Official Gazette Notification Text
Official TranscriptStatus: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS 2026 No. 1172 REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, DEATHS & MARRIAGES, ETC., ENGLAND AND WALES The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2026 Made - - - - 4th November 2026 Coming into force - - 9th November 2026 The Registrar...
Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format.
STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS 2026 No. 1172 REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, DEATHS & MARRIAGES, ETC., ENGLAND AND WALES The Registration of Births and Deaths
(Amendment) Regulations 2026 Made - - - - 4th November 2026 Coming into force - - 9th November 2026 The Registrar General for England and Wales makes these Regulations, with the approval of the Secretary of State, in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 1(1), 3A(2), 5, 7(1), 9(1) and (2), 10(1)(b) to (g) and (1B)(b) to (f), 10A(1)(b) to (f) and (1B)(b) to (f), 11(1)(b), 12, 14(1), 14A(1), 15, 23(2), (2A), (2B), (2C), (3) and (4), 23A(1) and (3), 26(1), 29(2), 33(2), 33A(2), and 39 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953(1) as extended by section 26(2) and (3) of the Welsh Language Act 1993(2), and section 5(2) of the Foundling Hospital Act 1953(3).
(1) 1953 c. 20. “The Minister” and “prescribed” are defined in section 41 of that Act. The definition of “The Minister” was amended by S.I. 2008/678. Section 1(1) was amended by paragraph 13(1) of Schedule 3 to the Children Act 1975 (c. 72).
Section 3A was inserted by section 92 of the Children Act 1975 (c. 72) and amended by paragraph 2 of Schedule 3 to the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18). Section 5 was amended by paragraph 13(1) of Schedule 3 to the Children Act 1975 (c. 72), paragraph 6 of Schedule 6(1) to the Welfare Reform Act 2009 (c. 24) and S.I. 1968/1242. Section 7 was amended by Schedule 4 to the Children Act 1975 (c. 72). Section 9 was amended by section 93(3) of the Children Act 1975 (c. 72), S.I. 1996/2395, paragraph 1 of the Schedule to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Deceased Fathers) Act 2003 (c. 24) and paragraph 4 of Schedule 6 to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (c. 22). Section 10 was substituted by
section 24 of the Family Law Reform Act 1987 (c. 42) and amended by paragraph 6(2), (3) and (4) of Schedule 12 to the Children Act 1989 (c. 41), paragraph 6(a) and (b) of Schedule 3 to the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (c. 38), paragraph 2 of the Schedule to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Deceased Fathers) Act 2003 (c. 24), paragraph 5(2), (3) and
(4) of Schedule 6 to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (c. 22), S.I. 2014/560 and S.I. 2019/1458. Section 10A was substituted by section 25 of the Family Law Reform Act 1987 (c. 42) and amended by paragraph 6(2) and (3) of Schedule 12 to the Children Act 1989 (c. 41), paragraph 7(a) and (b) of Schedule 3 to the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (c. 38), paragraph 7(2), (3)(a) and (b), (4) and (5) of Schedule 6 to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (c. 22), Part 5 of Schedule 7 to the Welfare Reform Act 2009 (c. 24) and S.I. 2019/1458. Section 11 was amended by section 2(1) and
(2) of the Population (Statistics) Act 1960 (c. 32), S.I. 1968/1242, Schedule 7 to the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979 (c. 36), S.I. 1996/2395 and S.I. 2021/1231. Section 12 was amended by S.I. 1969/1248. Section 14 was amended by
section 1(2) of the Legitimation (Re-registration of Birth) Act 1957 (c. 39), S.I. 1968/1242, paragraph 1(b) of Schedule 1 to the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 (c. 18), paragraph 13 of Schedule 3 to the Children Act 1975 (c. 72), paragraph 6 of Schedule 1 to the Legitimacy Act 1976 (c. 31), section 33(1) of, and paragraph 16 of Schedule 2 to, the Family Law Reform Act 1987 (c. 42) and paragraph 9(2)(b) and (a) and (3)(a) and (b) of Schedule 6 to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (c. 22). Section 14A was inserted by section 26 of the Family Law Reform Act 1987 (c. 42) and amended by paragraph 1 of Schedule 8 to the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000 (c. 19). Section 23 was amended by Schedule 4 to the Coroners Act 1988 (c. 13), paragraph 15(2), (3) and (4) of Schedule 21 to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25) and
section 44 of the Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 (c. 35). Section 23A was inserted by S.I. 1996/2395 and amended by paragraph 16(3) of Schedule 21 to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25). Section 26 was amended by S.I. 2006/2809, S.I. 2009/2821, and S.I. 2021/1231. Section 29 was amended by S.I. 1968/1242, S.I. 2002/1419, paragraph 18(2) and (3) of Schedule 21, Part 1 of Schedule 23 to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), S.I. 2021/1231 and section 39(4)(d) of the Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 (c. 35). Section 33 was amended by paragraph 26 of Schedule 15 to the Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19) and paragraph 10 of Schedule 3 to the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18). Section 33A was inserted by paragraph 19 of Schedule 21 to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25) and amended by paragraph 27 of Schedule 15Document Generated: 2026-11-09
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Citation, commencement and extent
1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 2026 and come into force on 9th November 2026.
(2) These Regulations extend to England and Wales.
