Registering a birth

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You can register a birth at any registration office in Scotland within 21 days of its occurrence.

Who can register the birth?

• If the parents are married to each other, the birth can be registered by either the mother or father. 
• If the parents are not married to each other, and the father's name is to be entered into the register, he must attend along with the mother. 
• If the birth is registered by the mother alone, the father's details will not be shown unless he signs a statutory declaration in the presence of a Justice of the Peace.

• Full name and surname of the child.
• Sex, date, place and exact time of birth of the child.
• Mother's full name, maiden surname (if this applies), occupation and date of birth.
• Father's full name, occupation and date of birth (if this applies).
• Place and date of your marriage (if this applies).

• A notification card from the hospital detailing exact date and time of birth.
• Your marriage certificate (if this applies).

• An abbreviated birth certificate - issued free of charge.
• A full birth certificate, if desired - a fee of £8.50 is payable for this.
• A document to allow you to register the child with a GP (Form EC58).