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Statutory Instruments
REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, DEATHS, MARRIAGES, ETC. ENGLAND AND WALES
Made
26th November 1987
Coming into force
1st January 1988
1. These Regulations may be cited as the Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 and shall come into force on 1st January 1988.
2.—(1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires–
[F1“the 2009 Act” means the Coroners and Justice Act 2009”]
“the Act” means the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953(3);
“approved form” means a form approved by the Registrar General for the purpose for which it is used;
“certificate of cause of death” means a certificate required to be signed by a medical practitioner pursuant to section 22(1) of the Act;
[F2“coroner” includes—
a senior coroner, area coroner and assistant coroner;
the Chief Coroner when conducting an investigation under paragraph 1 of Schedule 10 to the 2009 Act; and
a judge, former judge, or former coroner conducting an investigation under paragraph 3 of Schedule 10 to the 2009 Act;]
“description”, in relation to a coroner, means his official designation and the area of his jurisdiction;
“entry” means a record of the particulars relating to a live-birth, still-birth or death completed by the registrar in the appropriate spaces in form 1, 9 or 13;
“inquest” includes an inquest which [F3is conducted as part of an investigation under Part 1 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (including any inquest which has been adjourned)];
[F4“maiden surname” means the surname with which a woman entered into her first marriage or civil partnership, and, where a woman has entered into a civil partnership and marriage, it means the surname with which she entered the first of these ceremonies.]
“name”, in relation to a person, excludes surname;
“name, surname and qualification”, in relation to a registered medical practitioner who has issued a certificate of cause of death, means his name and surname as stated on the certificate and his registered professional qualification;
[F5“other parent” means a woman who is a parent by virtue of section 42 or 43 of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008.]
[F6“relevant registrar”, in relation to the registration of a birth or death, means (subject to paragraph (3)(b) below) the registrar of the sub-district in which the birth or death occurred.]
(2) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires–
(a)any reference to a numbered regulation is to the regulation in these Regulations bearing that number and any reference in a regulation to a numbered paragraph is to the paragraph of that Regulation bearing that number;
(b)any reference to a numbered form is to the form bearing that number in Schedule 2 to these Regulations and any reference to a numbered space in a form is to the space bearing that number in that form.
(3) Where a still-born child is found exposed or a dead body is found, any reference in these Regulations to–
(a)the date of the still-birth or of the death of the deceased person, is to be construed as a reference to the date on which the still-born child or the deceased was found;
(b)the place where the still-birth or death occurred is, if the place is unknown, to be construed as a reference to the place where the still-born child or the deceased was found.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (25.7.2013) by The Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (Commencement No. 15, Consequential and Transitory Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1869), art. 4, Sch. para. 2(2)(a)
F2Words in reg. 2(1) substituted (25.7.2013) by The Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (Commencement No. 15, Consequential and Transitory Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1869), art. 4, Sch. para. 2(2)(b)
F3Words in reg. 2(1) substituted (25.7.2013) by The Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (Commencement No. 15, Consequential and Transitory Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1869), art. 4, Sch. para. 2(2)(c)
F4Words in reg. 2 substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 2(2)
F5Words in reg. 2 inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 2(3)
F6Reg. 2(1) entry substituted (28.5.2012) by The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 2
Commencement Information
3.—(1) Before commencing registration of a birth or death whether or not in the presence of a qualified informant, the registrar shall, except where paragraph (2) applies, prepare a draft of the particulars to be entered in the register, either:—
(a)on an approved form; or
(b)if he has a computer, on that computer.
(2) Before a qualified informant makes a declaration under [F8Regulation 13, 34A, or 42A] or a statement under [F9Regulation 17(7)(a)] the officer before whom the declaration or statement is to be made shall prepare a draft of the particulars to be entered in the register, either:—
(a)on an approved form; or
(b)if he has a computer, on that computer.
(3) Having prepared a draft of the particulars in accordance with paragraph (1) or (2), where the informant is present the officer shall show or read them to him and shall correct any error or omission.]
Textual Amendments
F7Reg. 3 substituted (1.1.1993) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 1992/2753), regs. 1, 3
F8Words in reg. 3(2) substituted (28.5.2012) by The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 3
F9Words in reg. 3(2) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 3
Commencement Information
I3Reg. 3 in force at 1.1.1988, see reg. 1
4. Where during the registration of a birth or death it appears to the registrar that he cannot enter the particulars required in any space on the appropriate form, other than space 17 on form 1, he shall, subject to any other provision of these Regulations, [F10enter a line through that space] before the informant is called upon to certify the entry.
Textual Amendments
F10Words in reg. 4 substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 2
Commencement Information
5. Where–
(a)under any provision of these Regulations a person is required to sign a register, declaration or statement in the presence of F11... a registrar;
(b)that person makes a mark or signs in characters other than those used in the English or Welsh language,
the F12... registrar concerned shall write against the mark or signature the words “The mark [or signature] of ... ... ... ...”, inserting the name and surname of the person.
Textual Amendments
F11Words in reg. 5(a) omitted (28.5.2012) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 4(2)
F12Words in reg. 5 omitted (28.5.2012) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 4(3)
Commencement Information
6.—(1) A registrar shall not register a birth or death which has already been registered except–
(a)in accordance with Regulation 36, 45 or 47(4); or
(b)where the Registrar General gives his authority.
(2) Where it appears to a registrar that a birth or death has nevertheless been registered more than once–
(a)if there is no material difference in the particulars recorded, he shall write in the margin of every entry but the original the words “Inadvertently re-registered. For correct entry see No ... ... ... ...Register No ... ... ... ...”, inserting the number of the original entry and the number of the register in which it is recorded;
(b)if there is any material difference, he shall report the matter to the Registrar General and shall make such note in the margins of all or any of the entries as the Registrar General may authorise.
(3) Where a birth or death is re-registered on the authority of the Registrar General, the registrar making the new entry and the registrar or superintendent registrar having custody of the register in which the original entry was made shall make such notes, if any, in the margin of the respective entries as the Registrar General may authorise.
7.—(1) The particulars concerning a live-birth required to be registered pursuant to section 1(1) of the Act(4) shall, subject to the provisions of these Regulations, be those required in spaces 1 to 13 in form 1 and that form shall be the prescribed form for registration of live-births for the purpose of section 5 of the Act (which provides for registration of births free of charge).
(2) Except as otherwise provided in these Regulations the particulars to be recorded in respect of the [F13mother, father or other parent] of a child shall be those appropriate as at the date of its birth.
Textual Amendments
F13Words in reg. 7(2) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 5
Commencement Information
8. Form 2 is the prescribed form of the declaration to be made under the Act by—
(a)the mother under section 10(1)(b)(i);
(b)the father under section 10(1)(c)(i);
(c)the mother under section 10(1B)(b)(i); or
(d)the other parent under section 10(1B)(c)(i).]
Textual Amendments
F14Reg. 8 substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 6
Commencement Information
I8Reg. 8 in force at 1.1.1988, see reg. 1
9.—(1) Where the relevant registrar receives from any qualified informant F16... information of the particulars required by Regulation 7(1) he shall forthwith register the birth and the particulars, if not previously registered, F17... on form 1, entering the particulars required in spaces 1 to 13 in accordance, where applicable, with the following provisions of this Regulation.
(2) With respect to space 1 (date and place of birth), if more than one living child is born at the confinement the registrar shall after the date of birth enter the time of birth.
(3) With respect to space 2 (name and surname)–
(a)if a name is not given, the registrar shall enter only the surname, preceded by a horizontal line;
(b)the surname to be entered shall be the surname by which at the date of the registration of the birth it is intended that the child shall be known.
[F18(4) With respect to space 4 (father’s, or other parent’s, name and surname) —
(a)If, other than in a case to which sub-paragraph (b) applies, the father or other parent acquired after the child’s birth a name or surname different from their name at the date of the birth, the registrar shall enter in space 4 the name and surname as at the date of birth followed by the name and surname as at the date of registration preceded by the word ‘now’; or if the father or other parent has died between the birth and the date of registration and changed their name between the birth and their subsequent death, their name and surname at birth is provided followed by the word “afterwards” and then their name at the date of their death is inserted into space 4;
(b)In the case of a request made under paragraph (d), (e), (f) or (g) of section 10(1) or paragraph (d), (e), (f) of section 10(1B) and upon production of a declaration in Form 6A, the registrar shall enter in space 4 of Form 1, the name and surname of the father or putative father or other parent or putative other parent as appropriate and as recorded in the parental responsibility agreement mentioned in section 10(1)(d)(i) or 10(1B)(d)(i) or the orders mentioned in section 10(1)(e)(i), (f)(i), (g)(i),or section 10(1B) (e)(i) or (f)(i).
(c)In the case of a request under section 10ZA of the Act (Registration of father or second female parent by virtue of certain provisions of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008) the registrar shall enter in space 4, as the father or other parent of the child, the name and surname as at the date of death, of the man who is the father or the woman who is the other parent.]
[F19(4A) Form 6A shall be the prescribed form of the declaration for the purposes of paragraphs (d) to (g) of section 10(1) [F20, and paragraphs (d) to (f) of section 10(1B)] of the Act.]
[F21(5) With respect to spaces 5 and 6 (father or other parent’s place of birth and occupation)—
(a)In a case to which section 10(1) or 10(1B) of the Act applies, the registrar shall not complete spaces 5 and 6 unless the name and surname of the father, or other parent, of the child have been entered in space 4 pursuant to either of those sections;
(b)If either the father or the other parent was deceased at the date of the birth the registrar shall enter in space 6 the word ‘deceased’;
(c)If the father or other parent has changed their occupation since the birth of the child, the registrar shall in space 6, after the occupation as at the date of the birth, enter the occupation as at the date of registration, preceded by the word ‘now’.]
(6) With respect to space 7 (mother’s name and surname)–
(a)if after the birth of the child the mother acquired a name or surname different from that borne by her at the date of the birth, the registrar shall enter the name and surname as at the date of the birth, followed by the name and surname as at the date of registration preceded by the word “now” or, if the mother is deceased, the name and surname as at her death preceded by the word “afterwards”;
F22(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[F23(6A) With respect to space 8b (mother’s occupation) if the mother has changed her occupation since the birth of the child, the registrar shall in space 8b after the occupation as at the date of the birth enter the occupation as at the date of registration preceded by the word “now”.]
[F24(7) With respect to space 9(b) (mother’s surname at marriage or civil partnership if different from maiden surname) the surname to be entered shall be—
F25(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b)the name in which she contracted her marriage with, or in which she entered into a civil partnership with, the [F26father or] other parent of the child [F27(and where the marriage results from the conversion of a civil partnership under section 9 of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 and regulations made under that section, the name to be entered is that used for the conversion, if different)].]
[F28(8) For space 13 (informant’s usual address) —
(a)the address required is the address at registration of the birth;
(b)if under sections 10(1)(a) or 10(1B)(a) of the Act an entry of the father or other parent has been made, the registrar shall enter the father’s or other parent’s address followed by the mother’s address if different;
(c)except as provided by sub-paragraph (b), the registrar shall not enter the address of the informant if that address is the same as the mother’s usual address.]
(9) After completing spaces 1 to 13 of the entry the registrar shall call upon the informant to verify the particulars entered.
(10) If any error has been made in those particulars, [F29the registrar, in the presence of the informant, shall, where the entry is being completed in manuscript, make the correction in accordance with regulation 54].
Textual Amendments
F15Reg. 9 heading substituted (28.5.2012) by The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 5(2)
F16Words in reg. 9(1) omitted (28.5.2012) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 5(3)
F17Words in reg. 9(1) omitted (9.6.2020) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/577), regs. 1, 2
F18Reg. 9(4) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 7(2)
F19Reg. 9(4A) inserted (14.10.1991) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1991 (S.I. 1991/2275), regs. 1(1), 2(3)
F20Words in reg. 9(4A) inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 7(3)
F21Reg. 9(5) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 7(4)
F22Reg. 9(6)(b) omitted (1.4.1995) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1948), regs. 1(1), 3(a)
F23Reg. 9(6A) inserted (1.4.1995) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1948), regs. 1(1), 3(b)
F24Reg. 9(7) substituted (13.3.2014) by The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/107), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 11(2)
F25Reg. 9(7)(a) omitted (2.12.2019) by virtue of The Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1458), regs. 1(2), 18(2)(a)
F26Words in reg. 9(7)(b) inserted (2.12.2019) by The Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1458), regs. 1(2), 18(2)(b)
F27Words in reg. 9(7)(b) inserted (10.12.2014) by The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 and Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/3061), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 7
F28Reg. 9(8) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 7(6)
F29Words in reg. 9(10) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 3(2)
Commencement Information
10.—(1) When spaces 1 to 13 of form 1 have been completed and verified the registrar shall call upon the following persons to sign the entry in space 14 of the form–
(a)subject to sub-paragraph (b) [F30or (c)], the informant;
(b)where an entry has been made under [F31section 10(1)] of the Act–
(i)if made pursuant to paragraph (a) of that [F32sub-section], the person acknowledging himself to be the father, and then the mother,
(ii)if made pursuant to paragraph (b) of that [F32sub-section], the mother, in which case the registrar shall add after her signature the words “Statutory declaration made by ... ... ... ...on ... ... ... ...”, inserting the name and surname of the person acknowledging himself to be the father and the date on which the statutory declaration was made by him,
[F33(iii)if made pursuant to paragraph (c) of that sub-section, the person stating himself to be the father of the child, in which case the registrar shall add after his signature the words “Statutory declaration made by ... ... ... ... on ... ... ... ...”, inserting the name and surname of the mother and the date on which the statutory declaration was made by her,]
[F34(iv)if made pursuant to paragraph (d) of that sub-section, the person making the request in which case the registrar shall add after his signature the words “Pursuant to section 10(1)(d) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953”,
(v)if made pursuant to paragraph (e) of that sub-section, the person making the request, in which case the registrar shall add after his signature the words “Pursuant to section 10(1)(e) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953,”
(vi)if made pursuant to paragraph (f) of that sub-section, the person making the request in which case the registrar shall add after his signature the words “Pursuant to section 10(1)(f) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953,”
(vii)if made pursuant to paragraph (g) of that sub-section, the person making the request in which case the Registrar shall add after his signature the words “Pursuant to section 10(1)(g) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953”.]
