The Register Office is the administration centre for the registration of births, deaths and marriages. They also need to register any stillbirths.
Births have to be registered in the district in which the event took place. This can be done in person at the local Register Office, or by declaration in any other Register Office. The latter will involve a delay, as documents will have to be posted to the Register Office where the event occurred.
People wishing to register a Birth in the Isles of Scilly should contact the Registrar, Alison Gardner at the Isles of Scilly Register Office (01720) 424321 or email agardner@scilly.gov.uk, in the first instance in order to make an appointment. If the office is closed then please contact the Town Hall reception desk on (01720)424003/422537 for further contact information.
Who can register the birth?
It is usual for the mother or father to register the birth as long as they are married to each other at the time of birth. However, if the mother and father are not married then the father's details can be entered into the register if both parents attend together to register the birth. If this is not possible then please telephone the Register Office for advice.
What information will I need to supply to the Registrar?
- Baby: The date and place of baby's birth. If the birth is one of twins, triplets etc., then the time of each babies birth will be needed. The sex of the baby and also the forename(s) and surname in which it is intended that the baby will be brought up.
- Father: (Where these details are to be entered into the Register) Forename(s) and surname. Date and place of birth. Occupation at the time of baby's birth or, if not employed, the occupation last followed.
- Mother: Forename(s) and surname, and any other surnames that may have been used prior to marriage. Date and place of birth. Address. Occupation (if the mother has been working prior to the birth her occupation can be entered into the register or housewife may be entered). Date of marriage if applicable. The number of previous children by the present husband and any former husband/partner.
It is important that the information recorded in the register is correct. If any mistake is made it will put you to some trouble to have it corrected, so please ensure you check the details very carefully in the entry before you sign.
Certificates:
There is no cost in registering a Birth, but a charge of £3.50 per certificate is made at the time of registration. A short birth certificate is given free of charge, but a full certificate is needed to obtain official documents such as a passport. All children need their own passport to travel abroad. Further information on passports can be obtained from the UK Passport Service Opens in a new window.
The Register Office hours of opening are Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 to 10.30 a.m., or email: registration@scilly.gov.uk
The Register Office telephone number is 01720 424321. This is only regularly manned during the Office Hours above, but there is an answer phone at all other times.
All enquiries on other matters should be referred to Sarah Handy, Superintendent Registrar at the Register Office. If the office is closed please ring the Town Hall reception desk on (01720) 424003/422537 for further contact information.
Further general information on how to go about registering a birth can be found on the General Register Office Opens in a new window website.
