Skip to content

Register a birth

Every birth in England and Wales must be registered within 42 days (6 weeks) of the child being born.

To book an appointment please contact Cornwall Council Contact Centre on 0300 1234 181.

Our phone lines are open: 

  • Monday 9am to 6pm
  • Tuesday 9am to 6pm
  • Wednesday 10am to 6pm
  • Thursday 9am to 6pm
  • Friday 9am to 6pm

For details and opening hours of our offices, please visit our Registration Offices page.

Where to register the birth

If your baby was born in Cornwall you may attend any of our registration offices.

If your baby was born outside of Cornwall you should register the birth in the district where the birth took place. Or you may attend any other registration office in England and Wales to make a declaration of the details required for the registration. In this case, any birth certificates you need will be sent to you by post.

Who can register the birth?

Please refer to the Government's information on who can register a birth.

What you need to bring?

Please refer to the Government's website for information that you will need to register a birth

Errors and corrections

It is important that the information recorded in the register is correct. If you notice a mistake, however small, after the registration is complete, there will be a correction fee.

The fee to apply for a correction will be £83 or £99 depending on the nature of the correction. Please note that payment of the fee does not guarantee the correction can be made.

Certificates

Standard (or full) birth certificates are available at £12.50 each. We accept cash, cheques, credit or debit card. The standard birth certificate is suitable for all Government departments, for example, a passport application.

Order a copy birth certificate

Commemorative Certificates

You can purchase a commemorative certificate to celebrate the birth of a child.
Order one for yourself or as a unique and memorable gift for a relative or friend.
The cost of a certificate is £17.60.
For further details please contact us on 0300 1234 181 or registration@cornwall.gov.uk, or speak to the Registrar at your appointment.
A commemorative certificate is a keepsake, not a legal document.

Need help?

Most issues can be resolved online, it's the quickest and most convenient way to get help.

Use our contact us form

Your feedback is important to us

Help us improve our service