[F35(c)where an entry has been made under section 10(1B) of the Act the following persons shall sign the entry in space 14 —
(i)the person acknowledging herself to be the other parent and then the mother if made under paragraph (a) of section 10(1B);
(ii)the mother if made pursuant to paragraph (b) of section 10(1B), in which case the registrar shall add after the mother’s signature the words “Statutory declaration made by … on …” , inserting the name and surname of the person acknowledging herself to be the other parent and the date on which the statutory declaration was made by her;
(iii)the person stating herself to be the other parent if made under paragraph (c) of section 10(1B) in which case the registrar shall add after her signature the words “Statutory declaration made by … on …” inserting the name and surname of the mother and the date on which the statutory declaration was made by her;
(iv)the mother or other parent making the request if made under paragraph (d) of section 10(1B), in which case the registrar shall add after his signature the words ‘Pursuant to section 10(1B)(d) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953’;
(v)the person making the request if made under paragraph (e) of section 10(1B), in which case the registrar shall add after his signature the words ‘Pursuant to section 10(1B)(e) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953’; or
(vi)the person making the request if made under paragraph (f) of section 10(1B), in which case the registrar shall add after his signature the words ‘Pursuant to section 10(1B)(f) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953’.]
[F36(d)Where an entry has been made under section 10ZA of the Act, the person making the request shall sign the entry in space 14, in which case the registrar shall add after his signature the words “Pursuant to section 10ZA of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953.]
(2) The registrar shall then enter in space 15 the date on which the entry is made and shall sign the entry in space 16, adding his official description.
Textual Amendments
F30Words in reg. 10(1)(a) inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 8(2)
F31Words in reg. 10(1)(b) substituted (1.4.1989) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1989 (S.I. 1989/497), regs. 1(1), 4(a) (with reg. 13)
F32Word in reg. 10(1)(b)(i)(ii) substituted (1.4.1989) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1989 (S.I. 1989/497), regs. 1(1), 4(b) (with reg. 13)
F33Reg. 10(1)(b)(iii)(iv) substituted for reg. 10(1)(b)(iii) (1.4.1989) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1989 (S.I. 1989/497), regs. 1(1), 4(c) (with reg. 13)
F34Reg. 10(1)(b)(iv)-(vii) substituted for reg. 10(1)(b)(iv) (14.10.1991) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1991 (S.I. 1991/2275), regs. 1(1), 3
F35Reg. 10(1)(c) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 8(3)
F36Reg. 10(1)(d) inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 8(4)
Commencement Information
F3711. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F37Reg. 11 revoked (28.5.2012) by The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 6
Commencement Information
12.—(1) Where a relevant registrar F39... is informed that a live-birth which occurred more than twelve months previously has not been registered, he shall make a report to the Registrar General stating, to the best of his knowledge and belief–
(a)the particulars required to be registered concerning the birth;
(b)the source of his information; and
(c)the name, surname and address of any qualified informant available to give information for the registration.
[F40(2) On being satisfied that the Registrar General has issued his written authority to the relevant registrar for the registration of the birth, that registrar, on registering the birth, shall enter in space 15 the words “On the authority of the Registrar General”.]
F41(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F38Reg. 12 heading substituted (28.5.2012) by The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 7(2)
F39Words in reg. 12(1) omitted (28.5.2012) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 7(3)
F40Reg. 12(2) substituted (28.5.2012) by The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 7(4)
F41Reg. 12(3) omitted (28.5.2012) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 7(5)
Commencement Information
13.—[F42(1) In relation to a live-birth, the officer prescribed for the purposes of section 9(1) of the Act is a registrar who is not the relevant registrar.]
(2) The officer before whom the declaration is to be made shall–
(a)enter in the declaration the particulars required to be registered concerning the birth, using an approved form for the purpose;
(b)[F43show or read the declaration to the informant and correct any error or omission, requiring the informant to initial any amendment if the declaration is prepared in manuscript, and then to sign the declaration];
(c)attest the declaration himself;
(d)send the declaration to the relevant registrar in accordance with section 9(2) of the Act.
(3) Where it appears to the relevant registrar that the particulars contained in the declaration are in any material respect not proper to be registered, he shall return the declaration to the officer before whom it was attested together with a note of the matters in which it appears to need amendment, and–
(a)that officer shall then in the presence of the declarant amend any error by striking out any incorrect particulars and inserting the correct particulars;
(b)any amendment so made shall be initialled by the declarant, and the declaration shall be returned to the relevant registrar.
(4) On receiving the declaration the registrar shall, subject to paragraph (3), enter the particulars of the birth in the register in the following manner–
(a)in spaces 1 to 13 of form 1, he shall enter the particulars as appearing in the corresponding spaces of the declaration, except that where any particulars have been corrected in pursuance of paragraph (3) he shall enter in the register only the particulars as corrected, omitting any incorrect particular which has been struck out and the initials of the declarant;
(b)in space 14 of form 1 (signature of informant)–
(i)he shall enter the name of the declarant in the form in which he signed the declaration and shall add the words “by declaration dated ... ... ... ...”, inserting the date on which the declaration was made and signed,
(ii)if, pursuant to section 9(4) of the Act(5), a request made under [F44paragraph (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) or (g) of section 10(1) of the Act] [F45, or a request made under paragraph (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f) of section 10(1B) of the Act,] was included in the declaration, he shall after the words required by head (i) make the same addition as, on completion of registration under Regulation 10, would be required under (as the case may be) [F46head (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) or (vii)] of paragraph (1)(b) of that Regulation.
[F47(iii)if, pursuant to section 9(4)(A) of the Act, a request made under section 10ZA of the Act was included in the declaration, he shall after the words “by declaration dated…” add “Pursuant to section 10ZA of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953.”]
[F48(5) If—
(a)not more than twelve months have elapsed from the date of the birth, the registrar shall enter the date on which the entry is made in space 15 of form 1 and shall sign the entry in space 16 of that form, adding his official description;
(b)more than twelve months have elapsed since the date of the birth, the registrar shall, on being satisfied that the Registrar General has given written authority in accordance with section 7 of the Act—
(i)enter the date on which the entry is made and the words “On the authority of the Registrar General” in space 15 of form 1; and
(ii)sign the entry in space 16 of that form, adding his official description.]
Textual Amendments
F42Reg. 13(1) substituted (28.5.2012) by The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 8(2) (with reg. 9)
F43Words in reg. 13(2)(b) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 6(1)
F44Words in reg. 13(4)(b)(ii) substituted (14.10.1991) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1991 (S.I. 1991/2275), regs. 1(1), 4(a)
F45Words in reg. 13(4)(b)(ii) inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 9
F46Words in reg. 13(4)(b)(ii) substituted (14.10.1991) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1991 (S.I. 1991/2275), regs. 1(1), 4(b)
F47Reg. 13(4)(b)(iii) inserted (1.12.2003) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/3048), regs. 1(1), 4
F48Reg. 13(5) substituted (28.5.2012) by The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 8(3) (with reg. 9)
Commencement Information
14.—(1) The form of the certificate pursuant to section 13(1) of the Act, as to the alteration of or giving of a name to a child before the expiration of twelve months from the date of the registration of its birth, shall be–
(a)where the name was altered or given in baptism, form 3;
(b)where the name was altered or given otherwise than in baptism, form 4.
(2) Upon delivery to him of a certificate duly signed in accordance with section 13(1), the registrar or superintendent registrar having custody of the register in which the birth is entered shall (in pursuance of section 13(1)) enter in space 17 of the entry the name shown in the certificate, followed by the surname recorded in space 2 of the entry and–
(a)if the entry is made on production of a certificate in [F49form 3] he shall add the words “by baptism on ... ... ... ...”, inserting the date on which the child was baptised;
(b)if the entry is made on production of a certificate in [F50form 4], he shall add the words “on certificate of naming dated ... ... ... ...”, inserting the date on which the certificate was signed.
Textual Amendments
F49Words in reg. 14(2)(a) substituted (14.10.1991) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1991 (S.I. 1991/2275), regs. 1(1), 5(a)
F50Words in reg. 14(2)(b) substituted (14.10.1991) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1991 (S.I. 1991/2275), regs. 1(1), 5(b)
Commencement Information
Textual Amendments
F51Words in Pt. IV heading inserted (2.12.2019) by The Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1458), regs. 1(2), 18(3)
[F5215. The officer prescribed for the purposes of section 9(5) of the Act (request other than to the relevant registrar for re-registration of birth) is a registrar who is not the relevant registrar.]
Textual Amendments
F52Reg. 15 substituted (28.5.2012) by The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 10
Commencement Information
16. Form 2 shall be the prescribed form of the declaration to be made —
(a)by the mother under section 10A(1)(b)(i) and by the person stating himself to be the father under section 10A(1)(c)(i)of the Act; and
(b)by the mother under section 10A(1B)(b)(i) and by the person stating herself to be the other parent of the child under section 10A(1B)(c)(i) of the Act.]
Textual Amendments
F53Reg. 16 substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 10(1)
Commencement Information
I16Reg. 16 in force at 1.1.1988, see reg. 1
17.—(1) The relevant registrar shall re-register a birth under section 10A or 10A(1B) of the Act in accordance with the following provisions.
(2) Where a mother and father attend together before the registrarF55... to give information for the re-registration of the birth, the registrar shall—
(a)ascertain from the mother and father the particulars to be registered concerning the birth, and enter them in spaces 1 to 13 on form 1, and in the presence of the mother and father and in accordance with the authority of the Registrar General call upon the mother and father to verify the particulars entered, and to sign the entry in space 14; or
(b)Where a mother or father separately attend, the registrar shall, after their signature—
(i)in a section 10A(1)(b) case, add the words “Statutory declaration made by … on …” inserting the name and surname of the person acknowledging himself as the father and the date on which the statutory declaration was made by him;
(ii)in a section 10A(1)(c) case, add the words, “Statutory declaration made by … on …,” inserting the name and surname of the mother and the date on which the statutory declaration was made by her;
(iii)in a section 10A(1)(d) case, add the words “Pursuant to section 10A(1)(d) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953”;
(iv)in a section 10A(1)(e) case, add the words “Pursuant to section 10A(1)(e) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953”;
(v)in a section 10A(1)(f) case, add the words “Pursuant to section 10A(1)(f) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953”;
(vi)in a section 10A(1)(ff) case, add the words “Pursuant to section 10A(1)(ff) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953”; or
(vii)in a section 10A(1)(g) case, add the words “Pursuant to section 10A(1)(g) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953”.
(3) Where a mother and other parent attend together before the registrarF55... to give information for the re-registration of the birth, the registrar shall in a section 10A(lB)(a) case ascertain from the mother and other parent the particulars to be registered concerning the birth and enter them in spaces 1 to 13 on form 1 in the presence of the mother and other parent, and call upon the mother and other parent to verify the particulars entered and to sign the entry in space 14.
(4) Where the mother or other parent separately attend, the registrar shall, after their signature —
(i)in a section 10A(1B)(b) case, add the words “Statutory declaration made by on ….” inserting the name of the person acknowledging herself to be the other parent and the date on which the statutory declaration was made by her;
(ii)in a section 10A(1B)(c) case, add the words “Statutory declaration made by …on…” inserting the name of the mother and the date on which the statutory declaration was made by her;
(iii)in a section 10A(1B)(d) case, add the words “Pursuant to section 10A(1B)(d) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953”;
(iv)in a section 10A(1B)(e) case, add the words “Pursuant to section 10(1B)(e) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953”;
(v)in a section 10A(1B)(f) case, add the words “Pursuant to section 10A(1B)(f) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953”; or
(vi)in a section 10A(1B)(g) case, add the words “Pursuant to section 10A(1B)(g) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953”.
(5) The registrar shall enter in space 15 the date on which the entry is made, and add the words “On the authority of the Registrar General”.
(6) The registrar shall sign the entry in space 16, and add his official description.
(7) Where a father, mother or other parent attends to register the birth F56... before an officer mentioned in regulation 15 (Officers before whom statements may be made) that officer shall—
(a)call upon the mother, father or other parent to make and sign a statement in form 2 in accordance with the authority of the Registrar General;
(b)attest the statement and deliver it to the relevant registrar together with the authority of the Registrar General and also —
(i)in a section 10A(1)(b)or (c), or 10A(1B)(b) or (c) case, the statutory declaration;
(ii)in a case under paragraph (d), (e),(f) or (g) of section 10A(1) a declaration in form 6B and either the parental responsibility agreement in a case mentioned in paragraph (d) or the order mentioned in paragraphs (e) to (g) of that section;
(iii)in a case under paragraph (d), (e) or (f) of section 10A(1B) a declaration in Form 6B and either the parental responsibility agreement in a case mentioned in paragraph (d) or the order mentioned in paragraphs (e) to (f) of that section.
(8) Form 6B is the prescribed form of the declaration for the purpose of paragraphs (d) to (g) of section 10A(1) and paragraphs (d) to (f) of section 10A(1B) of the Act.
(9) Upon receiving the documents referred to in paragraph 7 above the relevant registrar shall —
(a)copy the particulars recorded in the spaces of the particular statement into the corresponding spaces of form 1;
(b)enter in space 14 the name of the mother, father or other parent in the form in which the statement was signed and —
(i)add the words “by declaration dated …”, inserting the date on which the declaration was made and signed; or
(ii)in a case under paragraph (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (ff) or (g) of section 10A(1) make the further addition specified in paragraph 2(b) or under section 10A(1B)(b),(c),(d),(e),(f) or (g) make the further addition specified in paragraph 4;
(c)enter in space 15 the date on which the entry is made, adding the words “On the authority of the Registrar General”; and
(d)F57... sign the entry in space 16 and add his official description[F58.]
F59(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(10) In a section 10A(1)(ff) case, or a section 10A(1B)(g) case any reference in these Regulations to the mother shall be to another qualified informant in the case of the death or inability of the mother.]
Textual Amendments
F54Reg. 17 substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 11
F55Words in reg. 17(2)(3) omitted (28.5.2012) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 11(2) (with reg. 12)
F56Words in reg. 17(7) omitted (28.5.2012) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 11(3) (with reg. 12)
F57Words in reg. 17(9)(d) omitted (28.5.2012) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 11(4) (with reg. 12)
F58Reg. 17(9)(d) full-stop substituted for word (28.5.2012) by The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 11(4) (with reg. 12)
F59Reg. 17(9)(e) omitted (28.5.2012) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 11(5) (with reg. 12)
Commencement Information
18. Where the Registrar General has directed that there shall be a re-registration in accordance with this Part of these Regulations, the registrar or superintendent registrar who has custody of the register in which the birth was previously registered shall, when so directed by the Registrar General, enter a note in the margin of the entry with the following words—
(i)“Re-registered under section 10A of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 on …” inserting the date of the re-registration; or
(ii)“Re-registered under section 10A (1B) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 on …” inserting the date of the re-registration.]
