Over 2000 births are registered each year at Torbay Register Office.
Certain people have a legal responsibility to register a birth; the most important being
- the mother of the child.
- the father of the child where the parents were married to each other at the time of the birth or conception.
The Registrar of Births must be satisfied that the birth is one that he/she may register and to establish this must be sure that a number of criteria are met.
- The baby was born in the district covered by the Register Office.
- The person wishing to register the birth is qualified to do so.
- Whether the baby was born alive or still-born.
- Whether the child’s parents were married to each other at the time of the birth.
The Registrar can take information about a birth that occurred outside their district, this is called a Declaration of Birth. The information is passed to the Registrar for the district where the birth took place, and all relevent paperwork is then sent to the informants.
The Registrar of Births will need to ask certain questions, the Information that is recorded in a birth entry is laid down in statute, and is required to be given, in person, within 42 days of the birth. You will be asked:
- Baby - The date and place of birth. If the birth is one of twins, triplets etc., if so the time of each childs birth, Whether the baby is a boy or a girl. The forenames and surname that have been chosen.
- Father - (Where these details are to be entered on the registration) Fornames and surname. Date and place of birth. Occupation.
- Mother - Fornames and surname. Date and place of birth. Occupation. Address. Date of marriage (if applicable).
Tell Us Once
We are now providing a service called tell us once.
This means that you won't need to send a copy of the birth certificate in the post, as we will contact the child benefit agency and other government departments on your behalf.
If you would like to take advantage of this service you must bring in the completed child benefit form and the pre-paid envelope that was enclosed in your bounty pack.
In addition we can contact the following organisations for you:
- Department for Work and Pensions
- Jobcentre Plus
- Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Office
- Library Service
- Children's Services
- HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Child Benefit & Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit
Certificates
When the birth has been registered the Registrar will issue you with a short birth certificate free of charge. You can also buy a full birth certificate, please see our fees and charges for current pricing.
As from the 1 May 2004 you will be required to provide a full birth certificate when applying for a passport. We are also able to offer a Commemorative Certificate of your child's birth.
Please note that a commemorative certificate is not to be used for legal or statutory purposes.
If you have any queries on registering a birth or wish to book an appointment please contact us.
Benefits
For information on what benefits you are entitled to when you have children visit the Parenting in Torbay website.
Contact Registrar
- Tel: 01803 207130
- Email: registrar@torbay.gov.uk
- Fax: 01803 525388