Amendment of the Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987
2. The Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987(4) are amended in accordance with regulations 3 to 53.
Amendment to regulation 2
3. In regulation 2(1) (interpretation)(5), in the appropriate places, insert the following definitions— ““appropriate registration officer” has the meaning given in section 29(5) of the Act; “relevant registration officer” has the meaning given in section 13(2A) of the Act.”.
Amendment to regulation 2B
4. In regulation 2B(2) (declarations and certificates in an approved electronic form)(6), after sub- paragraph (a) insert— “(aa)form 2A;
(ab)form 2B;”.
Amendment to regulation 3
5. In regulation 3(1) (preparation of draft particulars)(7), for the words from “, either” to the end, substitute “in an approved electronic form.”.
Amendment to regulation 4
6. In regulation 4 (absence of particulars)(8), for “certify”, substitute “verify”.
Amendment to regulation 5
7. In regulation 5(a) (signature by mark or in foreign characters)(9) omit “register,”. to the Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19) and paragraph 11 of Schedule 3 to the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18). Section 39 was amended by S.I. 2021/1231 and renumbered by S.I. 2021/1231.
(2) 1993 c. 38.
(3) 1953 c. xxxvi (1 & 2 Eliz 2).
(4) S.I. 1987/2088, amended by S.I. 1988/638, 1989/497, 1991/2275, 1992/2753, 1994/1948, 1997/844, 1997/1533, 2001/3647, 2003/3048, 2005/3177, 2006/2827, 2009/2165, 2021/1436 and 2024/885. There are other amendments, but none are relevant to these Regulations.
(5) Regulation 2 was amended by S.I. 2021/1436. There are other amendments but none are relevant.
(6) Regulation 2B was inserted by S.I. 2021/1436 and amended by S.I. 2024/885.
(7) Regulation 3 was substituted by S.I. 1992/2753 and amended by S.I. 2009/2165, 2012/1203 and 2021/1436.
(8) Regulation 4 was amended by S.I. 2006/2827.
(9) Regulation 5 was amended by S.I. 2012/1203.
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Amendment to regulation 6
8.—(1) Regulation 6 (registration in more than one place)(10) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (2)(a)—
(a) for “write”, substitute “enter”;
(b) after “original” insert “, as applicable,”.
(3) In paragraph (3), substitute— “(3)Where a birth or death is re-registered on the authority of the Registrar General—
(a)the registrar making the new entry, and
(b)the appropriate registration officer for the register in which the birth or death was registered, shall make such notes in the margin of the respective entries as the Registrar General may authorise (if any).”.
Amendment to regulation 9
9.—(1) Regulation 9 (entry of particulars on registration)(11) is amended as follows.
(2) For the heading, substitute “Particulars for birth registration”.
(3) In paragraph (1)—
(a) after “register the birth”, insert “, if not previously registered,”;
(b) after “and”, insert “enter”;
(c) for “, if not previously registered, on form 1, entering the particulars required in spaces 1 to 13”, substitute “into the register”.
(4) In paragraph (4)(a), after “their name”, in each place it occurs, insert “and surname”.
(5) In paragraph (7)(b), for “name”, in both places it occurs, substitute “surname”.
(6) Omit paragraph (10).
Amendment to regulation 10
10.—(1) Regulation 10 (completion of registration)(12) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (1)—
(a) for “call upon the following persons to sign the entry”, substitute “enter the name and surname of each of the following persons”;
(b) for “signature”, in each place it occurs, substitute “name and surname,”;
(c) in sub-paragraph (c), for “following persons shall sign the entry”, substitute “name and surname of each of the following persons shall be entered”;
(d) in sub-paragraph (d)—
(i)omit “the person making the request shall sign the entry in space 14, in which case”;
(ii)for “his signature”, substitute “the name and surname of the person making the request,”.
(10) Regulation 6 was amended by S.I. 2024/885.
(11) Regulation 9 was amended by section 93(3) of the Children Act 1975, S.I. 1991/2275, 1994/1948, 2006/2827, 2009/2165, 2012/1203, 2014/107, 2014/3061, 2019/1458, 2020/577 and 2021/1436.
(12) Regulation 10 was amended by S.I. 1989/497, 1991/2275, 2003/3048 and 2009/2165.
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(3) In paragraph (2), for “sign the entry”, substitute “enter his name and surname”.
Amendment to regulation 13
11.—(1) Regulation 13 (declaration and registration under section 9 of the Act)(13) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (2)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (a), after “approved form”, insert “or an approved electronic form”;
(b) in sub-paragraph (b), after “sign the declaration”, insert “, either by written or electronic signature”;
(c) in sub-paragraph (c), after “himself”, insert “, either by written or electronic signature”.
(3) In paragraph (3)—
(a) for sub-paragraph (a) substitute— “(a)that officer shall then—
(i)where the declaration is in an approved electronic form, delete the incorrect particulars and insert the correct particulars;
(ii)otherwise, strike out any incorrect particulars and insert the correct particulars;”.
(b) in sub-paragraph (b), for “amendment so made shall be initialed by the declarant, and the”, substitute “amended”.
(4) In paragraph (4)(a), omit “, omitting any incorrect particular which has been struck out and the initials of the declarant”.
(5) In paragraph (5), for “sign the entry”, in both places it occurs, substitute “enter his name and surname”.
