Register a birth

Important: We can only complete a birth registration where the birth occurred in Waltham Forest. If your birth occurred in another borough, we can complete a Birth Declaration which will need to be finalised in the borough of birth and may take two weeks longer.

Register a birth

A birth should be registered within 42 days of the child being born.

You must make an appointment to register the birth of a baby, which will take place at our Walthamstow or Leytonstone Libraries.

Please arrive on time for your appointment. We reserve the right to cancel your appointment if you arrive more than 5 minutes after your appointment time and you will be required to re-book.

It is best to register a birth in the district where the baby was born. If your baby was born in Waltham Forest, please make an appointment using our online booking system. 

If your baby was born outside of the borough, you should still make an appointment using our online booking system so you can carry out a birth by declaration. We'll record details of the registration and forward them to the registrar in the district where your baby was born. The registrar will then post the birth certificate to you, and you will pay them directly.

The MyAccount is not allowing me to book an appointment

If you are  unable to log into your MyAccount, contact us.

I only have a few days left to register a birth but there are no available appointments

You have 42 days in which to register a birth. We suggest you book an appointment as soon as you can to avoid disappointment. If this is not possible and there is a valid reason, please contact us.

I have  lost the email with my appointment and do not remember the details

If you cannot remember when your appointment was booked, contact us.

I am running late for an appointment

Unfortunately, if you are more than 5 minutes late for your appointment, you will have to make another appointment.

Registering on behalf of someone else

You can book an appointment on behalf of someone else, but the parent will need to attend.  An exception would be if the child is in care, in that instance, the social service officer would attend.

To ensure the information recorded in the register is accurate, please bring with you any discharge papers and your baby’s red book in addition to:

• A passport, driving licence, or birth certificate for each parent
• If the parents are married, they should bring their marriage certificate
• Any name change documents such as a deed poll or a change of name deed
• Proof of address such as a driving licence or a Council Tax bill

If English is not your first language and help is needed, you should bring an interpreter to the appointment. Errors that are identified after the registration would require formal correction at a cost.

Registering a birth is free. All birth certificates (short and long form) are £11 each.

You are advised to purchase a minimum of 3 certificates to be used for official purposes, and you can buy extra copies at your registration appointment if needed.

When you make your booking, you'll be asked for payment by debit or credit card. We do not accept cash.

Adding the name of the paternal father to the birth certificate 

If you are married to the mother at the time of birth, your name will be included on the birth certificate.  If you are not married to mother and do not attend the birth appointment you will have to complete a re-register later.

I would like to re-register my child

To re-register a child, you will have to complete a form on the government website. Government link

If you don't have a computer or are unsure of how to book an appointment online, you can call us on 0208 496 3000 for support.

For all our services, please visit our Register Office webpage.

If you need a copy of a birth certificate, read our copy certificate information for costs and how to apply.

To make a general enquiry to the Register Office, this can by done through My Account.

You can read the GOV.UK guide to registering a birth for more details, such as procedures for unmarried parents, how children impact your taxes, and how to make child benefit claims.