Book appointment

By law, all births must be registered within 42 days, so please make sure to book in plenty of time.

There are a number of rules about who may register a birth. This appointment booking process is best done by the baby’s parents. Other people can book appointments but cannot register the birth unless there are exceptional circumstances. Please be aware that you may be asked to contact the Register Office part way through the process if we need further information before an appointment can be made.

How much does it cost?

A booking fee of £27 per child is payable when you make your appointment (by credit or debit card).

This fee includes two certificates and a keepsake wallet for each child.

Please note that purchasing certificates is optional, and you can choose to reduce or increase the number of certificates (up to a maximum of six per child) when making your booking.

Certificates are often required for purposes such as:

• Applying for a passport

• Claiming child benefit

• School admissions

Additional certificates and keepsake wallets can be purchased at your appointment by debit or credit card.

Refunds and changes

The booking fee is payable in advance to secure your appointment.

As this fee covers administrative and booking costs, refunds are not usually available where:

• The registration cannot proceed (for example, due to eligibility requirements not being met)

• You do not attend your appointment or provide at least 2 working days’ notice to cancel or rearrange

Requests for refunds will be reviewed in exceptional circumstances.

If your baby was born in Coventry but you live outside of the Coventry area you are able to register your baby's birth at one of the Warwickshire offices. You can find details of your nearest Register Office and how to book an appointment on the Warwickshire County Council website.

You may also give a declaration to your local office, and they will send the details of the registration to us. Please contact your local office to find out more.