Amendment to regulation 14
12. In regulation 14(2) (alteration or giving of name after registration)(14), for “registrar or superintendent registrar having custody of the register in which the birth is entered”, substitute “relevant registration officer for the register in which the birth is entered,”.
Amendment to regulation 17
13.—(1) Regulation 17 (re-registration of birth)(15) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (2), for “sign the entry”, substitute “enter their names and surnames”.
(3) In paragraph (2A), for the words before sub-paragraph (i), substitute “Where a mother or father provide the particulars separately, the registrar shall, after their name and surname—”.
(4) In paragraph (3), for “sign the entry”, substitute “enter their names and surnames”.
(5) In paragraph (4)—
(a) for the words before sub-paragraph (i), substitute “Where a mother or other parent provide the particulars separately, the registrar shall, after their name and surname—”;
(b) in sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii), after “name”, insert “and surname”.
(6) In paragraph (6), for “sign the entry”, substitute “enter his name and surname”.
(13) Regulation 13 was amended by S.I. 1991/2275, 2003/3048, 2006/2827, 2009/2165, 2012/1203 and 2021/1436.
(14) Regulation 14 was amended by S.I. 2021/1436.
(15) Regulation 17 was substituted by S.I. 2009/2165 and amended by S.I. 2012/1203 and 2021/1436.
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(7) In paragraph (7)(b), after “attest the statement”, insert “, either by written or electronic signature,”.
(8) In paragraph (9)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (b) after “name”, insert “and surname”;
(b) in sub-paragraph (d) for “sign the entry”, substitute “enter his name and surname”.
Amendment to regulation 18
14. In regulation 18 (noting of previous entry)(16), for “registrar or superintendent registrar who has custody of the register in which the birth was previously registered”, substitute “appropriate registration officer for the register in which the birth is entered,”.
Amendment to regulation 19
15.—(1) Regulation 19 (attendance and particulars on re-registration)(17) is amended as follows.
(2) For the heading, substitute “Particulars on re-registration”.
(3) In paragraph (a)—
(a) for “shall”, substitute “may”;
(b) after “relevant registrar”, insert “, or may give the particulars on an approved electronic form”.
Amendment to regulation 20
16.—(1) Regulation 20 (re-registration where mother, father or other parent attends)(18) is amended as follows.
(2) In the heading, for “attends”, substitute “provides particulars”.
(3) For “attend at the office of the relevant registrar”, substitute “provide the particulars”.
(4) In paragraph (b), for “to sign the entry”, substitute “enter their name and surname”.
(5) In paragraph (d), for “sign the entry”, substitute “enter his name and surname”.
Amendment to regulation 21
17.—(1) Regulation 21 (making of declaration where parent does not attend)(19) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraphs (2) and (4)—
(a) after “signing”, insert “, either by written or electronic signature,”;
(b) after “approved form”, insert “or an approved electronic form”.
(3) In paragraph (3), after “made”, insert “, either by written or electronic signature”.
Amendment to regulation 22
18.—(1) Regulation 22 (re-registration in pursuance of declaration)(20) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (c), after “name”, insert “and surname”.
(16) Regulation 18 was substituted by S.I. 2009/2165.
(17) Regulation 19 was amended by S.I. 2009/2165. There are other amendments but none are relevant.
(18) Regulation 20 was substituted by S.I. 2009/2165.
(19) Regulation 21 was amended by S.I. 1997/1533 and 2009/2165.
(20) Regulation 22 was amended by S.I. 2009/2165.
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(3) In paragraph (d), for “regulation 20(3)(c) and (d)” substitute “regulation 20(c) and (d)”.
Amendment to regulation 23
19. In regulation 23(c) (re-registration where particulars not verified by parent)(21), for “sign the entry”, substitute “enter his name and surname”.
Amendment to regulation 24
20. In regulation 24 (noting of previous entry), for “superintendent registrar or registrar having custody of”, substitute “appropriate registration officer for,”.
Amendment to regulation 25
21.—(1) Regulation 25 (certified copies of re-registered entries) is amended as follows.
(2) In the words before paragraph (a)—
(a) for “superintendent registrar or registrar”, substitute “appropriate registration officer”;
(b) omit “in a register in his custody”.
Amendment to regulation 26A
22.—(1) Regulation 26A (particulars on re-registration)(22) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (c), for “draw”, substitute “enter”.
(3) In paragraph (d), for “sign the entry”, substitute “enter his name and surname”.
Amendment to regulation 26B
23. In regulation 26B (noting of previous entry)(23), for “superintendent registrar or registrar having custody of”, substitute “appropriate registration officer for”.
Amendment to regulation 27
24.—(1) Regulation 27 (marking of birth entry of adopted child)(24) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (1)(b), for “strike through any marking as to adoption in the margin of the entry specified in the direction and underneath write”, substitute “note the margin of the entry with”.
(3) In the words after sub-paragraph (b)—
(a) for “striking through the”, substitute “making the additional”;
(b) for “signature”, substitute “name and surname”.
Amendment to regulation 28
25. In regulation 28(c) (reproduction of marking in certified copy), for “the marking has not been struck through”, substitute “there is no additional marking”.
Amendment to regulation 29
26. In regulation 29 (particulars to be registered), for “1” substitute “3”.
(21) Regulation 23 was amended by S.I. 2009/2165.