Textual Amendments
F60Reg. 18 substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 12
Commencement Information
19. Where under section 14(1) of the Act(6) the Registrar General authorises the re-registration of the birth of a legitimated person–
(a)except where Regulation 21 or 23 applies, and subject to section 14(2) of the Act(7) (personal attendance as required by the Registrar General), [F61a mother, father or other parent] of the legitimated person shall attend personally at the office of the relevant registrar for re-registration of the birth within such time as the Registrar General may direct;
(b)Regulation 7(2) shall apply as to the particulars to be recorded in respect of the [F62mother, father or other parent] except that–
[F63(i)in spaces 6 and 8b of form 1 (occupations) the occupations of the [F64father and mother, or the other parent and mother] respectively need not be recorded as at both the date of birth and the date of the entry,]
(ii)in space 7 of form 1, the surname to be recorded in respect of the mother of the child shall be her surname immediately [F65after F66... her marriage to, or civil partnership with, the [F67father or] other parent, and]
[F68(iii)in space 9(b) of form 1 the surname (if any) to be entered shall be that in which the mother contracted her marriage or civil partnership to the father or other parent F69... of the child prior to re-registration.]
Textual Amendments
F61Words in reg. 19(a) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 13(1)
F62Words in reg. 19(b) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 13(2)
F63Reg. 19(b)(i) substituted (1.4.1995) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1948), regs. 1(1), 4
F64Words in reg. 19(b)(i) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 13(3)
F65Words in reg. 19(b)(ii) substituted (13.3.2014) by The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/107), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 11(3)(a)
F66Words in reg. 19(b)(ii) omitted (2.12.2019) by virtue of The Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1458), regs. 1(2), 18(4)(a)
F67Words in reg. 19(b)(ii) inserted (2.12.2019) by The Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1458), regs. 1(2), 18(4)(b)
F68Words in reg. 19(b)(iii) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 13(5)
F69Word in reg. 19(b)(iii) omitted (13.3.2014) by virtue of The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/107), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 11(3)(b)
Commencement Information
20. Where the mother, father or other parent as the case may be, attend at the office of the relevant registrar to re-register a birth, the registrar must —
(a)ascertain from them the particulars to be registered and enter them in spaces 1 to 13 of form 1 and;
(b)ask whoever is acting as the informant to verify the particulars and to sign the entry in space 14 of form 1;
(c)enter in space 15 of form 1 the date on which the entry is made and add the words “On the authority of the Registrar General”; and
(d)sign the entry in space 16 of form 1 and add his official description.]
Textual Amendments
F70Reg. 20 substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 14
Commencement Information
21.—(1) Instead of attending personally at the office of the relevant registrar, a parent may F71... verify the particulars required on re-registration in accordance with the following provisions of this Regulation [F72, provided that if the parent is not in England and Wales, he has obtained the written consent of the Registrar General].
(2) A parent who is in England or Wales may verify the particulars by making and signing before any registrar other than the relevant registrar a declaration of the particulars on an approved form.
(3) Any such declaration shall be attested by the registrar before whom it is made and sent by him to the relevant registrar.
(4) A parent who is not in England or Wales may verify the particulars by making and signing before a relevant authority, and sending to the Registrar General, a declaration of the particulars on an approved form.
(5) In paragraph (4) “relevant authority” means–
(a)in the case of a parent who is in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands or any part of the Commonwealth outside the British Islands or who is in the Irish Republic, a notary public and any other person who, in the place where the declaration is made, is authorised to administer oaths;
(b)in the case of a parent to whom sub-paragraph (a) above does not apply (and who is outside England and Wales), one of Her Majesty’s consular officers, a notary public and any other person who, in the place where the declaration is made, is authorised to administer oaths so however that a declaration made otherwise than before a consular officer shall be authenticated by such an officer if the Registrar General so requires;
(c)in the case of a parent who is a member of Her Majesty’s Forces and who is not in the United Kingdom, any officer who holds a rank not below that of Lieutenant-Commander, Major or Squadron-Leader.
[F73(6) In this regulation parent means mother, father or other parent.]
Textual Amendments
F71Words in reg. 21(1) omitted (1.7.1997) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/1533), regs. 1, 2(4)(a)
F72Words in reg. 21(1) inserted (1.7.1997) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/1533), regs. 1, 2(4)(b)
F73Reg. 21(6) inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 15
Commencement Information
22. On receiving the Registrar General’s authority to re-register a birth together with his consent as to verification and the declaration made for the purposes of Regulation 21, the relevant registrar shall–
(a)copy the particulars recorded in the spaces of the declaration into the corresponding spaces of form 1;
(b)enter in space 12 of form 1 the qualification of the informant as “father” or “mother” [F74or “other parent”], as the case may be;
(c)enter in space 14 of form 1 the name of the declarant in the form in which he signed the declaration and add the words “by declaration dated ... ... ... ...”, inserting the date on which the declaration was made and signed;
(d)complete the entry as provided in regulation 20(3)(c) and (d).
Textual Amendments
F74Words in reg. 22(b) inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 16
Commencement Information
23. Where, in a case to which any of the provisos to section 14(1)(8) [F75of the Act] applies, the Registrar General authorises the relevant registrar to re-register the birth of a legitimated person notwithstanding that the particulars to be registered have not been verified by either parent, the registrar shall–
(a)copy the particulars recorded in the spaces of the authority into the corresponding spaces of form 1;
(b)enter in space 14 the words “On the authority of the Registrar General” without any further entry in that space;
(c)enter in space 15 the date on which the entry is made and sign the entry in space 16, adding his official description.
[F76(2) In this regulation, parent means mother, father or other parent.]
Textual Amendments
F75Words in reg. 23 inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 17(1)
F76Words in reg. 23 inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 17(2)
Commencement Information
24. Where the birth of a legitimated person is re-registered in accordance with Regulation 20, 22 or 23 the superintendent registrar or registrar having custody of the register in which the birth was previously registered shall, when so directed by the Registrar General, note in the margin of the previous entry the words “Re-registered under section 14 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953, on ... ... ... ...”, inserting the date of the re-registration.
25. Where an application is made to a superintendent registrar or registrar for a certified copy of the entry of the birth of a legitimated person whose birth has been re-registered in a register in his custody–
(a)he shall supply a certified copy of the entry of re-registration;
(b)a certified copy of the superseded entry shall not be supplied except with the authority of the Registrar General.
26.—(1) Where under section 14(1) of the Act the Registrar General authorises the re-registration of the birth of a legitimated person who was born at sea and whose birth was included in a return sent to the Registrar General–
(a)a [F77mother, father or other parent] of the legitimated person shall verify the particulars required on re-registration by making and signing on an approved form a declaration of those particulars before a registrar or a relevant authority as defined in Regulation 21(5);
(b)the [F78mother, father or other parent] shall send the declaration to the Registrar General.
(2) In relation to any case to which this Regulation applies, section 14(1) of the Act shall apply with the modification that a person deputed for the purpose by the Registrar General shall on receiving the Registrar General’s authority, together with the declaration made by the [F79mother, father or other parent] under paragraph (1), effect re-registration by–
(a)making the entry in a register to be kept at the General Register Office in form 7, copying the particulars recorded in the spaces of the authority into the corresponding spaces of the form;
(b)noting in the margin of any previous record of the birth in the custody of the Registrar General the words “Re-registered under section 14 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953, on ... ... ... ...”, inserting the date of re-registration; and
(c)sending a copy of the previous record, including a copy of the marginal note, certified under the seal of the General Register Office, to the authority from whom that record was received by the Registrar General.
Textual Amendments
F77Words in reg. 26(1)(a) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 18(1)
F78Words in reg. 26(1)(b) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 18(2)
F79Words in reg. 26(2) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 18(3)
Commencement Information
Textual Amendments
F80Pt. 5A inserted (4.4.1988) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1988 (S.I. 1988/638), regs. 1(1), 2
26A. Where under section 14A of the Act the Registrar General authorises the relevant registrar to re-register a birth, the relevant registrar shall—
(a)copy the particulars recorded in the spaces of the authority into spaces 1 to 10 of form 1;
(b)enter across such of spaces 11 to 14 as are needed for the purpose:—
(i)if the re-registration follows a declaration under section 56(1)(a) of the Family Law Act 1986 the words “Pursuant to section 14A of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 on the authority of the Registrar General”; or
(ii)if the re-registration follows a declaration under section 56(1)(b) of the Family Law Act 1986 the words “on the authority of the Registrar General”;
(c)draw a line through any unused space; and
(d)enter in space 15 the date on which the entry is made and sign the entry in space 16, adding his official description.
26B. Where a birth is re-registered in accordance with regulation 26A, the superintendent registrar or registrar having custody of the register in which the birth was previously registered shall, when so directed by the Registrar General, note the margin of the previous entry with the words “Re-registered under section 14A of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953, on ... ... ... ...”, inserting the date of the re-registration.
26C. Where under section 14A of the Act the Registrar General authorises the re-registration of the birth of a person who was born at sea and whose birth was included in a return sent to the Registrar General, a person deputed for the purpose by the Registrar General shall on receiving the Registrar General’s authority effect re-registration by—
(a)making the entry in a register to be kept at the General Register Office in form 7, copying the particulars recorded in the spaces of the authority into the corresponding spaces of the form;
(b)noting in the margin of any previous record of birth in the custody of the Registrar General the words “Re-registered under section 14A of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953, on ... ... ... ...”, inserting the date of re-registration; and
(c)sending a copy of the previous record, including a copy of the marginal note, certified under the seal of the General Register Office, to the authority from whom that record was received by the Registrar General.]
27.—(1) When so directed by the Registrar General acting pursuant to any of the relevant provisions, a superintendent registrar or a registrar shall–
(a)mark the entry specified in the direction with the word “Adopted” F81... followed immediately, where the direction so specifies, by the name, in brackets, of the country in which the adoption order was made;
(b)strike through any marking as to adoption in the margin of the entry specified in the direction and underneath write, as may be specified in the direction, the words “Adoption order quashed”, “Adoption order revoked”, “Appeal against adoption order allowed” or “Direction for the marking of this entry revoked”,
and, after marking the entry or striking through the marking (as the case may be), the officer concerned shall add his signature and official description.
(2) In paragraph (1) “the relevant provisions” means sections [F8277(6) of, and paragraphs 1(2), 2, 3(2)(a), 4(5)(b), (6)(b) and (9), 5 and 6(2)(b) of Schedule 1 to, the Adoption and Children Act 2002].
Textual Amendments
F81Words in reg. 27(1)(a) omitted (13.11.2006) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 7(1)
F82Words in reg. 27(2) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 7(2)
Commencement Information
28. Where–
(a)a certified copy of an entry of birth relating to an adopted person is given pursuant to section 30(2), 31(2) or 32 of the Act(9);
(b)the entry has been marked pursuant to sub-paragraph (a) of paragraph (1) of Regulation 27; and
(c)the marking has not been struck through pursuant to sub-paragraph (b) of that paragraph,
the certified copy shall include a copy of the marking.
29. The particulars required to be registered pursuant to section 3A(2)(c) of the Act(10) (registration of births of abandoned children in register at the General Register Office) shall be those required in spaces 1 to 6 in form 8.
30. Where the Registrar General re-registers a birth under section 3A(5) of the Act the superintendent registrar or registrar having custody of the register in which the birth was previously registered shall, when so directed by the Registrar General, note in the margin of the previous entry the words “Re-registered under section 3A(5) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 on ... ... ... ...”, inserting the date of the re-registration as notified by the Registrar General.
31. The particulars concerning a still-birth required to be registered pursuant to section 1(1) of the Act(11) shall, subject to the provisions of this Part of these Regulations, be those required in spaces 1 to 13 in form 9 and that form shall be the prescribed form for registration of still-births for the purposes of section 5 of the Act (which provides for registration of births free of charge).
32.—(1) The form of the certificate to be signed, pursuant to section 11(1)(a) of the Act(12), by a registered medical practitioner or a registered midwife for delivery by the qualified informant to the registrar shall be form 10.
(2) The form of the declaration to be made by a qualified informant, pursuant to section 11(1)(b) of the Act(13), where no certificate is obtained shall be form 11.
33.—(1) Where [F83the relevant registrar] is given information of an alleged still-birth and he has reason to believe that the child was born alive he shall report the matter to the coroner on an approved form.
(2) The registrar shall not register a still-birth which to his knowledge has been reported to the coroner until he has received either a coroner’s certificate after inquest or a notification from the coroner that he does not intend to hold an inquest.
Textual Amendments
F83Words in reg. 33(1) substituted (1.4.1997) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/844), regs. 1(1), 2(3)
Commencement Information
33A.—(1) Where a relevant registrar is informed that a still-birth which occurred more than twelve months previously has not been registered, he shall make a report to the Registrar General stating, to the best of his knowledge and belief—
(a)the particulars required to be registered concerning the birth;
(b)the source of his information; and
(c)the name, surname and address of any qualified information available to give information for the registration.
(2) Where a report has been, or is required to be, made to the coroner in accordance with regulation 33, the relevant registrar shall also inform the Registrar General of this fact and, upon receiving a coroner’s certificate after inquest or being informed that the coroner does not intend to hold an inquest, notify the Registrar General accordingly.
(3) On being satisfied that the Registrar General has issued his written authority to the relevant registrar for the registration of the still-birth, that registrar, on registering the birth, shall enter in space 15 the words “on the authority of the Registrar General”.]
Textual Amendments
34.—(1) In the case of a still-birth in respect of which–
(a)a certificate in form 10 or a declaration in form 11 has been delivered to the relevant registrar;
(b)a report has not been, and is not required to be, made to the coroner; and
(c)F85... the relevant registrar receives [F86personally] from a qualified informant information of the particulars required to be registered concerning the birth,
the relevant registrar shall forthwith register the birth and the particulars, if not previously registered, [F87in the presence of the informant] on form 9, entering the particulars required in spaces 1 to 13.
