How to register a birth

You need to register your baby in order to obtain a birth certificate. You can then use this to claim child benefit and any other family-related benefits.

Who can register a birth?

If the parents were married to each other at the time of the birth, either the mother or the father may register the birth. If the parents are not married to each other, the mother may attend alone but will not be able to record the father's details unless he is also present. Please telephone the office if you need further information. (0161 234 5005)

When do you have to register your baby?

By law, you must register a birth within six weeks (42 days).

Where should a birth be registered?

A birth should be registered in the district where it occurred. If the birth occurred within the City of Manchester, you need to make an appointment with the Manchester Register Office.

You can also register at the local Sure Start centre, if you live in:

• Benchill
• Cheetham
• Clayton
• Gorton
• Harpurhey
• Longsight
• Rusholme (Moss Side/Fallowfield)

If it is more convenient, details of the birth may be given at another Register Office by making a declaration.

In this case your baby's documents will be sent to you in the post from the Manchester Office, when the declaration has been received.

Trafford residents - following the closure of the maternity unit at Trafford General, a special arrangement has been made to allow Trafford residents, whose babies are born in Manchester, to register the birth at Trafford Register Office.

Salford residents - from 1 November 2011, following the replacement of the maternity unit at Salford Royal University Teaching Hospital, with a mid-wife-led birth centre, a special arrangement has been made to allow Salford residents, whose babies are born in Manchester hospitals, to register the birth at Salford Register Office.

Civil Naming Ceremonies

Why not welcome your new arrival with a day to remember, together with your family and friends? If you are interested in having a Civil Naming Ceremony, please contact Manchester Registration Service.