(22) Regulation 26A was inserted by S.I. 1988/638.
(23) Regulation 26B was inserted by S.I. 1988/638.
(24) Regulation 27 was amended by S.I. 2006/2827.
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Amendment to regulation 30
27. In regulation 30 (noting of previous entry), for “superintendent registrar or registrar having custody of”, substitute “appropriate registration officer for”.
Amendment to regulation 34A
28.—(1) Regulation 34A (declaration and registration of a still-birth under section 9 of the Act)(25) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (2)—
(a) omit “an”;
(b) in sub-paragraph (a), after “approved form” insert “or approved electronic form 2B”;
(c) at the end of sub-paragraph (b), insert “, either by written or electronic signature”;
(d) in sub-paragraph (c), after “himself” insert “, either by written or electronic signature”.
(3) In paragraph (3)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (a)—
(i)omit “in the presence of the declarant” and “by striking out any incorrect particulars”;
(ii)for “inserting”, substitute “insert”.
(b) in sub-paragraph (b), for “amendment so made shall be initialled by the declarant and the”, substitute “amended”.
(4) In paragraph (4)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (a) and (b)(ii) in both places it appears, omit “, omitting any incorrect particular which has been struck out and the initials of the declarant”.
(b) in sub-paragraph (c)(i), after “name”, insert “and surname”.
(c) in sub-paragraph (e), for “sign the entry”, substitute “enter his name and surname”.
Amendment to regulation 35
29. In regulation 35(1) (registration on coroner’s notification where no inquest is held)(26), omit “in the presence of a qualified informant” and insert “as provided by the qualified informant” at the end.
Amendment to regulation 36
30.—(1) Regulation 36 (registration on coroner’s certificate after inquest) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (1)(d), for “draw” substitute “enter”.
(3) In paragraph (1)(f), for “sign the entry”, substitute “enter his name and surname”.
Amendment to regulation 37
31.—(1) Regulation 37 (noting of previous entry after coroner’s certificate after inquest) is amended as follows.
(2) In the words before paragraph (a), for “registrar”, substitute “appropriate registration officer”.
(3) In paragraph (a), for “in his custody, write”, substitute “, enter”.
(4) In paragraph (b)—
(25) Regulation 34A was inserted by S.I. 1997/844 and amended by S.I. 2003/3048, 2006/2827 and 2009/2165.
(26) Regulation 35 was amended by S.I. 1997/844, 2012/1203 and 2021/1436.
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(a) for “in his custody, write”, substitute “, enter”;
(b) after “at entry” insert “, as applicable”.
(5) In paragraph (c)—
(a) for “write”, substitute “enter”;
(b) after “the words”, insert “, as applicable”;
(6) In paragraph (d) substitute “if the previous entry is in a still-birth register kept by the Registrar General, he shall provide the details of the new entry together with particulars of the previous entry to the Registrar General.”.
Amendment to regulation 42
32.—(1) Regulation 42 (registration where no report to coroner)(27) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (1A), omit “in the presence of the informant”.
(3) Omit paragraph (6).
(4) In paragraph (7)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (a), substitute “enter the informant’s name and surname in space 8”;
(b) in sub-paragraph (c), for “sign the entry”, substitute “enter his name and surname”.
Amendment to regulation 42A
33.—(1) Regulation 42A (declaration and registration under section 23A of the Act)(28) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (2)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (a)—
(i)omit “an”;
(ii)after “approved form”, insert “or approved electronic form 2A”;
(b) in sub-paragraph (b), after “declaration” insert “, either by written or electronic signature”;
(c) in sub-paragraph (c), after “himself” insert “, either by written or electronic signature”.
(3) In paragraph (3)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (a)—
(i)omit “by striking out any incorrect particulars”;
(ii)for “inserting”, substitute “insert”.
(b) in sub-paragraph (b), for “amendment so made shall be initialled by the declarant and the”, substitute “amended”.
(4) In paragraph (4)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (a), omit “, omitting any incorrect particular which has been struck out and the initials of the declarant”;
(b) in sub-paragraph (c), after “enter the name”, insert “and surname”;
(c) in sub-paragraph (e), for “sign the entry”, substitute, “enter his name and surname”.
(27) Regulation 42 was amended by S.I. 2024/885. There are other amendments but none are relevant.
(28) Regulation 42A was inserted by S.I. 1997/844 and amended by S.I. 2006/2827, 2021/1436 and 2024/885.
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Amendment to regulation 43A
34. In regulation 43A(3)(b) (registration where a coroner’s certificate is provided to the registrar on request by the registrar)(29), for “draw”, substitute “enter”.
Amendment to regulation 44
35.—(1) Regulation 44 (noting of existing entry on coroner’s notification of cause of death)(30) is amended as follows.
(2) In the words before paragraph (a)—
(a) for “registrar”, substitute “relevant registration officer”;
(b) for “he has”, substitute “is”;
(c) for the words from “—” to the end substitute “he shall, without altering the entry in space
[9]2 of form 13, enter in its margin the words [“Inquest discontinued under section 4 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 by.. ..”], 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”.
Amendment to regulation 45
36.—(1) Regulation 45 (registration after inquest, or after an investigation by the coroner is suspended)(31) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (c), for “draw”, substitute “enter”.
(3) In paragraph (e), for “sign the entry”, substitute “enter his name and surname”.