(2) Regulations 7(2), 9 and 10 shall apply to the completion of form 9 as they apply to the completion of form 1 but with any necessary modifications, in particular the following–
(a)in space 1[F88a]–
(i)where a still-born child is found exposed and the date and place of the still-birth are unknown the registrar shall enter the words “Found ... ... ... ...on ... ... ... ...”, inserting the relevant place and date,
F89(ii). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[F90(aa)in space 1(b) (name and surname) any name and surname given by the informant in respect of the child;]
(b)in space 2–
(i)where a certificate in form 10 has been produced, the registrar shall enter the cause of death precisely as stated in the certificate, followed by the words “Certified by ... ... ... ...” and the name, surname and qualification of the registered medical practitioner or, as the case may be, the name and surname of the midwife and the words “Registered Midwife”,
(ii)where a declaration in form 11 has been produced, the registrar shall enter the words “Declaration by informant”,
and, except where head (ii) applies, the informant shall not be required to verify the particulars entered in space 2.
Textual Amendments
F85Words in reg. 34(1)(c) omitted (28.5.2012) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 14
F86Words in reg. 34(1)(c) omitted (temp.) (26.3.2020) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(2), Sch. 13 para. 6(2)(a) (with ss. 88-90, Sch. 13 para. 8); S.I. 2020/361, reg. 2(a)
F87Words in reg. 34(1) omitted (temp.) (26.3.2020) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(2), Sch. 13 para. 6(2)(b) (with ss. 88-90, Sch. 13 para. 8); S.I. 2020/361, reg. 2(a)
F88Word in reg. 34(2)(a) inserted (1.4.1995) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1948), regs. 1(1), 5
F89Reg. 34(2)(a)(ii) omitted (1.4.1995) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1948), regs. 1(1), 5
F90Reg. 34(2)(aa) inserted (1.4.1995) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1948), regs. 1(1), 5
Commencement Information
34A.—(1) In relation to a still-birth, the officer before whom a declaration for the purposes of section 9(1) of the Act (giving of information to a person other than the registrar may be made shall be any registrar) other than the relevant registrar.
(2) The officer before whom the declaration is to be made shall—
(a)enter in the declaration the particulars required to be registered concerning the still-birth, using an approved form for the purpose;
(b)[F92show or read the declaration to the informant and correct any error or omission, requiring the informant to initial any amendment if the declaration is prepared in manuscript, and then to sign the declaration];
(c)attest the declaration himself; and
(d)send the declaration and either the certificate in form 10 or the declaration in form 11 to the relevant registrar in accordance with section 11(1B)(b) of the Act.
(3) Except in a case to which regulation 33 applies, where it appears to the relevant registrar that the particulars contained in the declaration are in any material respect not proper to be registered, he shall return the declaration to the officer before whom it was attested together with a note of the matters in which it appears to need amendment, and—
(a)that officer shall then in the presence of the declarant amend any error by striking out any incorrect particulars and inserting the correct particulars;
(b)any amendment so made shall be initialled by the declarant and the declaration shall be returned to the relevant registrar.
(4) On receiving the declaration and either the certificate in form 10 or the declaration in form 11 the registrar shall, subject to paragraph (3), enter the particulars of the birth in the register in the following manner—
(a)in spaces 1 and 3 to 13 of form 9, he shall enter the particulars as appearing in the corresponding spaces of the declaration, except that where any particulars have been corrected in pursuance of paragraph (3) he shall enter in the register only the particulars as corrected, omitting any incorrect particular which has been struck out and the initials of the declarant;
(b)in space 2 of form 9, he shall enter the cause of death and nature of the evidence that the child was still-born—
(i)if he has received a certificate in form 10, as they appear in that certificate; or
(ii)if he has received a declaration in form 11, as they appear in the corresponding spaces of the declaration for the purposes of section 9(1) of the Act, except that where those particulars have been corrected in pursuance of paragraph (3) he shall enter in the register only the particulars as corrected, omitting any incorrect particular which has been struck out and the initials of the declarant.
(c)in space 14 of form 9—
(i)he shall enter the name of the declarant in the form in which he signed the declaration and shall add the words “by declaration dated….”, inserting the date on which the declaration was made and signed;
(ii)if, pursuant to section 9(4) of the Act, a request made under paragraph (b) or (c) of section 10(1) [F93, or paragraphs (b) or (c) of section 10(1B)] of the Act was included in the declaration, he shall after the words required by head (i) make the same addition as, on completion of registration under regulation 10, would be required under (as the case may be) head (ii) or (iii) of paragraph (1)(b) [F94or (ii) or (iii) of paragraph (1)(c)] of that regulation;
[F95(iii)if, pursuant to section 9(4A) of the Act, a request made under section 10ZA of the Act was included in the declaration, he shall after the words required by head (i) make the same addition as, on completion of registration under regulation 10, would be required under [F96paragraph 1(d) of regulation 10];]
(d)in space 15 of form 9 he shall enter the date on which the entry is made; and
(e)in space 16 of form 9 he shall sign the entry, adding his official description.]
Textual Amendments
F91Reg. 34A inserted (1.4.1997) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/844), regs. 1(1), 2(4)
F92Words in reg. 34A(2)(b) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 8
F93Words in reg. 34A(4)(c)(ii) inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 19(1)
F94Words in reg. 34A(4)(c)(ii) inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 19(2)
F95Reg. 34A(4)(c)(iii) inserted (1.12.2003) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/3048), regs. 1(1), 6
F96Words in reg. 34A(4)(c)(iii) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 19(3)
35.—(1) Where, [F97in relation to] a still-birth which has not already been registered, the relevant registrar receives from a coroner notification that he does not intend to hold an inquest, the registrar shall, subject to [F98paragraph (2)], take such action as may be required to register the still-birth and the particulars on form 9 in the presence of a qualified informant, entering the particulars required in spaces 1 to 13 in accordance with Regulation 34(2) [F99or, if a declaration is made for the purposes of section 9(1) of the Act, in accordance with regulation 34A(4)].
(2) Where the coroner–
(a)certifies in his notification that an examination made by his direction has disclosed that the child was still-born or that there was not sufficient evidence to show that the child was born alive; and
(b)delivers to the registrar a certificate showing the result of the examination,
the registrar shall enter in space 2 of form 9 the cause of death precisely as stated in the certificate, followed by the words “Certified by ... ... ... ...after post-mortem held by direction of ... ... ... ...”, inserting respectively the name, surname and qualification of the registered medical practitioner who made the examination and the name, surname and description of the coroner.
F100(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F97Words in reg. 35(1) substituted (28.5.2012) by The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 15(2)(a)
F98Words in reg. 35(1) substituted (28.5.2012) by The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 15(2)(b)
F99Words in reg. 35(1) inserted (1.4.1997) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/844), regs. 1(1), 2(5)
F100Reg. 35(3) omitted (28.5.2012) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 15(3)
Commencement Information
36.—(1) Where F101... the relevant registrar receives a coroner’s certificate after inquest from which it appears that the child was still-born or that there was not sufficient evidence to show that the child was born alive, the registrar shall forthwith register the still-birth and the particulars (whether or not already registered) on form 9 as follows–
(a)in spaces 1 [F102a, 1b] and 3 to 10, he shall enter, precisely as stated in the coroner’s certificate, the particulars contained in the certificate as the particulars to be entered in the respective spaces;
(b)in space 2, he shall enter the cause of death precisely as stated in the coroner’s certificate followed by the words “Certificate after inquest held on ... ... ... ...”, inserting the date of the inquest as stated in the certificate;
(c)in spaces 11 and 12 together, he shall enter the name, surname and description of the coroner;
(d)he shall draw a line through spaces 13 and 14;
(e)in space 15, he shall enter the date on which the entry is made;
(f)in space 16 he shall sign the entry and add his official description.
[F103(2) If the still-birth has already been registered, the relevant registrar shall register the still-birth and the particulars in accordance with paragraph (1) without making any alteration of the original entry.]
Textual Amendments
F101Words in reg. 36(1) omitted (28.5.2012) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 16(2)
F102Words in reg. 36(1)(a) inserted (1.4.1995) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1948), regs. 1(1), 6
F103Reg. 36(2) substituted (28.5.2012) by The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 16(3)
Commencement Information
37. Where, in any case to which Regulation 36 applies, the registrar ascertains that an entry in respect of the child has previously been made in any register of live-births, still-births or deaths he shall, after registering the still-birth in accordance with that Regulation–
(a)if the previous entry is in a still-birth register in his custody, write in the margin of the previous entry the words “Re-registered on coroner’s certificate at entry No ... ... ... ...”, inserting the number of the new entry;
(b)if the previous entry is in a live-birth or death register in his custody, write in the margin of the previous entry the words “This entry relates to a still-birth and is registered at entry No ... ... ... ...in the still-birth register No ... ... ... ...”, inserting the numbers of the new entry and of the register;
(c)if the previous entry is in a live-birth or death register in the custody of a superintendent registrar, give him a copy of the new entry together with particulars of the previous entry whereupon the superintendent registrar shall write in the margin of the previous entry the words “This entry relates to a still-birth and is registered at entry No ... ... ... ...in the still-birth register No ... ... ... ...”, inserting the numbers of the new entry and of the register;
(d)if the previous entry is in a still-birth register in the custody of the Registrar General, send to the Registrar General a copy of the new entry together with particulars of the previous entry.
38.—(1) The form of the certificate of a registrar to be given under section 11(2) of the Act(14) (preliminaries to disposal of body) that he has registered a still-birth shall be form 12.
(2) The certificate of a registrar under section 11(2) of the Act that he has received notice of a still-birth shall be given on an approved form but a certificate shall not be given except for the purpose of burial in a burial ground in England or Wales, and then only–
(a)where the case is one which is not required to be reported to the coroner; or
(b)where the case has been reported to the coroner and the registrar has been informed by the coroner that he has completed any investigation which he intends to make and has not issued any order authorising the disposal of the body.
39. The particulars concerning a death required to be registered pursuant to section 15 of the Act shall, subject to the provisions of this Part of these Regulations, be those required in spaces [F1041 to 7 and 9] in form 13 and that form shall be the prescribed form for registration of deaths for the purpose of section 20 of the Act (which provides for registration of deaths free of charge).
Textual Amendments
F104Words in reg. 39 substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 9
Commencement Information
40.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2)–
(a)the form of a certificate of cause of death required to be signed by a registered medical practitioner pursuant to section 22(1) of the Act shall be–
(i)except in the case of a child who dies within 28 days of birth, form 14,
(ii)in the case of such a child, form 15;
(b)the form of notice of signing of the certificate of cause of death required by section 22(2) of the Act to be given by the medical practitioner to a qualified informant shall be form 16.
(2) Where the place of death is in England but the certificate of cause of death is issued in Wales–
(a)the form of the certificate or notice may instead be the corresponding form (11, 12 or 13 as the case may be) prescribed by Regulation 2(a) of the Registration of Births and Deaths (Welsh Language) Regulations 1987(15);
(b)where the corresponding form 11 or 12 is used under sub-paragraph (a) above the version in Welsh shall be disregarded for any other purpose of these Regulations.
41.—(1) Where the relevant registrar is informed of the death of any person he shall, subject to paragraph (2), report the death to the coroner on an approved form if the death is one–
(a)[F105in respect of which the deceased was not attended during his last illness by a registered medical practitioner; or]
(b)in respect of which the registrar–
(i)has been unable to obtain a duly completed certificate of cause of death, or
(ii)has received such a certificate with respect to which it appears to him, from the particulars contained in the certificate or otherwise, that the deceased was not seen by [F106the certifying medical practitioner] [F106a medical practitioner] either after death or within [F10714 days] [F10728 days] before death; or
(c)the cause of which appears to be unknown; or
(d)which the registrar has reason to believe to have been unnatural or to have been caused by violence or neglect or by abortion or to have been attended by suspicious circumstances; or
(e)which appears to the registrar to have occurred during an operation or before recovery from the effect of an anaesthetic; or
(f)which appears to the registrar from the contents of any medical certificate of cause of death to have been due to industrial disease or industrial poisoning.
(2) Where the registrar has reason to believe, with respect to any death of which he is informed or in respect of which a certificate of cause of death has been delivered to him, that the circumstances of the death were such that it is the duty of some person or authority other than himself to report the death to the coroner, he shall either satisfy himself that it has been reported or report it himself.
(3) The registrar shall not register any death–
(a)which he has himself reported to the coroner;
(b)which to his knowledge it is the duty of any other person or authority to report to the coroner; or
(c)which to his knowledge has been reported to the coroner,
until he has received either a coroner’s certificate after inquest or a notification from the coroner that he does not intend to hold an inquest.
Textual Amendments
F105Reg. 41(1)(a) omitted (temp.) (26.3.2020) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(2), Sch. 13 para. 4(6) (with ss. 88-90, Sch. 13 para. 8); S.I. 2020/361, reg. 2(a)
F106Words in reg. 41(1)(b)(ii) substituted (temp.) (26.3.2020) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(2), Sch. 13 para. 6(3)(a) (with ss. 88-90, Sch. 13 para. 8); S.I. 2020/361, reg. 2(a)
F107Words in reg. 41(1)(b)(ii) substituted (temp.) (26.3.2020) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(2), Sch. 13 para. 6(3)(b) (with ss. 88-90, Sch. 13 para. 8); S.I. 2020/361, reg. 2(a)
Commencement Information
42.—(1) Where–
(a)a certificate of cause of death has been delivered to the relevant registrar;
(b)the death is not one which has been, or is required to be, reported to the coroner; and
(c)before the expiration of 12 months from the date of death the relevant registrar receives [F108personally] from any qualified informant information of the particulars required to be registered concerning the person’s death,
the relevant registrar shall forthwith register the death and the particulars, if not previously registered, [F109in the presence of the informant] on form 13, entering the particulars required in spaces [F1101 to 7 and 9] in accordance, where applicable, with the following provisions of this Regulation.
(2) In space 1 (date and place of death)–
(a)where a child lived for less than 24 hours, the registrar shall enter after the date of the child’s death the word “Aged ... ... ... ...”, inserting the age in completed hours or, if less than one hour, in minutes;
(b)where the date, but not the place, of death is known, the registrar shall enter the date of death followed by the words “Found dead ... ... ... ...”, inserting the place where the body was found;
(c)where the place, but not the date, of death is known the registrar shall enter the words “On or about ... ... ... ...”, inserting the date on which the body was found followed by the place of death;
(d)where both the date and place of death are unknown, the registrar shall enter the words “Deceased found on ... ... ... ...”, inserting the date on which the body was found followed by the place where it was found.
