Birth certificates

At a birth registration appointment, you can pay to receive a copy of a full birth certificate. A full birth certificate is needed when you:

• apply for child benefit
• apply for a nursery and school place
• apply for a passport
• claim child benefit
• open a bank account.

Apply for a copy of a birth certificate

We hold records of all births that have occurred in the Kent and Bexley Registration Districts since 1 July 1837. Any birth certificates before this date may be found at our Kent History and Library Centre.

If the birth took place outside of Kent and Bexley, this includes any births at Medway Maritime Hospital, you must contact the local authority of the birth location.

Or find out how to obtain a copy of a birth certificate if you want to add a second parent (re-registration) or the birth happened abroad.

If you need to correct a birth certificate, call 03000 41 93 00.

What we need from you

To order short or full birth certificates you must give us enough information to find the original birth record including:

• full name at birth
• date of birth
• place of birth, for example, the hospital or other address
• mother's full name, including any family names
• father's full name.

How to apply

You can apply online, by phone, or by post. We'll post your certificates within 5 working days. Certificates cannot be emailed.

• Apply online.
• Call 03000 41 93 00, open 9am to 4:45pm Monday to Friday (open from 10am on Thursdays).
• To apply by post download a printable application form (PDF, 775.3 KB) (This document is not accessible to those using assistive technology) and return it to:
  • The Certificate Centre, Kent County Council, Births, Deaths, Marriages and Partnerships, 39 Grove Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1EP.

Fees for birth certificates