Amendment to regulation 46
37. In regulation 46 (noting of previous entry on registration after inquest)(32) for the words from “—” to the end substitute “the appropriate registration officer shall, without altering that entry, enter in its margin the words “Re-registered on coroner’s certificate at entry No … … … ...”, inserting the number of the new entry.”.
Amendment to regulation 53
38.—(1) Regulation 53 (time when entry is complete) is amended as follows.
(2) Omit “of a birth or death”.
(3) For “signed”, substitute “entered his name and surname in”.
(4) For “and”, substitute “, ”.
(5) Insert “and submitted it into the register” at the end of the regulation.
Omission of regulation 54
39. Omit regulation 54 (correction of entry before completion)(33).
(29) Regulation 43A was inserted by S.I. 2024/885.
(30) Regulation 44 was amended by S.I. 2006/2827 and 2024/885.
(31) Regulation 45 was amended by S.I. 2006/2827 and 2024/885.
(32) Regulation 46 was amended by S.I. 2024/885.
(33) Regulation 54 was amended by S.I. 2006/2827.
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Amendment to regulation 55
40.—(1) Regulation 55 (correction of minor clerical errors after completion)(34) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (1)—
(a) for “superintendent registrar or the registrar”, substitute “appropriate registration officer”;
(b) omit “in his custody”.
(3) In paragraph (2)(b)(i), omit “provided it is evident from the preceding and succeeding entries which day or month should have been inserted”.
(4) In paragraph (2)(f)—
(a) at the end of paragraph (2)(f)(v), omit “or”;
(b) at the end of paragraph (2)(f)(vi), insert “or”;
(c) after paragraph (2)(f)(vi), insert— “(vii)a coroner’s certificate sent under section 23 of the Act;”.
(5) In paragraph (3)—
(a) for “superintendent registrar or registrar concerned”, substitute “appropriate registration officer”;
(b) in the first quoted text, after “or superintendent registrar”, insert “or Registrar General”;
(c) in the words after the first quoted text, for “registrar or superintendent registrar”, substitute “appropriate registration officer”;
(d) in the second quoted text after “or superintendent registrar”, insert “or Registrar General”;
(e) in the words after the second quoted text, for “registrar or superintendent registrar”, substitute “appropriate registration officer”;
(f) in each place it appears, for “sign”, substitute “enter his name and surname after”.
Amendment to regulation 56
41.—(1) Regulation 56 (correction of other minor clerical errors after completion)(35) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (1)—
(a) for “superintendent registrar or the registrar”, substitute “appropriate registration officer”;
(b) omit “in his custody”.
(3) In paragraph (2)—
(a) in the first and second quoted text, after “or superintendent registrar”, insert “or Registrar General”;
(b) in the words after the second quoted text, for “registrar or superintendent registrar”, substitute “appropriate registration officer”;
(c) for “sign”, substitute “enter his name and surname after”.
(4) In paragraph (3)—
(a) in each place it appears, for “signature”, substitute “information”;
(b) in sub-paragraph (b)(vi), for “9”, substitute “8”.
(34) Regulation 55 was amended by S.I. 2006/2827. There are other amendments but none are relevant.
(35) Regulation 56 was amended by S.I. 2006/2827, and 2021/1436. There are other amendments but none are relevant.
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Amendment to regulation 57
42.—(1) Regulation 57 (correction of other clerical errors after completion)(36) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (1)—
(a) for “a superintendent registrar or a registrar”, substitute “the appropriate registration officer”;
(b) omit—
(i)“, still births,”;
(ii)“in his custody”;
(iii)sub-paragraph (c).
(3) In paragraph (2), for “superintendent registrar or registrar concerned”, substitute “appropriate registration officer”.
(4) After paragraph (2), insert— “(2A) Where it appears or is represented to the Registrar General that in a completed entry, made on the information of a qualified informant, in a register of still-births, there is a clerical error other than one to which regulation 55, 56, 58A or 59(2) applies, he shall request from the relevant registration officer such evidence as may be required for the purpose of verifying the facts and shall correct the error.”.
(5) In paragraph (3)—
(a) after “paragraph (2)”, insert “or (2A), the appropriate registration officer”;
(b) omit “the registrar of the superintendent registrar concerned”;
(c) in paragraph (3)(b), for “sign”, substitute “enter his name and surname after”.
(6) In paragraph (4)—
(a) for “superintendent registrar or the registrar concerned”, substitute “appropriate registration officer”;
(b) for “write”, substitute “enter”;
(c) for “sign”, substitute “enter his name and surname after”.
Amendment to regulation 58
43.—(1) Regulation 58 (correction of errors of fact or substance)(37) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (1)—
(a) for “a superintendent registrar or a registrar”, substitute “the appropriate registration officer”;
(b) omit—
(i)“, still-births”;
(ii)“in his custody”;
(c) in sub-paragraph (a), omit “and enclosing a copy of the entry”.
(3) In paragraph (2)—
(a) for “superintendent registrar or the registrar concerned”, substitute “appropriate registration officer”;
(36) Regulation 57 was amended by S.I. 2006/2827, 2021/1436 and 2024/885.
(37) Regulation 58 was amended by S.I. 2006/2827 and 2024/885.
