The following people are legally qualified to register a birth.

1. The parents of the child
For any birth, it is always preferable that a parent registers the birth but who registers depends on whether the parents were married to each other at the time of the birth or conception.

Married Parents
If the parents were married to each other on the day of the birth or conception, then only one parent need attend the registration. The married parent can supply their own details and those of their spouse and sign the register. Both parents acquire equal Parental Responsibility.

Unmarried Parents
If the parents were not married to each other on the day of the birth or conception, then the mother can register alone or the father can attend with the mother to add his details to the birth record. Each parent supplies their own information and both parents need to sign the register. Both parents acquire equal Parental Responsibility.

If the father is unable to go to the register office with the mother, but you still want his details included, then he can complete a Statutory Declaration of Acknowledgement of Parentage form, acknowledging his paternity, which the mother must give to the registrar.

If the mother is unable to go to the register office with the father, she may make a Statutory Declaration of Acknowledgement of Parentage, acknowledging the father's paternity, which the father can give to the registrar.

Where there is a Parental Responsibility agreement already in force or either parent has obtained an appropriate court order, this document can be presented at the time of registration by either parent.

The father's details can be added to the birth record at a later date provided both parents consent and attend the Register Office together. This is called a re-registration. Look at the information under Changes to Birth Certificates.

If English is not the mother's or father's first language and help is needed with registering the birth, it would be helpful for an English speaking relative or friend to accompany them to the Register Office and act as interpreter. However, the parents must register the birth personally as a relative or friend cannot sign the register instead of them. Alternatively, the Registrar can arrange for an interpreter to be available on the telephone.


If none of the parents can register the birth within 6 weeks (42 days) of the date of birth, then the following people may register, in order of preference.

2. The occupier of the house or institution where the child was born.

3. A person present at the birth.

4. The person in charge of the child.