Due to the ongoing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis, Torbay Registrar Office based at Cockington Court is closed to the public, with a number of changes in place for registering births, deaths and marriages.

Registering births

Since the government announced the UK lockdown measures on 23 March 2020, the registering births service has been suspended until further notice. Parents usually have 42 days (6-weeks) to formally register their new arrival, and have to wait until the birth is registered before making a claim for child benefit or universal credit. Owing to these exceptional circumstances, parents are advised they can make claims, and register the birth of the child at a later date, once the current restrictions are lifted. To find out how to claim child benefit visit the GOV.UK website.

Registering deaths

Losing a loved one is an extremely difficult time and we understand that it is a daunting time for families. Our registrar team have currently suspended their face-to-face service but are still available to guide you through the process. All death registration appointments are now being carried out by telephone. Registration appointments can be booked over the phone on 01803 207130 or you can also book online, residents are reminded that deaths do need to be registered within five days.

If you require Bereavement Support please visit the NHS bereavement website. 

Marriage and civil partnerships

Sadly all marriage and civil partnership ceremonies have been suspended until people movement and social gather restrictions are lifted. We appreciate how disappointing this is for couples, and are in the process of contacting those affected. Couples are asked not to try and rebook appointments at this time, further advice will be provided in due course.

Notice of marriage is only valid for the venue named on the notice. If you wish to change your ceremony venue, you will need to give notice again and wait at least 28-days for the marriage authority to be granted. A notice of marriage is only valid for 12-months, if you postpone your ceremony beyond the expiry date you will need to give notice again. For more information visit the giving notice page. 

Citizenship ceremonies

At this current time, we are not taking any bookings for citizenship ceremonies. Under normal circumstances, customers would be expected to book their citizenship ceremony within three months of being sent an invitation from the Home Office. UK Visas and Immigration has currently extended this period to six months.

Cllr Christine Carter, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Community Services, Torbay Council, said “We understand this is a difficult time for many families, especially those who have been directly affected by coronavirus. I would like to reassure all family members that have recently lost loved ones that, our registrar team are here to guide you through the process”.

“I would also like to offer my congratulations to those that have welcomed new arrivals during this extraordinary time, and give my sincere thanks to the NHS maternity teams for their work in providing reassurance and support to new parents”. 

For further information on all registrar services visit the Registrar pages.