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(b) in sub-paragraph (b), for “write”, substitute “enter”;
(c) in the words after sub-paragraph (b), for “sign”, substitute “enter his name and surname after”.
(4) After paragraph (2), insert— “(2A) Where it appears or is represented to the Registrar General that there is an error of fact or substance in a completed entry in a register of still-births, other than an entry to which regulation 58A or 59 applies, he shall request from the relevant registration officer such information as may be required—
(a) for the purpose of verifying the facts; and
(b) ascertaining whether there are available two persons qualified to make a statutory declaration required by section 29(3) of the Act, prior to correcting any error or omission.”.
Amendment to regulation 58A
44.—(1) Regulation 58A (correction of errors on notification by medical examiner)(38) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (1)(b)—
(a) insert “to” at the start of the sub-paragraph;
(b) for “registrar, or the superintendent registrar having the custody of the register where the death has been registered,”, substitute “appropriate registration officer, who”.
(3) In paragraph (2)—
(a) in the words before paragraph (a) for “registrar, or the superintendent registrar”, substitute “appropriate registration officer”;
(b) in sub-paragraph (a) omit “of the entry and”.
Amendment to regulation 59
45.—(1) Regulation 59 (correction of error on coroner’s certificate)(39) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (1)—
(a) for “superintendent registrar or the registrar having the custody of a register containing”, substitute “appropriate registration officer, in relation to”.
(b) in the words after paragraph (1)(b)—
(i)omit “enclosing a copy of the entry and”;
(ii)after “(as the case may be)”, insert “, a copy”.
(3) In paragraph (2)—
(a) for “superintendent registrar or the registrar”, substitute “appropriate registration officer”;
(b) in the words after the quoted text, for “sign”, substitute “enter his name and surname after”.
(4) In paragraph (3), in the words after the quoted text, for “sign”, substitute “enter his name and surname after”.
(38) Regulation 58A was inserted by S.I. 2024/885.
(39) Regulation 59 was amended by S.I. 2006/2827.
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Amendment to regulation 61
46.—(1) Regulation 61 (copy of corrected or annotated entry to be sent to Registrar General)(40) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (1)—
(a) omit “or a registrar”;
(b) insert “, made prior to 1 July 2009,” after the words “completed entry”;
(c) after the words “certified by”, insert “them,” and omit “—”;
(d) omit sub-paragraphs (a) and (c);
(e) in the words after sub-paragraph (c), for “registrar”, substitute “appropriate registration officer”.
(3) Omit paragraph (2).
(4) In paragraph (3), for “is in a register in the custody of a superintendent registrar”, substitute “was made prior to 1st July 2009,”.
Amendment to regulation 65
47.—(1) Regulation 65 (compilation of short certificate of birth) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (1), for “, 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” substitute “by the appropriate registration officer” and omit “(as the case may be)”.
(3) In paragraph (2)(c), for “opposite the words”, substitute “for the”.
(4) In paragraph (3)(d), for “opposite the words”, substitute “for the”.
Amendment to regulation 66
48. In regulation 66(2)(d) (short certificate of birth in respect of certain children admitted to the Foundling Hospital), for “opposite the words”, substitute “for the”.
Amendment to regulation 66C
49. In regulation 66C(1) (compilation of short certificate of death)(41), for “, 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, ”, substitute “by the appropriate registration officer”.
Omission to regulation 70
50. Omit regulation 70 (draft of particulars to be sent to the Registrar General)(42).
Amendment to regulation 70A
51. In regulation 70A (transmission of draft particulars)(43) substitute “The draft particulars referred to in regulations 3 and 69 may be transmitted electronically.”.
(40) Regulation 61 was amended by S.I. 1988/638 and 2006/2827.
(41) Regulation 66C was inserted by S.I. 2024/885.
(42) Regulation 70 was amended by S.I. 1992/2753 and 2013/1869.
(43) Regulation 70A was inserted by S.I. 1992/2753 and amended by S.I. 2006/2827.
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Omission to regulation 71
52. Omit regulation 71 (quarterly returns)(44).
Amendment to Schedule 2
53.—(1) Schedule 2 (prescribed forms)(45) is amended as follows.
(2) In the table, in the entry relating to Form 2, in the second column, omit “, 17(3)(a)(ii)” in the second column from the left.
(3) In the table, after the entry relating to Form 2 insert— “2A 42A Declaration of particulars for the The Act, section 23A registration of a death 2B 34A Declaration of particulars for the The Act, section 9(1)” registration of a still birth
(4) In the table, after the entry relating to Form 6 insert— “6A 9(4) and Declaration by parent on request for The Act, section 10(1)(d) to
(4A) the registration of a birth (g) 6B 17(3) Declaration by parent on request for The Act, section 10A(1)(d) the re-registration of a birth to (g)”
(5) In the table, after the entry relating to Form 22B, omit the last two rows.
(6) In Schedule 2—
(a) for Form 1, substitute Form 1 as set out in Schedule 1 to these Regulations;
(b) for Form 2, substitute Form 2 as set out in that Schedule;
(c) after Form 2, insert Forms 2A and 2B as set out in that Schedule;
(d) for Form 6A, substitute Form 6A as set out in that Schedule;
(e) for Form 6B, substitute Form 6B as set out in that Schedule;
(f) for Form 8, substitute Form 8 as set out in that Schedule;
(g) for Form 9, substitute Form 9 as set out in that Schedule;
(h) for Form 11, substitute Form 11 as set out in that Schedule;
(i) for Form 13, substitute Form 13 as set out in that Schedule;
(j) for Form 20, substitute Form 20 as set out in that Schedule;
(k) for Form 21, substitute Form 21 as set out in that Schedule;
(l) for Form 22, substitute Form 22 as set out in that Schedule.
