Birth, death and marriage registration

A re-registration is a second birth entry which can be made if:

• the father is not named on the original birth entry and the parents later decide that the father’s details should be recorded or
• the mother later marries the father of the child, whether or not he was named on the birth entry.

This new entry replaces the original and subsequent certificates are issued from the new entry. There is no fee to re-register but a charge is made for new certificates.

A father acquires parental responsibility with the mother if he is named on a re-registration made after 1 December 2003.

Upon re-registration, the surname of the child can be changed to:

• the original surname,
• the father’s surname,
• the mother’s surname in the original entry,
• the mother’s maiden surname in the original entry,
• a combination of the above,
• follow a particular cultural practice.

Forms for applying for re-registration can be obtained from the Register Office.

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