Congratulations on the birth of your baby. In this section, you can find more information about how and where to register your new baby. You can also find out about other services such as baby naming, a civil ceremony to welcome the new baby into the family and requesting copies of birth certificates.

Registering a birth

By law you must register a baby's birth within 42 days. The registration will take approximately 20 minutes and is free. For more details on how to do this, see the Birth - registering page.

Naming ceremonies

The birth of your child is a very special occasion and you may wish to formally celebrate his or her arrival with family and friends. A naming ceremony is a unique way of doing this. It is also a ceremony which can be used to welcome adopted children into a new family.

Birth certificate amendments

It may be possible to change a birth record after the original registration has taken place by means of a certificate amendment.

Copies of birth certificates

When you register a birth you will be given a short birth certificate, which shows the baby's name, date and place of birth. This certificate is free. You will also have the option to purchase a full copy of the birth certificate which shows the parents details.

After this, you can also purchase copies of the birth certificate if required. For example, you might need a copy for a passport, diving licence or employment. If you are researching your family history, you can also purchase an historical birth certificate. For more information and prices, see the Birth - historical searches page. You can also use the online form below to request a copy of a certificate.

Registration offices

There are 11 registration offices in North Yorkshire. To discuss registering the birth of your baby or for more information and assistance, contact any of our offices who will be pleased to help you further. Full contact details can be found below.

Apply for a copy birth certificate Use our online form to request a copy birth certificate.