(3) In space 6 (occupation and usual address of deceased person)–
(a)where the deceased was a child under the age of 16 years, the registrar shall enter the words “son [or daughter] of ... ... ... ...”, inserting the name, surname and occupation of the father, [F111or other parent,] if that information is given, and the name, surname and occupation of the mother preceded where appropriate by the word “and” so however that if–
[F112(i)the names and surnames of the mother, father and other parent are to be entered, whichever is appropriate, and the surname of the mother if it is different from the surname of the father or other parent]
[F113(ii)it is within the knowledge of the informant that the mother was known by the surname of the father or the surname of the other parent at any time during the lifetime of the child,]
the registrar shall enter in respect of the mother that surname followed by her name and surname as at the death of the child preceded by the word “now” or, if the mother is deceased, the name and surname as at her death preceded by the word “afterwards”;
(b)where the deceased was a married woman or widow, the registrar shall, after her occupation enter the words “Wife [or Widow] of ... ... ... ...”, inserting the name, surname and occupation of her [F114spouse] or deceased [F114spouse].
[F115(ba)where the deceased was a married man or widower, the registrar shall, after his occupation enter the words “Husband [or Widower] of …”, inserting the name, surname and occupation of his [F116spouse] or deceased [F116spouse];
(bb)where the deceased was a civil partner or surviving civil partner, the registrar shall, after his occupation enter the words “Civil partner [or Surviving civil partner] of …”, inserting the name, surname and occupation of his civil partner or deceased civil partner.]
[F117(bc)the name, surname and occupation of adoptive parent(s) shall also be entered in space 6.]
(4) In space [F1189] (cause of death), the registrar shall enter the cause of death precisely as stated in the certificate of cause of death, followed by the words “Certified by ... ... ... ...”, inserting the name, surname and qualification of the registered medical practitioner who signed the certificate.
(5) After entering the required particulars in spaces [F1191 to 7 and 9], the registrar shall call upon the informant to verify the particulars in spaces 1 to 7.
(6) If any error has been made in those particulars, the registrar shall, in the presence of the informant, make the necessary correction as provided in Regulation 54 [F120when the entry is being prepared in manuscript].
(7) The registrar shall then–
(a)call upon the informant to sign the entry in space [F1218];
(b)enter in space 10 the date on which the entry is made; and
(c)sign the entry in space 11, adding his official description.
Textual Amendments
F108Word in reg. 42(1)(c) omitted (temp.) (26.3.2020) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(2), Sch. 13 para. 6(4)(a) (with ss. 88-90, Sch. 13 para. 8); S.I. 2020/361, reg. 2(a)
F109Words in reg. 42(1) omitted (temp.) (26.3.2020) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(2), Sch. 13 para. 6(4)(b) (with ss. 88-90, Sch. 13 para. 8); S.I. 2020/361, reg. 2(a)
F110Words in reg. 42(1) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 10(1)
F111Words in reg. 42(3)(a) inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 20(1)
F112Reg. 42(3)(a)(i) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 20(2)
F113Reg. 42(3)(a)(ii) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 20(3)
F114Word in reg. 42(3)(b) substituted (13.3.2014) by The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/107), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 11(4)(a)
F115Reg. 42(3)(ba)(bb) inserted (5.12.2005) by The Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3177), regs. 1, 6(2)
F116Word in reg. 42(3)(ba) substituted (13.3.2014) by The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/107), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 11(4)(b)
F117Reg. 42(3)(bc) inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 20(4)
F118Word in reg. 42(4) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 10(2)
F119Words in reg. 42(5) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 10(3)
F120Words in reg. 42(6) inserted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 10(4)
F121Word in reg. 42(7)(a) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 10(5)
Commencement Information
42A.—(1) The officer before whom a declaration for the purposes of section 23A of the Act (giving of information concerning a death to a person other than the registrar) may be made shall be any registrar other than the relevant registrar.
(2) The officer before whom the declaration is to be made shall—
(a)enter in the declaration the particulars required to be registered concerning the death, using an approved form for the purpose;
(b)show or read the particulars entered on the form to the informant and correct any error or omission, [F123where the declaration is being prepared in manuscript] requiring the informant to initial any amendment and then to sign the declaration;
(c)attest the declaration himself; and
(d)send the declaration to the relevant registrar in accordance with section 23A(3) of the Act.
(3) Except in a case to which regulation 41 applies, where it appears to the relevant registrar that the particulars contained in the declaration are in any material respect not proper to be registered, he shall return the declaration to the officer before whom it was attested together with a note of the matters in which it appears to need amendment, and—
(a)that officer shall then in the presence of the declarant amend any error by striking out any incorrect particulars and inserting the correct particulars;
(b)any amendment so made shall be initialled by the declarant and the declaration shall be returned to the relevant registrar.
(4) On receiving the declaration the registrar shall, subject to paragraph (3), enter the particulars of the death in the register in the following manner—
(a)in spaces 1 to 7 of form 13, he shall enter the particulars as appearing in the corresponding spaces of the declaration, except that where any particulars have been corrected in pursuance of paragraph (3) he shall enter in the register only the particulars as corrected, omitting any incorrect particular which has been struck out and the initials of the declarant;
(b)in space [F1249] of form 13 he shall enter the cause of death as it appears in the certificate of cause of death delivered to the registrar under section 22(1) of the Act;
(c)in space [F1258] of form 13 he shall enter the name of the declarant in the form in which he signed the declaration and shall add the words “by declaration dated ... ... ... ...”, inserting the date on which the declaration was made and signed;
(d)in space 10 of form 13 he shall enter the date on which the entry is made; and
(e)in space 11 of form 13 he shall sign the entry, adding his official description.]
Textual Amendments
F122Reg. 42A inserted (1.4.1997) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/844), regs. 1(1), 3(2)
F123Words in reg. 42A(2)(b) inserted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 11(1)
F124Word in reg. 42A(4)(b) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 11(2)
F125Word in reg. 42A(4)(c) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 11(2)
43.—(1) Where, before the expiration of 12 months from the date of a death which has not been registered, the relevant registrar is notified by the coroner that he does not intend to hold an inquest, the registrar shall, subject to paragraph (4), take such action as may be required to register the death and the particulars on form 13 [F126in the presence of a qualified informant], entering the particulars required in spaces [F1271 to 7 and 9, in accordance with regulation 42(2) to (7) or, if a declaration is made for the purposes of section 23A of the Act, in accordance with regulation 42A(4) but subject, in relation to space 9 of form 13 (cause of death), to paragraphs (2) and (3) below].
(2) Where the coroner in his notification certifies the cause of death disclosed by any report on a post-mortem examination of the body made [F128upon a request under section 14 of the 2009 Act], the registrar shall enter in space [F1299] of form 13 the cause of death precisely as stated in the notification followed by the words “Certified by ... ... ... ...”, inserting the name, surname and description of the coroner followed by the words “after post-mortem without inquest”.
(3) Where the coroner’s notification shows that no post-mortem examination was held by his direction, and the registrar is unable to obtain delivery of a certificate of cause of death, he shall enter in space [F1309] of form 13 the cause of death–
(a)if the cause is stated in the coroner’s notification, precisely as so stated;
(b)in any other case, as stated by the informant who shall then also verify space [F1309] (as well as spaces 1 to 7).
(4) After the expiration of 12 months from its date a death shall not be registered under this Regulation.
Textual Amendments
F126Words in reg. 43(1) omitted (temp.) (26.3.2020) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(2), Sch. 13 para. 6(5) (with ss. 88-90, Sch. 13 para. 8); S.I. 2020/361, reg. 2(a)
F127Words in reg. 43(1) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 12(1)
F128Words in reg. 43(2) substituted (25.7.2013) by The Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (Commencement No. 15, Consequential and Transitory Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1869), art. 4, Sch. para. 2(3)
F129Word in reg. 43(2) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 12(2)
F130Word in reg. 43(3) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 12(3)
Commencement Information
44. Where the registrar receives a notification as mentioned in Regulation 43(2) in respect of a death which he has already registered on the information of a qualified informant–
(a)if the register containing the entry is in his custody, he shall, without altering the entry in space [F1319] of form 13, enter in its margin the words “Post-mortem without inquest held by the direction of ... ... ... ...”, inserting the name, surname and description of the coroner, followed by the words “and cause of death disclosed as ... ... ... ...”, inserting the cause of death as certified by the coroner;
(b)if the register containing the entry is in the custody of the superintendent registrar, he shall deliver the notification to the superintendent registrar who shall, without altering the entry of the death, enter in its margin the particulars required by paragraph (a).
Textual Amendments
F131Word in reg. 44(a) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 13
Commencement Information
44A. Where the registrar receives a notification as mentioned in regulation 43(2) in respect of a death in respect of which a declaration has been made for the purposes of section 23A of the Act, but that death has not yet been registered, he shall register that death in accordance with regulation 42A and shall enter in the margin of the entry the particulars required by regulation 44(a).]
Textual Amendments
F132Reg. 44A inserted (1.4.1997) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/844), regs. 1(1), 3(4)
45. Where, before the expiration of 12 months from the date of a death, the relevant registrar receives with reference to that death a coroner’s certificate after an inquest he shall register the death (whether or not it has already been registered) as follows–
(a)in spaces 1 to 6 and [F1339] in form 13, he shall enter the particulars contained in the certificate, precisely as stated in the certificate, except that if any person is named in the certificate as having caused the death his name and surname shall be omitted;
(b)in space 7–
(i)subject to head (ii) below, he shall enter the words “Certificate received from ... ... ... ...”, inserting the name, surname and description of the coroner followed by the words “Inquest held on ... ... ... ...”, inserting the date of inquest as stated in the certificate,
(ii)if the inquest was adjourned, instead of the words “Certificate received from” he shall enter the words “Certificate on inquest adjourned received from”,
(c)he shall draw a line through space [F1348];
(d)in space 10, he shall enter the date on which the entry is made;
(e)in space 11, he shall sign the entry and add his official description.
Textual Amendments
F133Word in reg. 45(a) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 14(1)
F134Word in reg. 45(c) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 14(2)
Commencement Information
46. Where under regulation 45 or 47(4) the registrar registers a death which has already been registered on the information of a qualified informant–
(a)if the registrar has custody of the register containing the previous entry, he shall, without altering that entry, write in its margin the words “Re-registered on coroner’s certificate at entry No ... ... ... ...”, inserting the number of the new entry;
(b)where the previous entry is in a register in the custody of a superintendent registrar, he shall give him a copy of the new entry together with particulars of the previous entry whereupon the superintendent registrar shall, without altering the previous entry, write in its margin the words “Re-registered on coroner’s certificate at entry No ... ... ... ...in register No ... ... ... ...”, inserting the number of the new entry and of the register.
47.—(1) Where in respect of a death which occurred more than 12 months previously a relevant registrar–
(a)is informed that the death has not been registered; or
(b)whether or not it has already been registered on the information of a qualified informant, receives a coroner’s certificate upon an inquest with respect to the death,
he shall make a report to the Registrar General enclosing any certificate of the cause of death and any coroner’s notification that he does not intend to hold an inquest or coroner’s certificate after an inquest.
(2) Except in a case to which paragraph (1)(b) applies, the registrar shall, in his report to the Registrar General, state–
(a)to the best of his knowledge and belief, the particulars required to be registered concerning the death;
(b)the source of his information; and
(c)the name, surname and address of any qualified informant available to give information for the registration.
(3) On receiving the Registrar General’s written authority to register the death on the information of a qualified informant, the registrar [F135shall arrange for that informant to attend at his office and] shall register the death [F136in his presence] [F137or shall enter in the register the particulars of death given in a declaration made for the purposes of section 23A of the Act, in accordance with regulation 42A].
(4) On receiving the Registrar General’s written authority to register a death in respect of which the registrar has received a coroner’s certificate after an inquest the registrar shall proceed to register the death.
(5) Subject to paragraph (6), the provisions of Regulation 42, 43 (other than paragraph (4)) or 45 (as the case may be) shall apply to registration under paragraph (3) or (4) as they apply on a registration within 12 months.
(6) In space 10, after entering the date on which the entry is made, the registrar shall enter the words “On the authority of the Registrar General”.
Textual Amendments
F135Words in reg. 47(3) omitted (temp.) (26.3.2020) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(2), Sch. 13 para. 6(6)(a) (with ss. 88-90, Sch. 13 para. 8); S.I. 2020/361, reg. 2(a)
F136Words in reg. 47(3) omitted (temp.) (26.3.2020) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(2), Sch. 13 para. 6(6)(b) (with ss. 88-90, Sch. 13 para. 8); S.I. 2020/361, reg. 2(a)
F137Words in reg. 47(3) inserted (1.4.1997) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/844), regs. 1(1), 3(5)
Commencement Information
48. In this Part of these Regulations–
“the 1926 Act” means the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1926(16);
“certificate for disposal” means any certificate under subsection (1) of section 24 of the Act (certificates as to receipt of notice of and as to registration of death) and “certificate for disposal before registration” means a certificate of a registrar under that subsection that he has received written notice of a death;
“notification of disposal” means a notification as to the date, place and means of disposal of the body of a deceased person which a person effecting the dis-posal is required by section 3(1) of the 1926 Act to deliver to the relevant registrar.
49.—(1) A certificate for disposal shall be given by the relevant registrar on an approved form which, for the use of the person effecting the disposal, shall embody a form of notification of disposal in form 17.
(2) [F138A registrar may give a certificate for disposal before registration for the purpose of burial or cremation, in England and Wales, but only]–
(a)if the death is one which is not required to be reported to the coroner; or
(b)if the death has been reported, unless the registrar has received a coroner’s certificate after inquest or a notification from a coroner that he does not intend to hold an inquest and the registrar is satisfied that a coroner’s order has not been issued authorising the disposal of the body.
(3) The form of a declaration for the purpose of the proviso to section 1(1) of the 1926 Act (disposal by burial on declaration that certificate of registrar or order of coroner has been issued) shall be form 18.
Textual Amendments
F138Words in reg. 49(2) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 15
Commencement Information
50. The person effecting the disposal of the body of a deceased person shall–
(a)except where paragraph (b) applies–
(i)write, sign and date the notification of disposal embodied in form 17 or in the coroner’s order with regard to the deceased, and
(ii)detach the notification and deliver it to the relevant registrar;
(b)where a declaration has been made as mentioned in regulation 49(3), notify the relevant registrar in writing in the terms used in form 17.
51.—(1) The period after the issue of a certificate for disposal, or a coroner’s order authorising the disposal of the body, on the expiration of which the registrar (if he has not previously received a notification for disposal) is required to make enquiry under section 24(5) of the Act shall be a period of 14 days after the date of the issue of the certificate of order.
