Registering a Birth
Congratulations on the birth of your baby. Now the baby has finally arrived, here are some guidelines to help you through the process of registering your child's birth.
When and Where Should Your Baby's Birth be Registered?
You have until your baby is 21 days old to register the birth. If the birth took place within Scotland, you can register at any Registration Office in Scotland.
Who Should Register the Birth?
In the case of the birth of a child whose parents are married to each other, either the father or mother can register the birth.
Where the parents are not married to each other:
- The mother should register the birth herself, or
- If the father's name is to be entered in the register, both the father and mother should attend for the registration. (should there be circumstances where both parents cannot attend together, please contact the Registrar for advice)
Only in exceptional circumstances is it possible for another relative to register the birth. You should contact the Registrar in advance for advice.
Documents to be Produced When Registering the Birth
- The birth card issued by the hospital, giving the child's date and time of birth;
- The parents' marriage certificate (if married to each other)
Documents Issued by the Registrar at the Time of Registration
- An Abbreviated Birth Certificate is issued free of charge at the time of registration, which shows yourchild's name, date and place of birth.
- Form EC58, containing your child's National Health Service Number, which should be submitted to your family doctor.
- A full Birth Certificate, containing details of parentage, can be purchased for a statutory fee; £8.50 for current year, £13.50 for any other year. Please be advised - in order to obtain a passport, a full Birth Certificate is required.
