Registering a still-birth

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

We have three registration offices in Paisley, Renfrew and Johnstone. To make sure a member of staff is available to help you, we strongly recommend that you contact us and make an appointment.

• How long do I have to register the still-birth of a child?
• Who can register a still-birth?
• Where can you register a still-birth?
• What details should I give to register the still-birth and what documents do you need?
• What documents will I receive?

How long do I have to register the still-birth of a child?

A still- birth must be registered within 21 days. However, in exceptional circumstances (for example if the mother is ill or the father is unavailable), a short postponement can be arranged in consultation with the registrar.

Who can register a still-birth?

• If the parents are married to each other or in a civil partnership with one and other, the still- birth can be registered by either the father or mother or second female parent.
• If the parents are not married to each other, and the father/second female parent's name is to be entered into the register, he/she must attend along with the mother. 
• If the birth is registered by the mother alone, the father/second female parent's details will not be shown unless he/she signs a statutory declaration in the presence of a Member of a Local Authority (Local Councillor), Justice of the Peace or Notary Public.

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Where can you register a still-birth?

A still-birth that occurred in Scotland can be registered at any registration office in Scotland. The document attached below has a full list of registration offices in Scotland:

Registration offices in Scotland (pdf - 929 Kb)

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In Renfrewshire, you can register a still-birth at our registration offices in Paisley, Johnstone and Renfrew. We strongly recommend that you make an appointment - opening hours and telephone numbers for each office are available below:

• Customer Service Centre, Registration Office, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley PA1 1AN (telephone: 0141 840 3388)
• Johnstone Registration Office, 16-18 McDowall Street, Johnstone PA5 8QY (telephone: 01505 320012)
• Renfrew Registration Office, Town Hall Renfrew PA4 8PF (telephone: 0141 885 4179)

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What details should I give to register the still-birth and what documents do you need?

• The certificate of still-birth (Form 6).
• Full name and surname of the child (if the informant wishes).
• Sex, date, place and exact time of still-birth of the child.
• Mother's full name, maiden surname (if this applies), occupation and date of birth.
• Father's/parent's full name, occupation and date of birth (if this applies).
• Place and date of your marriage or civil partnership (if this applies).
• A notification card from the hospital detailing exact date and time of still-birth.
• Your marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (if this applies).

If no certificate of still-birth (Form 6) is produced, the still-birth registration may go ahead after the qualified informant has completed a declaration as to still-birth (Form 7).

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What documents will I receive?

• A certificate of registration of still-birth (Form 8) for production to the burial ground keeper or crematorium where the burial or cremation is taking place.
• If one of the parents registers the still-birth and requests it, a still-birth certificate.

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