(2) Where in response to such an enquiry the registrar is informed that the body of the deceased person has not been disposed of, he shall, unless he is informed that the body is being held for the purposes of the Anatomy Acts 1832(17) and 1871(18) or the Human Tissue Act 1961(19), report the matter to the officer responsible for matters of environmental health for the district in which the body is lying.
(3) Where after such an enquiry it appears to the registrar that the body has been disposed of and notification of disposal has not been made to him within the time required by section 3(1) of the 1926 Act–
(a)he shall immediately ask the person effecting the disposal of the body to deliver the notification to him; and
(b)if the notification is not received within three days he shall report the matter to the Registrar General.
52. The form of a certificate of a registrar for the purposes of section 24(2) of the Act that a death is not required to be registered in England or Wales shall be form 19.
53. An entry of a birth or death made by a registrar shall for the purposes of these Regulations be deemed to have been completed when the registrar has signed the entry and added his official description.
54.—(1) Where under these Regulations a registrar is required to correct an error in an entry [F139, which he is preparing in manuscript] of a birth or death before the completion of the entry, he shall, subject to paragraph (2), make the correction in the following manner–
(a)if a word is incorrect, he shall strike it out by a line drawn through it, but so that the word remains legible, and shall write the correct word above it;
(b)if in any group of figures one or more is incorrect, he shall strike out all the figures by a line drawn through them, but so that they remain legible, and shall write the correct figures above them;
(c)if a word has been omitted, he shall place a caret where the omission occurs and above the caret he shall write the omitted word, except that if there is sufficient space he shall write the word where the omission occurs and underline it;
F140(d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(e)if the particulars required to be entered in any two spaces have been inadvertently transposed, the registrar shall, without any other correction, write in the margin of the entry a note of the error in the following form: “The particulars in ... ... ... ...and ... ... ... ...inadvertently transposed”, inserting the numbers of the spaces and adding his initials.
(2) If it appears that an error has been made in his signature, the informant shall make the correctionF141....
Textual Amendments
F139Words in reg. 54(1) inserted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 16(1)
F140Reg. 54(1)(d) omitted (13.11.2006) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 16(2)
F141Words in reg. 54(2) omitted (13.11.2006) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 16(3)
Commencement Information
55.—(1) Where it appears or is represented to the superintendent registrar or the registrar that in any completed entry made F142... in a register of live-births, still-births or deaths in his custody there is any clerical error to which this Regulation applies he shall, [F143correct the error as provided in regulation 55(3)].
(2) The clerical errors to which this Regulation applies are–
(a)any error–
(i)in spelling any word which is not the name or surname of any person, or
(ii)consisting of the misplacement or incorrect repetition of any such word,
made on entering the particulars other than by copying from a document specified in sub-paragraph (f);
(b)the incorrect statement or omission–
(i)in the date of registration, of the day or the month (but not both) provided it is evident from the preceding and succeeding entries which day or month should have been inserted,
(ii)of the year of the birth or death to which an entry relates or of the year of registration (but not of both);
(c)the omission of all the words required to be added, in space 14 of a birth entry, [F144under these Regulations];
[F145(cc)omission of the words required to be added in space 15 of a birth entry [F146under these Regulations]];
(d)the omission of any of the words (including the date) required to be added, following the entry of a name in space 17 of a birth entry, by Regulation 14(2)(a) or (b);
[F147(e)the omission of–
(i)any of the words (including the name, surname and qualification of the registered medical practitioner) “Certified by ... ... ... ...” required to be entered, in space [F1489] of a death entry, by Regulation 42(4),
(ii)any of the words (including the name, surname and description of the coroner) “Certified by ... ... ... ... after post-mortem without inquest” required to be entered, in space [F1489] of a death entry by Regulation 43(2),
(iii)any of the words (including the name, surname and description of the coroner and the date of inquest) “Certificate received from ... ... ... ... Inquest held on ... ... ... ...” required to be entered, in space 7 of a death entry, by Regulation 45(b)(i),
(iv)any of the words (including the name, surname and description of the coroner) “Certificate on inquest adjourned received from ... ... ... ...” required to be entered in space 7 of a death entry, by Regulation 45(b)(ii);]
(f)any error in copying any particulars required to be copied from–
(i)a declaration made in accordance with Regulation 13 [F149, 34A or 42A],
(ii)a certificate of name given in baptism, or a certificate of name given other than in baptism, delivered in pursuance of section 13(1) of the Act(20),
(iii)a certificate of cause of death,
(iv)a doctor’s or midwife’s certificate of still-birth,
(v)a coroner’s notification after post-mortem without inquest; or
(vi)a coroner’s certificate after inquest;
[F150(g)any error, in space 14 of a birth entry, in copying the date of a statutory declaration as required by regulations 10(1)(b)(ii) or (iii), or 10(1)(c)(ii) or (iii) or 17(2)(b)(i) or (ii), or 17(4)(i) or (ii)]
and the references in this paragraph to provisions of these Regulations include any corresponding provision of regulations revoked by these Regulations.
[F151(3) Where any correction is made under paragraph (1), the superintendent registrar or registrar concerned shall enter a marginal note providing details of the correction and where an error has occurred the following wording shall apply—
“In space [or column].. .. corrected to.. .. on .. ..by me .. .. registrar [or superintendent registrar]”
and the registrar or superintendent registrar shall complete and sign the note in the places provided;
where an omission has occurred the following wording shall apply —
“In space [or column] .. .. for .. .. read .. .. corrected on .. .. by me .. .. registrar [or superintendent registrar]”
and the registrar or superintendent registrar shall complete and sign the note in the places provided; and
where particulars have been transposed the following wording shall apply —
“The particulars in .. .. .. and .. .. inadvertently transposed”,
and the registrar or superintendent registrar shall complete and sign the marginal note.]
F152(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F142Words in reg. 55(1) omitted (13.11.2006) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 17(1)(a)
F143Words in reg. 55(1) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 17(1)(b)
F144Words in reg. 55(2)(c) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 17(2)
F145Reg. 55(2)(cc) inserted (1.7.1997) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/1533), regs. 1, 2(5)(a)
F146Words in reg. 55(2)(cc) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 17(3)
F147Reg. 55(2)(e) substituted (1.4.1989) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1989 (S.I. 1989/497), regs. 1(1), 9(2) (with reg. 13)
F148Word in reg. 55(2)(e)(i)(ii) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 17(4)
F149Words in reg. 55(2)(f)(i) inserted (1.4.1997) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/844), regs. 1(1), 4(3)(b)
F150Words in reg. 55(2)(g) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 21
F151Reg. 55(3) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 17(5)
F152Reg. 55(4) omitted (13.11.2006) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 17(6)
Commencement Information
56.—[F153(1) Where it appears or is represented to the superintendent registrar or the registrar that there is any clerical error to which this regulation applies in a completed entry made on the information of a qualified informant in a register of live-births in his custody, he shall correct the error in the presence of an informant.]
[F154(2) Where an error is corrected in accordance with paragraph (1) the following wording shall apply—
“In space [or column] .. ..corrected to .. .. on .. .. by me .. .. registrar [or superintendent registrar] in the presence of..”,
and where an omission is corrected in accordance with paragraph (1) the following wording shall apply—
“In space [or column] .. .. for .. .. read.. .. corrected on .. .. by me .. .. registrar [or superintendent registrar] in the presence of … ”
and the registrar or superintendent registrar shall complete and sign the note in the places provided.]
(3) [F155This] Regulation applies to the following clerical errors–
(a)in a live-birth entry (form 1)–
(i)in space 1, in the date or place of birth, but not both, provided the correct place of birth is within the sub-district where the birth was registered and the correct date of birth is within 3 months of the date of registration,
(ii)in space 5, in the father’s [F156or other parent’s] place of birth,
(iii)in space 6, in the father’s [F157or other parent’s] occupation,
[F158(iv)in space 8a, in the mother’s place of birth and in space 8b in the mother’s occupation,]
(v)in space 10, in the mother’s usual address,
(vi)in space 12, in the qualification of the informant, unless neither the father nor the mother, [F159nor the other parent] provided the identity of the informant is clear from the signature in space 14 and this is consistent with the information in space 4 or 7,
(vii)in space 13, in the usual address of informant,
(b)in a death entry (form 13)–
(i)in space 1, in the date or place of death, but not both, provided the corrected place of death is within the sub-district in which the death was registered and the corrected date of death is within 12 months of the date of registration,
(ii)in space 3, consisting of the omission of the sex of the deceased provided the sex as corrected is consistent with the name of the deceased in space 2,
(iii)in space 4, in the deceased’s maiden surname,
(iv)in space 5, consisting of the incorrect statement or omission of one, but not both, of the date or place of birth but, in the case of an incorrect statement of the [F160former] only if the date is not corrected by more than one year,
(v)in space 6, consisting of the incorrect statement or omission of the occupation of the deceased or of the deceased’s husband [F161or wife or civil partner] or parents or of the usual address of the deceased or of the omission of the words “son [or daughter] of ... ... ... ...” and of the names and surnames of the deceased’s parents,
(vi)in space 7(a), in the informant’s name or surname provided this is consistent with the signature in space 9,
(vii)in space 7(c), in the informant’s usual address.
F162(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F162(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F153Reg. 56(1) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 18(1)
F154Reg. 56(2) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 18(2)
F155Word in reg. 56(3) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 18(3)
F156Words in reg. 56(3)(a)(ii) inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 22(1)
F157Words in reg. 56(3)(a)(iii) inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 22(2)
F158Reg. 56(3)(a)(iv) substituted for reg. 56(3)(a)(iiia)(iv) (1.4.1995) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1948), regs. 1(1), 7 (with reg. 9)
F159Words in reg. 56(3)(a)(vi) inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 22(3)
F160Word in reg. 56(3)(b)(iv) substituted (1.4.1989) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1989 (S.I. 1989/497), regs. 1(1), 10(b) (with reg. 13)
F161Words in reg. 56(3)(b)(v) inserted (5.12.2005) by The Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3177), regs. 1, 6(3)
F162Reg. 56(4)(5) omitted (13.11.2006) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 18(4)
Commencement Information
57.—(1) Where it appears or is represented to a superintendent registrar or a registrar that in a completed entry made F163..., on the information of a qualified informant, in a register of live-births, still-births or deaths in his custody, there is a clerical error other than one to which Regulation [F16455], 56 or 59(2) applies, he shall send a report to the Registrar General and shall include with his report–
(a)such evidence as the Registrar General may require for the purpose of verifying the facts;
(b)the name and surname of the qualified informant (if any) who will be available to witness correction of the error; and
(c)a copy of the entry.
(2) On receiving the authority of the Registrar General the superintendent registrar or the registrar concerned shall correct the error F165..., in the presence of the qualified informant specified in the authority of the Registrar General.
[F166(3) Where any correction is made under paragraph (2) the registrar or the superintendent registrar concerned shall enter a marginal note in the following form—
“In space [or column] .. .. corrected to .. .. on .. .. by me.. ..[registrar or superintendent registrar] in the presence of .. on the authority of the Registrar General”
and he shall complete and sign the note in the places provided, whereupon—
(a)the informant shall sign the note in the place provided; and
(b)the superintendent registrar or the registrar concerned shall after the signature of the informant add the informant’s qualification for giving information concerning the correction.]
[F166(4) Where no qualified informant is available to witness the correction, the superintendent registrar or the registrar concerned shall write a marginal note in the following form—
“In space [or column] …corrected to …..on …. by me ….. registrar [or superintendent registrar] on the authority of the Registrar General”
and he shall complete and sign the note in the places provided.]
Textual Amendments
F163Words in reg. 57(1) omitted (13.11.2006) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 19(1)
F164Word in reg. 57(1) substituted (4.4.1988) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1988 (S.I. 1988/638), regs. 1(1), 5
F165Words in reg. 57(2) omitted (13.11.2006) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 19(2)
F166Reg. 57(3)(4) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 19(3)
Commencement Information
58.—(1) Where it appears or is represented to a superintendent registrar or a registrar that there is an error of fact or substance in a completed entry in a register of live-births, still-births or deaths in his custody, other than an entry to which Regulation 59 applies, he shall–
(a)send a report to the Registrar General giving such information as the Registrar General may require and enclosing a copy of the entry; and
(b)comply with any instructions which the Registrar General may give for the purpose of verifying the facts of the case and ascertaining whether there are available two persons qualified to make a statutory declaration required by section 29(3) of the Act(21).
(2) On being informed by the Registrar General that the error may be corrected on production of such a statutory declaration, the superintendent registrar or the registrar concerned shall on production to him of the statutory declaration correct the error in the following manner–
F167(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b)he shall write in the margin of the entry a note in the following form (or such other form as the Registrar General may authorise in any particular case)–
“In No ... ... ... ...in ... ... ... ...for ... ... ... ...read ... ... ... ...Corrected on ... ... ... ...by me ... ... ... ... Superintendent Registrar [or Registrar] on production of a statutory declaration made by ... ... ... ...and ... ... ... ...”,
and he shall enter the particulars of the correction and of the declarants and complete and sign the note in the places provided.
Textual Amendments
F167Reg. 58(2)(a) omitted (13.11.2006) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 20
Commencement Information
59.—(1) Where the superintendent registrar or the registrar having the custody of a register containing an entry made in pursuance of a coroner’s certificate after inquest receives–
(a)notification from the coroner of a clerical error in the certificate F168...; or
(b)a certificate relating to that entry given by the coroner pursuant to section 29(4)(a) or (b) of the Act(22), as to an error of fact or substance in the certificate after inquest and as to the true facts of the case,
he shall send a report to the Registrar General, enclosing a copy of the entry and (as the case may be) of the coroner’s certificate and notification, or of the coroner’s certificates, relating to the entry.
[F169(2) Where the error is a clerical error, the superintendent registrar or the registrar shall correct the error by entering a marginal note in the following form—
“Clerical error in space [or column] .. .. .. corrected to .. .. .. on .. .. .. by me .. .. .. registrar [or superintendent registrar ] on receipt of notification from the Coroner”,
and he shall complete and sign the note in the places provided.]
(3) Where the error is one of fact or substance the superintendent registrar or the registrar shall correct the error by–
F170(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[F171(b)entering a marginal note in the following form—
“In space [or column] .. .. .. corrected to .. .. ..on .. .. ..by me .. .. .. registrar [or superintendent registrar] on the authority of a certificate from the Coroner”,]
and he shall complete and sign the note in the places provided.
