UK Birth Certificate - Online Information, Guides and Expert Advice

Frequently asked questions about Birth Certificates in the UK

What can I use the birth certificate for?

All birth certificates ordered through UK Certificates are government-issued official documents. You can use these as identification as well as for other purposes.

Identification for banking, passport and visa applications
Identification to apply for a pension or government benefit
Drivers license application
Enrolment in education
Proof of identity for a job application
Ancestry and family history research

Do I receive a short or long version of the document?

UK Certificates provide official long-form birth certificates, which can be used for all relevant legal purposes – including passport and visa applications.

What information is shown on a UK birth certificate?

Generally, a UK birth certificate will show the following information relating to the birth:

District, sub-district and county where the birth was registered
The full name of the baby
Date of birth
Location where the birth took place
Full name of the mother, including maiden name and other previous held legal names
The signature, residence and description of the informant – usually the mother
Father’s full name and occupation – if this information was available and recorded at the time.
The date of registration of the birth
The date the certificate was produced
Government Registrars signature.

Is the time of birth shown?

Birth certificates do not generally include the time of birth. The birth of multiple babies ie twins is an exception to this. We are unable to provide the time of birth if it hasn’t been recorded.

How far back do birth certificates go?

England and Wales – registration commenced from the 1st of July 1837
Scottish and Northern Irish registrations can go back as far as 1855 and 1864 respectively.
If you are searching for information prior to those dates for ancestry purposes a good starting point would be cemetery archival records. Headstones can assist with the date of birth. Another option would be ancestry websites such as Ancestry

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What can you use a Birth Certificate for?

A Birth Certificate is a vital document. As a primary identification document, you can use your document to obtain other forms of identification such as a drivers licence and also passport. So if you are scratching your head asking, “What is a Birth Certificate used for?” here is a list of some of the top things you can do with it.

Birth Certificate Application

It is a requirement in the UK that you record a new birth with the local registry within 42 days. Many hospitals do this for you but do check. In the case of home birth, you may have to visit your local registry in person. If you want to obtain a copy of your Certificate of Birth you do so by completing a Birth Certificate Application.

Replacement Birth Certificate UK

Many people simply do not realise how important it is to keep your Certificate of Birth in a safe place. If you have lost it you can apply online easily for a Replacement Birth Certificate UK. The reason this document is so important is it forms part of your proof of identity. In the United Kingdom there are a number of documents which care classed as Primary Identity Documents. Your UK Birth Certificate may be used as a primary document. These are required when you are making an application for something which requires your identity to be validated. These include:

Fastest way to get a UK Replacement Birth Certificate

Generally, we realise we can’t find something when we need it the most. So where is that safe place you have put your Birth Certificate? Cupboard? Bedside dresser? If you have looked exhaustively and are about to tear your hair out, we have the solution. Ordering online is the Fastest way to get a UK Replacement Birth Certificate

What is the cost of a Birth Certificate in the UK?

Many people ask, What is the cost of a Birth Certificate in the UK? In the UK, the price of a replacement certificate depends on many factors. The obvious one is the cost of the document. If ordering online, the total cost may include different delivery services. What we mean is whether you choose a standard turnaround or a priority service. Some companies also charge for additional fees, work carried out as well as other charges. So in that respect, the place you order your certificate from can make a big difference in how much you pay. Our fees are clear from the start. No hidden extras. We offer every customer 5-star service with fully transparent prices.

Should Gender Recognition Certificates Be Simpler?

In the UK, individuals are recognised as the gender that is on their birth certificates. In 2004, the Gender Recognition Act was a provision for transgender individuals to change this information. It effectively replaces the sex shown on their birth certificate. This topic has reached national news again. Parliament officials are calling for purposed changes to the process. So, what does this mean for trans individuals? Should Gender Recognition Certificates Be Simpler?