Registering your baby’s birth is an important legal step after your little one arrives. In Ireland, all births must be registered with the HSE Civil Registration Service.

This guide explains how to register your baby’s birth, what documents you’ll need, and what to expect at your appointment.

Booking Your Birth Registration Appointment

To register your baby’s birth, you’ll need to book an appointment with your local HSE Civil Registration Service.

Appointments can be booked online or by phone. Some registration offices also offer walk-in appointments at certain times.

Registering a birth is free of charge, although there is a fee if you wish to purchase an official birth certificate.

When Should You Register a Birth?

The HSE advises waiting three weeks after your baby’s birth before booking your appointment. A birth should normally be registered within 12 months of the birth. If more than 12 months have passed, contact your local Civil Registration Service for advice.

Documents You’ll Need

Bringing the correct documents will help avoid delays. If you arrive without the required paperwork, your baby’s birth cannot be registered.

Completed Birth Registration Form

Bring a completed Birth Registration Form to your appointment.

If you are registering more than one baby (for example, twins or triplets), complete a separate form for each child and indicate the order in which they were born.

If Your Baby Was Born at Home

If your home birth was attended by a healthcare professional, you should have received a signed Birth Notification Form. Bring this, along with your completed Birth Registration Form.

If your baby was born at home without a healthcare professional present, you’ll need to complete an additional notification form with your GP or local maternity hospital before attending your registration appointment.

Photo Identification

Bring your government-issued photo ID together with a photocopy of the photo page or side.

Accepted forms of identification include:

Passport
Driver’s Licence
Public Services Card
Refugee or Asylum Card
National Identity Card (where it is an officially recognised travel document)
Marriage Certificate (If Married Outside Ireland)

If you were married outside the Republic of Ireland, bring the original marriage certificate.

If it is not in English or Irish, you’ll need a certified translation. A multilingual marriage certificate issued by many countries is also accepted.

Information About Both Parents

When registering a birth, details of both the mother and the father are generally required under Irish law.

There are limited exceptions where the father’s details may not need to be provided, for example where there are safety, protection or legal concerns. If this applies to you, contact your local Civil Registration Service before your appointment for guidance.

Who Can Register a Birth?

Who attends the appointment depends on your circumstances:

Married parents (married in Ireland): Either parent can register the birth.
Married outside Ireland: Either parent can register the birth but must bring the original marriage certificate.
Unmarried parents: Both parents usually need to attend the appointment and bring valid photo ID. If both cannot attend, contact the Civil Registration Service for advice before your appointment.
Before You Go

To make your appointment as smooth as possible, remember to bring:

Your completed Birth Registration Form
Government-issued photo ID and a photocopy
Any home birth documentation (if applicable)
Original marriage certificate if married outside Ireland
Certified translation of your marriage certificate if required
Need More Information?

For the most up-to-date information, to book an appointment, or to find your nearest Civil Registration Service, visit the HSE website or contact your local registration office.