Why Register a Birth?

By law all births in Northern ireland must be registered. You will require proof of the birth for various purposes including claiming child benefit and registering your baby with a doctor. A birth must be registered within 42 days of the date of birth.

Who Can register the Birth?

It is the primary responsibility for the mother or father to register the birth. If this is not possible then the following people can register the birth:

• Grandmother, Grandfather, Aunt or Uncle of the baby who has knowledge of the birth.
• The occupier of the premises in which the baby was born (matron, governor, superintendent or chief officer)
• any person present at the birth
• any person having charge of the child

In the case of a child born to parents who are not married to each other, the mother would normally register the birth. However, the father's name may be recorded if both parents register the birth together or a declaration of paternity is produced. In exceptional cases if the mother is not available the father may register the birth if a declaration of parentage, certain specified court orders or parental responsibility agreements are produced. Please ask the registrar for advice if you require it.

What is the purpose of Registration?

The records provide information about individuals and are used for many legal and administrative purposes (eg. National Insurance, Education, Transfer of Property, Employment, Passports etc)

They provide valuable statistics (eg. Fertility Rates, Population Estimates etc). The statistics are published yearly in the Registrar General Annual Report.

Some of the information collected is for statistical purposes only. Because this information is strictly confidential it does not appear on the birth certificate.

Where Can the Birth be Registered?

• In the maternity hospital with the District registrar, who attends the hospital on certain days of the week. this is applicable to the following hospitals: Antrim Area, Mater Maternity, Royal Maternity ad Ulster Hospital.
• In the Registrar's District where the birth took place, or where the mother normally lived at the time of birth.

The District Office for Newtownabbey is located on the ground floor of Newtownabbey Borough Council's Headquarters at Mossley Mill. It is open to the public and no appointment is required in advance.

What Will the Registrar Give You?

Once the registration is completed, the Registrar will issue a free short birth certificate and an infant Registration Form HS123 to register with the family doctor and obtain a medical card.