Textual Amendments
F168Words in reg. 59(1)(a) omitted (13.11.2006) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 21(1)
F169Reg. 59(2) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 21(2)
F170Reg. 59(3)(a) omitted (13.11.2006) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 21(3)
F171Reg. 59(3)(b) substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 21(4)
Commencement Information
F17260. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F172Reg. 60 omitted (13.11.2006) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 22
61.—(1) Where a superintendent registrar or a registrar makes any correction or annotation to a completed entry in a register of live-births, still-births or deaths, whether by marginal note or otherwise, he shall, subject to paragraph (2), within seven days make and send to the Registrar General a copy of the entry as corrected or annotated (or both), including a copy of any marginal note, certified by–
(a)the registrar, if the register containing the entry is in his custody F173...
F173(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ; or
(c)the superintendent registrar, where the register containing that entry is in his custody,
together, in any case where a birth is re-registered under section 10A of the Act(23), with a copy of the new entry, certified by the registrar who made that entry.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall apply in relation to a correction or annotation made by a registrar under Regulations 55 and 56 only if the correction or annotation is made after the registrar has certified a true copy of the original entry pursuant to section 26(1)(a) of the Act (quarterly returns).
(3) Where a registrar has re-registered a birth under either section 10A [F174, 14(1) or 14A] of the Act(24) and the previous entry is in a register in the custody of a superintendent registrar the registrar shall within seven days of the re-registration provide the superintendent registrar with a certified copy of the new entry.
[F175(4) Where the information in a completed entry in a register of live-births, still-births or deaths exists in an electronic form approved by the Registrar General under the Act, then the information in a correction or annotation made under paragraph (1) must be incorporated into the information in that electronic form after the correction or annotation has been made.]
Textual Amendments
F173Words in reg. 61(1) omitted (13.11.2006) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 23(1)
F174Words in reg. 61(3) substituted (4.4.1988) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1988 (S.I. 1988/638), regs. 1(1), 6
F175Reg. 61(4) inserted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 23(2)
Commencement Information
62. The form of certificate for the purposes of section 12 of the Act(25) (certificate by registrar that he has registered a birth) shall be form 20.
63.—(1) Section 33 of the Act(26) (short certificates of birth) shall not apply in relation to still-births.
(2) The particulars to be furnished on an application under section 33(1) of the Act for a short certificate of the birth (not being a still-birth) of any person shall be–
(a)where that person has been adopted and the certificate is to be in respect of him as an adopted person–
(i)his name and surname,
(ii)the date of his birth,
[F176(iii) the name and surname of his adoptive parent(s),]
(iv)the date upon which, and the name of the court by which, the adoption order was made;
(b)in any other case–
(i)his name and surname,
(ii)the date of his birth,
(iii)the name and surname of his father [F177or other parent],
(iv)the name, surname and maiden surname of his mother, and
(v)the place of his birth or the place at which his birth was registered.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2)–
(a)no particulars shall be required if the application is made at the time of registering the birth;
(b)any particulars may be omitted which, in the opinion of the person to whom the application is made, it is not reasonably practicable for the applicant to furnish.
Textual Amendments
F176Words in reg. 63(2)(a)(iii) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 23(1)
F177Words in reg. 63(2)(b)(iii) inserted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 23(2)
Commencement Information
64. The form of short certificate of birth to be issued under section 33 of the Act–
(a)by a superintendent registrar or registrar, shall be form 21;
(b)by the Registrar General, shall be form 22.
65.—(1) A short certificate of birth under section 33 of the Act shall be compiled, from the records and registers in the custody of the Registrar General or from the registers in the custody of the superintendent registrar or registrar (as the case may be), in accordance with the following provisions of this Regulation.
(2) In the case of a certificate in form 21–
(a)opposite the words “Name and Surname” there shall be entered–
(i)where the name and surname are recorded in the birth entry, that name and surname (being, in a case where these are recorded in both spaces 2 and 17 of form 1, the name and surname recorded in space 17),
(ii)where the person’s name but not his surname is recorded in the entry, that name (being in a case where this is recorded in both columns 2 and 10 of the entry, the name recorded in column 10) followed immediately, if the entry contains a surname which appears from the entry to have been used by his father or his mother at or after the date of birth, by that surname;
(b)opposite the words “Sex” and “Date of Birth” respectively there shall be inserted the relevant particulars from the birth entry;
(c)opposite the words “Place of Birth” there shall be inserted the names of the registration district and sub-district in which the birth was registered,
so however that if the place of birth is not recorded in the birth entry, the superintendent registrar or registrar shall remit the application to the Registrar General.
(3) In the case of a certificate in form 22 (not being a certificate to which regulation 66 applies)–
(a)opposite the words “Name and Surname” there shall be entered–
(i)where the name and surname are recorded in the entry, that name and surname,
(ii)where the person’s name but not his surname is recorded in the entry, that name followed immediately by–
(aa)if the entry contains a surname which appears from the entry to have been used by his father or his mother at or after the date of birth, that surname, or
(bb)if the entry contains the surname of his adopter or (as the case may be) his adopters, and the applicant so requests, that surname;
(b)opposite the word “Sex” there shall be entered the relevant particulars contained in the birth entry;
(c)opposite the words “Date of Birth” there shall be entered the date of birth recorded in the birth entry or, if no date is recorded, such date (if any) as may appear to the Registrar General from the information recorded in the birth entry to be the probable date of birth;
(d)opposite the words “Place of Birth” there shall be entered such (if any) of the following particulars as may be appropriate–
(i)where the register or other record containing the birth entry includes particulars of the registration district and sub-district in which the birth occurred or in which the birth is treated under any enactment as having occurred, the names of that registration district and sub-district,
(ii)where the birth is recorded as having occurred on a British ship (within the meaning of section 1 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894(27)), the words “At Sea” followed by the name of the ship on which the birth occurred,
(iii)where the birth is recorded as having occurred in an aircraft, the words “In an aircraft” followed by the particulars of the place of birth in the birth entry,
(iv)in any other case where the birth entry contains particulars as to the place of birth, those particulars,
(v)where the birth entry contains no particulars as to the place of birth, such particulars (if any) as to the country of birth as the Registrar General is satisfied can be obtained from any register or record in his custody.
66.—(1) The form of short certificate of birth of a person in substitution for that set out in the Second Schedule to the Foundling Hospital Act 1953(28) (which provides for short certificates of birth for children admitted to the hospital before 30th January 1948 who on admission were given names and surnames different from those recorded on registration of their births), shall be form 22.
(2) A certificate under paragraph (1) shall be compiled as follows–
(a)opposite the words “Name and Surname” there shall be entered the name and surname given to the person on his admission to the Foundling Hospital;
(b)opposite the word “Sex” there shall be entered the relevant particulars contained in the birth entry;
(c)opposite the words “Date of Birth” there shall be entered the date of birth recorded in the birth entry or, if no date of birth is recorded, such date (if any) as may appear to the Registrar General from the information recorded in the entry to be the probable date of birth;
(d)opposite the words “Place of Birth” there shall be entered particulars of the person’s country of birth.
67.—(1) Where a person wishes to make an application for a certificate of a live-birth or death [F178where] any enactment specified in paragraph (2) [F179applies] the superintendent registrar or the registrar having custody of the register shall on request provide that person without charge with an approved form.
(2) The enactments referred to in paragraph (1) are–
(a)section 10 of the Savings Banks Act 1887(29);
F180(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F180(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(d)section 106(1) of the Friendly Societies Act 1974(30).
Textual Amendments
F178Word in reg. 67(1) substituted (1.4.1989) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1989 (S.I. 1989/497), regs. 1(1), 11(1)(a) (with reg. 13)
F179Word in reg. 67(1) inserted (1.4.1989) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1989 (S.I. 1989/497), regs. 1(1), 11(1)(b) (with reg. 13)
F180Reg. 67(2)(b)(c) omitted (1.4.1989) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1989 (S.I. 1989/497), regs. 1(1), 11(2) (with reg. 13)
Commencement Information
68.—(1) The relevant officer shall without charge provide with an approved form a person who wishes to apply for the issue of a certificate of death for the purposes F181... of Schedule 5 to the 1974 Act.
(2) A relevant officer shall not issue such a certificate to an applicant unless the applicant certifies in the application that–
(a)he is the child, grandchild or stepchild of the person to whose death the application relates; and
(b)he is entitled to claim under an insurance taken out by him on or after 1st January 1924 on the life of that person.
(3) Except as provided in paragraph (4) more than one certificate of death shall not be issued to the same person for the purposes F182... of Schedule 5 to the 1974 Act.
(4) Where a person to whom a death certificate has been issued for the purposes F183... Schedule 5 to the 1974 Act makes and delivers to the relevant officer a statutory declaration stating–
(a)that the certificate has been lost or destroyed;
(b)whether any endorsement has been made on the certificate and, if so, by what registered society, branch or company; and
(c)that if the original is recovered he will surrender it for destruction to the superintendent registrar or the registrar,
the relevant officer shall issue to that person a duplicate of the certificate on an approved form.
(5) Where the statutory declaration states that on the certificate which the duplicate replaces an endorsement has been made by a registered society, branch or company, the relevant officer shall record on the duplicate certificate a requirement that it is to be produced to that society, branch or company for the endorsement to be repeated on the duplicate.
(6) Where a certificate of death is issued under this Regulation the relevant officer shall keep a record on an approved form of–
(a)the number of the entry in the register in respect of which the certificate is issued;
(b)the serial number of the certificate;
(c)the name of the person to whom it was issued and his relationship to the deceased.
(7) In this Regulation–
F184(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b)“the 1974 Act” means the Friendly Society Act 1974;
(c)“the relevant officer” means the superintendent registrar or the registrar having custody of the register in which the death is registered.
Textual Amendments
F181Words in reg. 68(1) omitted (1.12.2001) by virtue of The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Consequential Amendments and Savings) (Industrial Assurance) Order 2001 (S.I. 2001/3647), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 22(a)
F182Words in reg. 68(3) omitted (1.12.2001) by virtue of The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Consequential Amendments and Savings) (Industrial Assurance) Order 2001 (S.I. 2001/3647), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 22(a)
F183Words in reg. 68(4) omitted (1.12.2001) by virtue of The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Consequential Amendments and Savings) (Industrial Assurance) Order 2001 (S.I. 2001/3647), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 22(a)
F184Reg. 68(7)(a) omitted (1.12.2001) by virtue of The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Consequential Amendments and Savings) (Industrial Assurance) Order 2001 (S.I. 2001/3647), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 22(b)
Commencement Information
69.—(1) Where a draft of the particulars to be registered concerning a birth or death is prepared pursuant to Regulation 3, then, except in the case of–
(a)the registration of the death of a child under the age of 16 years;
(b)the registration of a F185...birth or death which occurred more than 12 months previously;
(c)the re-registration of a birth or death on the authority of the Registrar General,
the F186... registrar concerned shall require the informant to furnish to him such other particulars specified in the Schedule to the Population (Statistics) Act 1938(31) as are appropriate to the registration and within his knowledge and shall enter the information so furnished [F187on an approved form or, if he has one, on a computer].
(2) The F188... registrar concerned shall show or read to the informant the particulars entered [F189on the approved form or, if he has one, on a computer] and shall correct any error or omission.
Textual Amendments
F185Words in reg. 69(1)(b) omitted (28.5.2012) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 17(2)
F186Words in reg. 69(1) omitted (28.5.2012) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 17(3)
F187Words in reg. 69(1) substituted (1.1.1993) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 1992/2753), regs. 1, 5(a)
F188Words in reg. 69(2) omitted (28.5.2012) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1203), regs. 1(1), 17(4)
F189Words in reg. 69(2) substituted (1.1.1993) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 1992/2753), regs. 1, 5(b)
Commencement Information
70.—(1) The registrar shall send to the Registrar General [F191the draft of particulars] prepared pursuant to Regulations 3 and 69–
(a)in the case of a live-birth, not later than the Saturday of the week following the week in which he registered the birth; and
(b)in the case of a still-birth or death, not later than the Saturday of the week in which he registered the still-birth or death.
F192(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F190Words in reg. 70 Title substituted (1.1.1993) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 1992/2753), regs. 1, 6(a)
F191Words in reg. 70(1) substituted (1.1.1993) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 1992/2753), regs. 1, 6(b)
F192Reg. 70(2) omitted (25.7.2013) by virtue of The Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (Commencement No. 15, Consequential and Transitory Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1869), art. 4, Sch. para. 2(4)
Commencement Information
70A. The draft particulars referred to in regulations 3, 11, 69 and 70 may, if prepared on approved forms be sent on such forms, or, [F194if prepared electronically be transmitted electronically].]
Textual Amendments
F193Reg. 70A inserted (1.1.1993) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 1992/2753), regs. 1, 7
F194Words in reg. 70A substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 24
71. For the purposes of section 26(1) of the Act (quarterly returns to be made by registrars to superintendent registrars)–
(a)the forms of a true copy of all the entries of live-births, still-births and deaths made in the registers during a period shall be forms 1, 9 and 13 respectively and any such copy shall be certified by the registrar completing a form in form 23, signing and dating the form in the space provided;
(b)the form of certificate [F195, unless section 26(1)(b)(ii) of the Act applies,] that no birth, still-birth or death has been registered in a sub-district during that period shall be form 24.
Textual Amendments
F195Words in reg. 71(b) inserted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 25
Commencement Information
72.—(1) If it appears to a superintendent registrar or a registrar that any offence under or breach of–
(a)the Act or the Population (Statistics) Act 1938(32); or
(b)so far as they relate to the registration of births and deaths, the Perjury Act 1911(33) or the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981(34),
has been committed, he shall report the matter to the Registrar General and shall deliver to the Registrar General such documents in his possession relating to the offence or breach as the Registrar General may require.
(2) Except with the authority of the Registrar General, a superintendent registrar shall not commence any proceedings in respect of an offence under the Act.
73.—(1) The regulations specified in column 1 of Schedule 3 to these Regulations are hereby revoked to the extent mentioned in column 3 of that Schedule.
(2) Any form prescribed by any regulation revoked by paragraph (1) which is not also prescribed by any preceding provision of these Regulations but which is in use immediately before the commencement of these Regulations for any purpose for which these Regulations provide may continue to be used for that purpose as a prescribed form under these Regulations up to and including 31st December 1988.
Given under my hand on 20th November 1987
G. T. Banks
Registrar General
Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Social Services.
