Register Birth at Lichfield Registry Office
Complete guide to birth registration - requirements, process, and appointments. Register within 42 days of birth for legal recognition.
Registering a birth is a legal requirement in England and Wales that must be completed within 42 days of the child's birth. At Lichfield Registry Office, we make this important process straightforward and efficient for new parents.
Our experienced registrars will guide you through the complete documentation requirements and ensure your child's birth is properly recorded in the official records.
42-Day Registration Requirement
Birth registration must be completed within 42 days of the child's birth. This is a legal requirement under English law and failure to register within this timeframe may result in penalties.
Important: If you miss the 42-day deadline, you may be subject to a penalty charge and additional administrative requirements.
We recommend booking your appointment as soon as possible after the birth to ensure you meet this legal deadline.
Required Documents for Birth Registration
To register a birth at Lichfield Registry Office, you must bring the following essential documents:
Essential Documents
- Medical Certificate of Birth - issued by the hospital or midwife
- Parent identification - passport, driving licence, or national ID
- Proof of address - utility bill or council tax statement (within 3 months)
- Marriage certificate - if parents are married
- Birth certificates - of both parents (if available)
Helpful tip: Bring original documents - we cannot accept photocopies. We'll return all documents to you after verification.
For a complete checklist of all required documentation, visit our requirements page.
Ready to prepare your documents?
View Complete ChecklistBooking Your Registration Appointment
Birth registration appointments can be booked online or by telephone. We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred date and time.
Official Booking Portal
Access the official Staffordshire County Council booking system:
Go to Official PortalOfficial and secure government booking system
What Happens During Registration
The birth registration appointment typically takes 20-30 minutes. Our registrar will verify your documents and record the birth details officially.
Registration Steps
Review and verify all required documents
Record child's details and parent information
Choose birth certificate types and quantities
Process payment and receive certificates
Registration Costs and Certificates
Birth registration itself is free, but you'll likely want to purchase certified copies of the birth certificate for official purposes.
Standard Certificate
Official birth certificate copy for most purposes
Priority Service
Urgent certificate processing when needed quickly
Money-saving tip: Consider how many certificates you'll need for passport applications, benefit claims, and school registration to order them all at once.
Use our cost calculator to estimate your total expenses, or check current birth certificate pricing.
Ready to register your child's birth?
Book Your Registration AppointmentWhat if I miss the 42-day deadline?
Late registration is still possible but may incur penalty charges. Contact our office immediately if you've missed the deadline. Get help with late registration.
Can I register a birth if parents are unmarried?
Yes, both married and unmarried parents can register births. Additional documentation may be required for unmarried parents. Check requirements for your situation.
How long does the registration appointment take?
Most birth registration appointments take 20-30 minutes, depending on the complexity of your situation and number of certificates ordered. Check our available appointment slots.
Do I need to bring the baby to the appointment?
No, you don't need to bring the baby to the registration appointment. Only the required documents and a parent or legal guardian need to attend. Contact us with specific questions.