A birth must be registered by one or both of the child's parents depending on circumstances. In a case where the parents are married to each other, only one parent need visit the registrar and either the mother or father/parent may choose to register the birth.
Where the parents are not married to each other but both parents' names are to appear on the birth entry, both parents should visit the registrar together, to register the birth. If either parent is unable to be present at the time of registration, the parents should contact the registrar, who will explain how the birth may be registered. If the father's name is not to appear on the child's birth certificate, the mother should register the birth alone.
In the case of assisted conception, if the mother and her partner made a parenthood agreement prior to the treatment taking place, and the treatment took place under licence in the UK, details of the father/second parent may be recorded in the birth entry provided that both parents register the birth together.
In a situation where the mother has decided to register the birth alone but both parents later wish the natural father's name to be added, this may be done at any time in the future. Any local registrar will explain how this may be done.