Skelmersdale
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State,
Department of Health and Social Security
26th November 1987
Column (1) | Column (2) | |
---|---|---|
Provision | Relevant amendments | |
1. Births and Deaths Registration Act 1926(36) | section 1(1) | Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953(35), Schedule 1 |
section 3(1) | ||
section 12 (meaning of “prescribed”) | ||
2. Industrial Assurance and Friendly Societies Act 1948(38) | Schedule 1, paragraph 4 | Friendly Societies Act 1974(37), Schedule 9, paragraph 14(b) |
3. Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 | section 1(1) | Children Act 1975(39), Schedule 3, paragraph 13(1) |
section 3A(2)(c) | Children Act 1975, section 92 | |
section 5 | Children Act 1975, Schedule 3, paragraph 13(1); Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Fees) Order 1968(40), Schedule 2 | |
section 7(1) | Children Act 1975, Schedule 4 Part VI | |
section 9(1), (2) | ||
section 9(5) | Children Act 1975, section 93(3) | |
section 10(b)(i) | Family Law Reform Act 1969(41), section 27(1) | |
section 10A(1) | Children Act 1975, section 93(2) | |
section 11(1) | Population (Statistics) Act 1960(42), section 2(1); Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979(43), Schedule 7, paragraph 7 | |
section 11(2) | Population (Statistics) Act 1960, section 3(3) | |
section 12 | Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Fees) Order 1968, Schedule 2 | |
section 13(1) | Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Fees) Order 1968, Schedule 2 | |
section 14(1) | Legitimation (Re-registration of Birth) Act 1957(44), section 112; Children Act 1975, Schedule 3, paragraph 13(3); Matrimonial Causes Act 1973(45), Schedule 1, paragraph 1(b) | |
section 14(4) | ||
section 15 | ||
section 20 | Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Fees) Order 1968, Schedule 2 | |
section 21(1) | ||
section 22(1), (2) | ||
section 23(2), (3) | ||
section 24(1), (2), (4), (5) | Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Fees) Order 1968, Schedule 2 | |
section 26(1) | ||
section 29(2) | ||
section 33 | ||
section 39 | ||
section 41 (meaning of “prescribed” and “the Minister”) | ||
4. Registration Service Act 1953(46) | section 20(a) | |
section 21(1) (meaning of “prescribed” and “the Minister”) | ||
5. Foundling Hospital Act 1953(47) | section 5(2) | |
6. Welsh Language Act 1967(48) | section 2(2) | |
7. Friendly Societies Act 1974 | Schedule 5, paragraph 5 | |
8. Industrial Diseases (Notification) Act 1981(49) | section 1 |
Regulation 2(2)(b)
Textual Amendments
F196Sch. 2 Forms 6A 6B inserted (14.10.1991) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1991 (S.I. 1991/2275), reg. 1(1), Sch. Pt. II
F197Sch. 2 Form 1 substituted (1.4.1995) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1948), regs. 1(1), 8, Sch. Form 1
F198Sch. 2 Form 6 substituted (1.4.1995) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1948), regs. 1(1), 8, Sch. Form 6
F199Sch. 2 Form 9 substituted (1.4.1995) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1948), regs. 1(1), 8, Sch. Form 9
F200Sch. 2 Form 11 substituted (1.4.1995) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1948), regs. 1(1), 8, Sch. Form 11
F201Sch. 2 Form 20 substituted (1.4.1995) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1948), regs. 1(1), 8, Sch. Form 20
F202Sch. 2 Form 2 substituted (1.7.1997) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/1533), regs. 1, 2(6)(a), Sch. 1
F203Sch. 2 Form 5 omitted (1.7.1997) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/1533), regs. 1, 2(6)(b)
F204Sch. 2 Form 6 omitted (1.7.1997) by virtue of The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/1533), regs. 1, 2(6)(b)
F205Sch. 2 Form 13 substituted (13.11.2006) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2827), regs. 1(1), 26(1), Sch. 1 (with reg. 26(2))
F206Sch. 2 Form 1 substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 24, Sch. 1
F207Sch. 2 Form 2 substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 24, Sch. 1
F208Sch. 2 Form 6A substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 24, Sch. 1
F209Sch. 2 Form 6B substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 24, Sch. 1
F210Sch. 2 Form 9 substituted (1.9.2009) by The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2165), regs. 1(1), 24, Sch. 1
F211Words in Sch. 2 Form 14 omitted (temp.) (26.3.2020) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(2), Sch. 13 para. 4(4)(a)(i) (with ss. 88-90, Sch. 13 para. 8); S.I. 2020/361, reg. 2(a)
F212Words in Sch. 2 Form 15 omitted (temp.) (26.3.2020) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(2), Sch. 13 para. 4(4)(a)(i) (with ss. 88-90, Sch. 13 para. 8); S.I. 2020/361, reg. 2(a)
F213Words in Sch. 2 Form 14 omitted (temp.) (26.3.2020) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(2), Sch. 13 para. 4(4)(a)(ii) (with ss. 88-90, Sch. 13 para. 8); S.I. 2020/361, reg. 2(a)
F214Words in Sch. 2 Form 15 omitted (temp.) (26.3.2020) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(2), Sch. 13 para. 4(4)(a)(ii) (with ss. 88-90, Sch. 13 para. 8); S.I. 2020/361, reg. 2(a)
Commencement Information
Form | Relevant Regulation | Description | Statutory purpose |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 7(1) | Particulars of live-birth | The Act (ie the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953), sections 1(1) and 5 |
2 | 8, 16, 17(3)(a)(ii) | Declaration/statement by mother for the registration/re-registration of a birth | The Act, sections 9(5), 10(b)(i), 10A(1)(b)(i) |
3 | 14(1)(a) | Certificate that name was given in baptism | The Act, section 13(1) |
4 | 14(1)(b) | Certificate that name was given other than in baptism | The Act, section 13(1) |
5 | 17(3)(a)(i) | Statement by parent for the re-registration of a birth | The Act, sections 9(5), 10A(1)(a) |
6 | 17(3)(a)(iii) | Statement by mother for the re-registration of a birth | The Act, sections 9(5), 10A(1)(c) |
7 | 26(2)(a) | Particulars of birth at sea | The Act, section 14(4) |
8 | 29 | Particulars of birth of abandoned child | The Act, section 3A(2)(c) |
9 | 31 | Particulars of still-birth | The Act, sections 1(1) and 5 |
10 | 32(1) | Medical certificate of still-birth | The Act, section 11(1)(a) |
11 | 32(2) | Declaration as to still-birth | The Act, section 11(1)(b) |
12 | 38(1) | Certificate that registrar has registered still-birth | The Act, section 11(2) |
13 | 39 | Particulars of death | The Act, sections 15 and 20 |
14 | 40(1)(a)(i) | Medical certificate of cause of death except for child dying within 28 days of birth | The Act, section 22(1) |
15 | 40(1)(a)(ii) | Medical certificate of cause of death for child dying within 28 days of birth | The Act, section 22(1) |
16 | 40(1)(b) | Medical practitioner’s notice to informant of death | The Act, section 22(2) |
17 | 49(1) | Notification | Births and Deaths Registration Act 1926, section 3(1) |
18 | 49(3) | Declaration that certificate or order has been issued | Births and Deaths Registration Act 1926, section 1(1) |
19 | 52 | Certificate that death is not required to be registered | The Act, section 24(2) |
20 | 62 | Certificate of registration of birth | The Act, section 12 |
21 | 64(a) | Short certificate of birth issued by superintendent registrar/registrar | The Act, section 33 |
22 | 64(b), 66(1) | Short certificate of birth issued by Registrar General | The Act, section 33; Foundling Hospital Act 1953, section 5(2) |
23 | 71(a) | Quarterly return of live-births, still-births and deaths | The Act, section 26(1)(a) |
24 | 71(b) | Certificate of no registration | The Act, section 26(1)(b) |
Regulations 8, 16, 17(3)(a)(ii) Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953, ss.9(5), 10(1)(b)(i) and (c)(i) and 10A(1)(b)(i) and (c)(i)
Regulation 9(4) and (4A) Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953, s.10(1)(d)–(g)
Regulation 17(3) Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953, s.10A(1)(d)–(g)
Regulation 73
Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
---|---|---|
Regulations revoked | References | Extent of revocation |
The Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages Regulations 1968. | S.I. 1968/2049. | In Regulation 2(1), the definitions of “certificate of cause of death”, “description”, “entry”, “maiden surname”, “occupation” and “short certificate of birth”. Regulation 2(6). Regulation 3. Parts III to X. Parts XII and XIII. Parts XV and XVI. |
The Birth Certificate (Shortened Form) Regulations 1968. | S.I. 1968/2050. | The whole Regulations. |
The Registration of Births (Abandoned Children) Regulations 1976. | S.I. 1976/2080. | The whole Regulations. |
The Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Amendment) Regulations 1976. | S.I. 1976/2081. | Regulations 3 to 14. |
The Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Amendment) Regulations 1977. | S.I. 1977/1912. | The whole Regulations. |
The Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Amendment) Regulations 1982. | S.I. 1982/265. | The whole Regulations. |
The Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 1982. | S.I. 1982/955. | The whole Regulations. |
The Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Amendment) Regulations 1985. | S.I. 1985/568. | The whole Regulations. |
The Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 1985. | S.I. 1985/1133. | Regulations 3 to 7. |
The Registration of Marriages Regulations 1986. | S.I. 1986/1442. | Regulation 21. |
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations consolidate with minor amendments the provisions of the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages Regulations 1968 (“the 1968 Regulations”), and of subsequent amending regulations, relating to the registration of births and deaths. The consolidation also includes the Birth Certificate (Shortened Form) Regulations 1968 and the Registration of Births (Abandoned Children) Regulations 1976. The provisions of the 1968 Regulations relating to the registration of marriages were consolidated in the Registration of Marriages Regulations 1986 (S.I. 1986/1442), and the only provisions of the 1968 Regulations remaining in force are therefore those relating to registration officers and accounting.
The Regulations prescribe forms and procedures in connection with the registration of births and deaths and deal in particular with the following matters–
general provisions as to registration of births and deaths (Regulations 3 to 6);
registration of live-births (Regulations 7 to 14);
re-registration of births of children whose parents were not married to each other (Regulations 15 to 18);
re-registration of births of legitimated persons (Regulations 19 to 26);
birth records of adopted children (Regulations 27 and 28);
registration of births of abandoned children (Regulations 29 and 30);
registration of still-births and disposal of bodies of still-born children (Regulations 31 to 38);
registration of deaths and disposal of bodies of deceased persons (Regulations 39 to 52);
correction of errors in entries in registers (Regulations 53 to 61);
birth and death certificates (Regulations 62 to 68);
miscellaneous (including revocation of the regulations included in the consolidation) (Regulations 69 to 73).
Among the changes of substance are the introduction of an additional category of minor clerical errors which are to be corrected without reference to the Registrar General (Regulation 56) and the omission in Regulation 67 (applications for certificate of birth or death for certain purposes) of reference to purposes for which provision is clearly made by other legislation. In addition provision is made that the form of certificate of cause of death, and of the related notice, prescribed by the Registration of Births and Deaths (Welsh Language) Regulations 1987 may be used where the place of death is in England but the certificate is issued in Wales.
In respect of the exercise of the powers specified in paragraphs 1, 3 and 4 of Schedule 1 to this instrument, see the Secretary of State for Social Services Order 1968 (S.I. 1968/1699), article 2 (transferring all functions of the Minister of Health to the Secretary of State).
The concurrence of the Secretary of State is required in relation to the exercise of the powers conferred by the provisions specified in paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to this instrument and his approval is required in relation to the exercise of the powers conferred by the provisions specified in the remaining paragraphs, other than paragraphs 2 and 7, of the Schedule.
Section 1(1) was amended by paragraph 13(1) of Schedule 3 to the Children Act 1975 (c. 72).
Section 9(4) was added by section 93(3) of the Children Act 1975 (c. 72).
Section 14(1) was amended by section 1(2) of the Legitimation (Re-registration of Birth) Act 1957 (c. 39); by paragraph 1(b) of Schedule 1 to the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 (c. 18); and by paragraph 13(3) of Schedule 3 to the Children Act 1975 (c. 72).
Section 14(2) was amended by section 1(2) of the Legitimation (Re-registration of Birth) Act 1957 (c. 39).
Proviso (a) was amended by paragraph 13(3) of Schedule 3 to the Children Act 1975 (c. 72) and proviso (c) by paragraph 1(b) of Schedule 1 to the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 (c. 18).
Sections 30(2), 31(2) and 32 were amended by Schedule 2 to the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Fees) Order 1968 (S.I. 1968/1242) and by the Schedule to the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Fees) Order 1987 (S.I. 1987/50).
Section 3A was inserted by section 92 of the Children Act 1975 (c. 72).
Section 1(1) was amended by paragraph 13(1) of Schedule 3 to the Children Act 1975 (c. 72).
Section 11(1)(a) was substituted by section 2(1) of the Population (Statistics) Act 1960 (c. 32) and amended by paragraph 7 of Schedule 7 to the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979 (c. 36).
Section 11(1)(b) was amended by paragraph 7 of Schedule 7 to the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979 (c. 36).
Section 11(2) was amended by section 3(3) of the Population (Statistics) Act 1960 (c. 32).
Section 13(1) was amended by Schedule 2 to the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Fees) Order 1968 (S.I. 1968/1242).
Section 29(3) was amended by Schedule 2 to the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Fees) Order 1968 (S.I. 1968/1242).
Section 29(4) was amended by Schedule 12 to the Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45) and by Schedule 2 to the Coroners Act 1980 (c. 38).
Section 10A was inserted by section 93(2) of the Children Act 1975 (c. 72).
Section 14(1) was amended by paragraph 13(3) of Schedule 3 to the Children Act 1975 (c. 72) and by paragraph 1(b) of Schedule 1 to the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 (c. 18).
Section 12 was amended by Schedule 2 to the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Fees) Order 1968 (S.I. 1968/1242).
Section 33 was amended by section 10(1) of the Decimal Currency Act 1969 (c. 19) and by the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Fees) Order 1985 (S.I. 1985/1960).
1894 c. 60; section 1 was amended by Part I of Schedule 4 to the British Nationality Act 1948 (c. 56) (repealed).
1887 c. 40; section 10 was amended by Part III of Schedule 6 to the Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48) and by Schedule 4 to the Trustee Savings Banks Act 1985 (c. 58) and by the Schedule to the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Fees) Order 1985 (S.I. 1985/1960). The section is applied by regulation 32 of the Savings Certificates Regulations 1972 (S.I. 1972/641) and by regulation 25 of the Premium Savings Bonds Regulations 1972 (S.I. 1972/765).
1938 c. 12; the Schedule was substituted by the Schedule to the Population (Statistics) Act 1960 (c. 32).
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