Amendment of the Registration of Births and Deaths (Welsh Language) Regulations 1987
54. The Registration of Births and Deaths (Welsh Language) Regulations 1987(46) are amended in accordance with regulations 55 to 64.
(44) Regulation 71 was amended by S.I. 2006/2827.
(45) Schedule 2 was amended by S.I. 1994/1948, 1997/1533, 2006/2827, 2009/2165 and 2024/885.
(46) S.I. 1987/2089, amended by S.I. 1988/687, 1992/1504, 1995/818, 1997/844, 1997/1533, 2009/2165, 2012/1203 and 2024/884.
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Amendment to regulation 1
55. In regulation 1(2) (citation, commencement and interpretation), in the appropriate place, insert the following definition— ““appropriate registration officer” has the meaning given in section 29(5) of the Act;”.
Amendment to regulation 4
56. In regulation 4(2)(a)(i) (registration and re-registration of births occurring in Wales) omit “personally,”.
Amendment to regulation 4A
57.—(1) Regulation 4A (re-registration, after declaration of parentage or legitimacy, of birth occurring in Wales)(47) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (b), omit “personally”.
(3) In paragraph (c)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (iii), for “sign the entry”, substitute “enter their name and surname”.
(b) in sub-paragraph (v), for “draw”, substitute “enter”.
(c) in sub-paragraph (vi), for “sign the entry”, substitute “enter his name and surname”.
Amendment to regulation 5
58. In regulation 5(2A)(a)(i) (registration of still-births occurring in Wales)(48) omit “personally”.
Amendment to regulation 6
59. In regulation 6(3A)(a)(i) (registration of deaths occurring in Wales)(49), omit “personally,”.
Amendment to regulation 7
60. In regulation 7 (correction of errors in birth and death entries)(50), omit “54(1)(e),”.
Amendment to regulation 8
61. In regulation 8(1) (short certificate of birth), for “a superintendent registrar or registrar”, substitute “the appropriate registration officer,”.
Amendment to regulation 8A
62. In regulation 8A(1) of the Welsh Language Regulations (short certificate of death)(51), for “a superintendent registrar or registrar”, substitute “the appropriate registration officer,”.
Amendment to Schedule 2 (prescribed forms)
63.—(1) Schedule 2 (prescribed forms)(52) is amended as follows.
(47) Regulation 4A was inserted by S.I. 1988/687.
(48) Regulation 5 was amended by S.I. 1997/844.
(49) Regulation 6 was amended by S.I. 1997/844. There are other amendments but none are relevant.
(50) Regulation 7 was amended by S.I. 2024/884.
(51) Regulation 8A was inserted by S.I. 2024/884.
(52) Schedule 2 was amended by S.I. 1992/1504, 1995/818, 1997/1533, 2009/2165 and 2024/884.
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(2) In the table, after the entry relating to Form 2, insert— “2A Declaration The Act, section 23A 2A of particulars for the registration of a death 2B Declaration The Act, section 9(1) 2B” of particulars for the registration of a still birth
(3) In the table omit the entries relating to Form 5 and Form 6.
(4) In Schedule 2—
(a) for Form 1, substitute Form 1 as set out in Schedule 2 to these Regulations;
(b) for Form 2, substitute Form 2 as set out in that Schedule;
(c) after Form 2, insert Forms 2A and 2B as set out in that Schedule;
(d) for Form 6A, substitute Form 6 as set out in that Schedule;
(e) for Form 6B, substitute Form 6B as set out in that Schedule;
(f) for Form 7, substitute Form 7 as set out in that Schedule;
(g) for Form 9, substitute Form 9 as set out in that Schedule;
(h) for Form 10, substitute Form 10 as set out in that Schedule;
(i) for Form 16, substitute Form 16 as set out in that Schedule;
(j) for Form 17, substitute Form 17 as set out in that Schedule;
(k) for Form 18, substitute Form 18 as set out in that Schedule.
Amendment to Schedule 3
64.—(1) Schedule 3(53) is amended as follows.
(2) In the table, after the entry relating to regulation 36(1)(b), insert— “37(a) Re-registered on coroner's certificate Ail-gofrestrwyd ar sail tystysgrif y at entry No… crwner yn y cofnod Rhif… 37(b) This entry relates to a still-birth and Mae'r cofnod hwn yn ymwneud â is registered at entry No.…in the still- marw-enedigaeth ac fe'i cofrestrwyd birth register.… yng nghofnod rhif... yn y gofrestr marw-enedigaethau.”
(3) In the table, after the entry relating to regulation 45(b)(ii), insert— “46(a) and (b) Re-registered on coroner's certificate Ail-gofrestrwyd ar sail tystysgrif y at entry No … crwner yn y cofnod Rhif…”
(53) Schedule 3 was amended by S.I. 2009/2165 and 2024/884.
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(4) In the table, omit the entry relating to regulation 54(1)(e).
