Register a birth abroad

You must register your child’s birth according to the regulations in the country where the child was born. You’ll be given a local birth certificate.

This birth certificate should be accepted in the UK, for example when you:

  • apply for a passport
  • register with a school or doctor

If it’s not in English, you’ll need to have it translated by an approved translator.

Register a birth abroad with the UK authorities

You may also be able to register the birth with the UK authorities, if the child was born on or after 1 January 1983. You do not need to do this, but if you do:

  • the birth will be recorded in the UK with the General Register Office or at the National Records Office of Scotland
  • you can order a consular birth registration certificate - this proves that you have registered the birth with the UK authorities

You can still apply for a UK passport even if you do not register the birth in the UK.

Fees

It costs £150 to register a birth with the UK authorities. You can also order a consular birth registration certificate - it costs £50 per certificate.

You’ll also need to pay to have your documents sent back to you. This costs between £5 and £25 depending on which country the documents are returned to.

Apply online

Use this service to register a birth abroad with the UK authorities.

This service is optional.

Start now

Get help with your application

Email Overseas.RegistrationUnit@fcdo.gov.uk if you:

  • have any questions about registering a birth abroad with the UK authorities
  • cannot apply online
  • want to register multiple births (such as twins)

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