames of the parents and the mother’s maiden name.
The following types of birth certificate are available:
Standard certificates
If you need a full copy of the birth entry including details of parentage and registration, you can use this application form.
If you require a passport for a child, you will have to produce a standard birth certificate, which shows the parents details. This can be purchased at the time of registration, or any time after.
Short certificates
A short certificate shows only the name and surname, sex, date of birth and district of birth. This certificate has limited use.
Either certificate can be ordered with the using this application form.
Adoption certificates
Records of adoption in England and Wales are kept by the Registrar General. These relate to persons who have been adopted since 1 January 1927 under the Adoption Acts. A standard certificate is a full copy of the entry in the Adopted Children Register which, instead of details of parentage and birth registration, gives the date of birth (if it is known) and particulars of the adoption and adoptive parents. A short certificate shows only the name, and has no reference to adoption. Applications for Adoption Certificates should be made in writing to:
Adoptions Section
Office for National Statistics
Smedley Hydro
Birkdale
Southport
PR8 2HH
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