(5) In the table, in the first two entries relating to regulation 55(3)—
(a) after “Superintendent Registrar”, in each place it appears, insert “or Registrar General”.
(b) after “Gofrestrydd Arolygol”, in each place it appears, insert “neu Cofrestrydd Cyffredinol”.
(6) In the table, in both entries relating to 56(2)—
(a) after “Superintendent Registrar”, in each place it appears, insert “or Registrar General”.
(b) after “Gofrestrydd Arolygol”, in each place it appears, insert “neu Cofrestrydd Cyffredinol”.
Given under my hand on Tom Greig 4th November 2026 Registrar General for England and Wales I approve, Jo White Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State 4th November 2026 Home Office 17Document Generated: 2026-11-09
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Schedule 1 Regulation 53(6) Prescribed forms for Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 Form 1 18Document Generated: 2026-11-09
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Form 2 19Document Generated: 2026-11-09
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Schedule 2 Regulation 63(4) Prescribed forms for the Registration of Births and Deaths (Welsh Language) Regulations 1987 Form 1 31Document Generated: 2026-11-09
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EXPLANATORY NOTE (This note is not part of the Regulations) These Regulations amend the Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 (S.I. 1987/2088) (“the 1987 Regulations”) and the Registration of Births and Deaths (Welsh Language) Regulations 1987 (S.I. 1987/2089) (“the Welsh Language Regulations”).
These amendments are necessary in consequence of certain provisions of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, namely sections 61 to 65 and Schedule 3. Those provisions make amendments to the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 (c. 20) (“the 1953 Act”) to —
(a) give the Registrar General power to decide the form in which birth, stillbirth and death registers are kept. This means registers no longer have to be paper books. They can be electronic systems;
(b) ensure local authorities employing registrars and superintendent registrars must provide and maintain whatever equipment or facilities the Registrar General reasonably considers necessary;
(c) allow for regulations to provide for alternative arrangements to signing the register;
(d) allow for digital copies of registers to become the official register once the new electronic system comes into force; and
(e) tidy up relevant legislation which contains terms and phrases which no longer make sense under the new electronic system.
The Registration of Births and Deaths (England and Wales) (Specified Requirements) Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/1168), which is made on 4th November 2026, specify requirements which replace the requirement, under certain provisions of the 1953 Act, for an informant to sign the registers of births and deaths. For the purposes of those provisions, an informant will be deemed to have signed the register if they formally declare that the information provided is true to the best of their knowledge and belief. In relation to births, the informant will also be required to prove their identity.
These Regulations amend the 1987 Regulations to ensure they account for the above changes in legislation. There are also some minor corrections and updates which are unrelated to the changes flowing from the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.
Regulation 3 amends regulation 2 of the 1987 Regulations, “Interpretation”, to adopt new definitions introduced into the 1953 Act by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. With the move to the electronic register, no single body will have custody of a physical register, making the concept redundant. The definitions seek to clarify this position by reference to the 1953 Act.
Regulation 4 and regulation 5 make two new forms available electronically. These forms are for informants to provide particulars of a birth or death to a person other than the registrar for the sub- district in which the event happened.
Regulation 6 amends regulation 4 in the 1987 Regulations, which deals with absence of particulars in a paper form. The informant will now be required to verify the particulars, as they are with other provisions in the 1987 Regulations, rather than “certify” them.
Regulation 18(3) provides for a minor correction due to an erroneous reference to a repealed subsection.
Regulation 26 amends regulation 29 in the 1987 Regulations. Spaces 1 and 2 of Form 8 are required under section 3A(2)(a) and (b) of the 1953 Act; this amendment is to ensure that regulation 29 43Document Generated: 2026-11-09
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Regulation 39 revokes regulation 54 in the 1987 Regulations, which deals with corrections of entries before they are complete. Under the electronic system, corrections of this type will not be visible in the final entry since typing can be easily edited prior to completing the entry.
Regulation 50 and regulation 52 revoke regulations 70 and 71 respectively of the 1987 Regulations.
These regulations deal with the process of sending draft particulars and quarterly returns which will no longer be necessary under the new system.
Regulation 40(4)(c) provides for an amendment to regulation 55 of the 1987 Regulations in order to allow for the correcting of an error in copying from a coroner’s certificate requested when an inquest has been discontinued, as provided for by section 23(4) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953.
The remaining regulations between regulation 6 and regulation 53 make amendments to various of the 1987 Regulations to account for the changes described in (a) and (c) to (e) above and for the new signature arrangements contained within the Registration of Births and Deaths (England and Wales) (Specified Requirements) Regulations 2026. The specific changes include —
(a) entering a name and surname in the signature field once particulars are verified, instead of requiring a signature;
(b) removing most references to “custody of the register” and instead using the definitions inserted in regulation 3 to identify the correct role for certain obligations.
(c) amendments to the regulations regarding corrections to the register which are necessary due to corrections being made electronically rather than on paper in most cases;
(d) removing the need for certain notifications and sending of documents where no longer necessary due to the electronic system.
Regulation 54 to regulation 64 make the necessary changes to the Welsh Language Regulations.
An impact assessment has not been prepared for this instrument as a full impact assessment was published in relation to the Data (Use and Access) Act 2026. Copies can be obtained from the
UK Government website at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/data-use-and-access-bill- supporting-documents or from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology at 22-26 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2EG, United Kingdom.
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