Register a birth abroad
You must register your child鈥檚 birth according to the regulations in the country where the child was born. You鈥檒l be given a local birth certificate.
This birth certificate should be accepted in the UK, for example when you:
- apply for a passport
- register with a school or doctor
If it鈥檚 not in English, you鈥檒l need to have it translated by an .
Register a birth abroad with the UK authorities
You may also be able to register the birth with the UK authorities, if the child was born on or after 1 January 1983. You do not need to do this, but if you do:
- the birth will be recorded in the UK with the General Register Office or at the National Records Office of Scotland
- you can order a consular birth registration certificate - this proves that you have registered the birth with the UK authorities
You can still apply for a UK passport even if you do not register the birth in the UK.
Fees
It costs 拢150 to register a birth with the UK authorities. You can also order a consular birth registration certificate - it costs 拢50 per certificate.
You鈥檒l also need to pay to have your documents sent back to you. This costs between 拢5 and 拢25 depending on which country the documents are returned to.
Apply online
Use this service to register a birth abroad with the UK authorities.
This service is optional.
Get help with your application
Email [email protected] if you:
- have any questions about registering a birth abroad with the UK authorities
- cannot apply online
- want to register multiple births (such as twins)