Article: Registering a birth Article Body Why do I need to register the birth of my baby? By law every child born in England and Wales must be registered in the district where the birth took place. You need to register your baby to get a birth certificate. A birth certificate is required to claim family-related benefits. Births must be registered by law within 42 days from the date of the child's birth. The birth should be registered in the district where it occurred. If it is more convenient, details of the birth may be given at another register office in England or Wales by making a declaration. Certain information and documentation are required to register a birth. To find out how to register a birth see the information below or contact the Register Office. Our staff will be happy to give you details and make your appointment. Contact Barnsley Registration Service Where and when can I register a birth? Birth registrations take place by appointment at four locations across the borough. It usually takes about 30 minutes to register a birth. To find out more about our service delivery points contact Barnsley Registration Service If the baby was born within the Barnsley registration district, the birth should be registered at any of our offices in the borough. If you are unable to visit one of our offices, you can arrange to register your baby by declaration at any other register office in England and Wales. For more information about this service please contact Barnsley Register Office. Failure to register your baby's birth may leave you liable to prosecution but will also make it impossible for you to receive family allowance or register your baby with a doctor. Who can register a birth? The mother The father where the child's parents were married to each other at the time of birth or conception. In certain circumstances other persons can register a child's birth, please contact Barnsley Register Office for more information. What information is required to register a birth? The date and place of birth. The time of each baby's birth is required for multiple births. The baby's sex. Forenames and surname in which the child will be brought up. The father's forenames and surname; his date and place of birth, and his occupation at the time of his baby's birth. The mother's forenames and surname. Her maiden name will also be required if she is, or has been, married. The date and place of her birth, her usual address at the date of the birth, and her occupation. What certificates will be issued to me? Birth registration is free. One short birth certificate is issued free of charge at the time of registration. Charges apply for copy or additional certificates. Payment can be made by cash, cheques, credit and debit cards. Cheques should be made payable to Barnsley MBC. Additional birth certificates can be purchased from the Register Office at any time after the registration. These may cost more. Please contact the Register Office for details. Fees and charges details