By law, you must register the birth of your baby within 42 days.
All certificates must be paid for. We no longer issue a free short birth certificate.
Read the gov.uk guidance on who can register a birth
If you need further support or information, email us at registeroffice@manchester.gov.uk
Where a birth should be registered
A birth should be registered in the district where it happened.
1/ If your baby was born in Manchester.
Make an appointment with the Manchester Register Office.
2/ If your baby was born in Manchester and you pay council tax to Bury, Rochdale, Salford or Trafford
You can still make an appointment with us, alternatively you can register the birth at the Register Office for which you pay your council tax to, if you live in one of the above areas.
3/ If your baby was born outside of Manchester
You must register the birth with the Register Office for the area where your child was born. We won't be able to register the birth for you.
It may be possible to give the details of the birth at another Register Office by making a declaration. Not all register offices are able to attest declarations so you should check with your local office before making an appointment. If you want a copy of the standard birth certificate, you will need to pay £12.50 by cheque or postal order, made payable to "Manchester City Council", to the registrar taking the declaration, or order the certificate online, once the birth has been registered. You will not receive a free birth certificate once the birth has been registered. If you are a Manchester resident and wish to make a declaration in relation to a baby born in another district please email us at registeroffice@manchester.gov.uk
Registering births at Surestart Centres
If you want to register a birth at one of Manchester’s Surestart centres, please book an appointment online and select the centre you'd like to attend.
You can find us at these centres on the following days:
- Monday: Woodville Surestart Centre, Cheetham (0161 234 3000) and Rusholme Surestart Centre (0161 510 0000)
- Tuesday: Clayton Surestart Centre (0161 219 6177)
- Wednesday: Benchill Surestart Centre (available to M22 and M23 residents only) and Sacred Heart Surestart Centre, Gorton (0161 245 7180)
- Thursday: Longsight Surestart Centre (0161 248 1500)
- Friday: Moston Surestart Centre, Moston (0161 205 7058)
Find out more about Manchester Sure Start Centres
To apply for Child Benefit you will need to have registered your baby's birth and purchased a birth certificate. Find out more and apply for Child Benefit on GOV.UK.
Registering a Stillbirth
If you need to register a stillbirth please email us at registeroffice@manchester.gov.uk and include your name, contact telephone number and the date and place of stillbirth. We will contact you as soon as possible.
Certificates
If you want a copy of the standard birth certificate, the fee is £12.50. You will not receive a free birth certificate once the birth has been registered.
Civil Naming Ceremonies
If you want to hold a civil naming ceremony for your baby find out more about how to book your naming ceremony.