Register a birth

There is a legal requirement to register the birth of your child within 42 days of the birth. You are required to register the birth in the borough in which the baby was born. Please note that babies born in Northwick Park Hospital must be registered in Brent, not Harrow.

Who can register the birth?

• the baby's mother
• either of the parents if they are married at the time of the birth
• the mother and father together if they are not married to each other at the time of the birth

What do I need to bring to the appointment?

• date and place of birth: if it is a multiple birth such as twins, we need also to know the times of each birth
• forename and surname of the baby
• mother's full name at the time of the child's birth and maiden name if applicable
• mother's date and place of birth
• mother's occupation if she was employed at any time before the birth
• father's full name (where these details are to be entered in the register)
• father's date and place of birth
• father's occupation at the time of birth, if he wasn't working at the time his previous occupation
• if the parents were married to each other at the time of the birth we will ask for the date of the marriage
• if the mother has previously had any children we will need to know how many children she has had

What certificates will I receive?

If your baby was born in the borough of Harrow we will issue one full birth certificate at a cost of £11. This will show the full details of the registered entry.

If your baby was born outside the borough of Harrow you will not receive any documentation at the time of the appointment. The birth certificate will be sent to you by post by the relevant borough.

Can I use an interpreter?

If you need to have the registration process interpreted for you, please ask a friend or relative to attend the appointment with you.