Changes to registering a birth, stillbirth or death
From 9 November 2026, the Electronic Register of Births and Deaths will replace traditional paper registers in England and Wales. This national change is being introduced by the General Register Office and is supported by new legislation. It modernises registration while maintaining the integrity and security of official records.
What will change at your appointment?
The main changes are:
- electronic records: births, stillbirths and deaths will be recorded electronically instead of in paper registers.
- no paper signature: you will no longer sign a paper register.
- a spoken declaration: instead, you will confirm during your appointment that the information you have provided is true to the best of your knowledge and belief.
- identity checks for birth registrations: identity verification requirements will apply under the new legislation.
You will need to bring an accepted identification document showing your current first name and surname, for example:
- a valid passport;
- a valid UK driving licence (full or provisional); or
- a birth certificate.
Identification documents showing initials only will not be accepted.
If you have none of these documents, please speak to a member of the team to see which other identification documents are accepted.
Your appointment will need to be rescheduled if you attend without the correct identification documents.
Certificates will
- still be issued
- look largely the same
- retain the same legal status
Appointments will remain face to face
Appointments will continue to take place face to face with a registrar. The existing arrangements for making a declaration through another registration district will also continue.
If you have any enquires regarding the changes, please contact us.