Birth Registration

How and Where do I Register a Birth?

Any birth which occurs in Scotland must be registered within twenty-one days by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The law allows a birth to be registered in any registration district in Scotland. A list of Highland registration offices can be found under 'Contacts' in the 'Related Information' section opposite.

Who can Register a Birth in Scotland 

• A  child's father or mother has a duty to register the birth.
  Only in exceptional circumstances is it possible for another relative to register the birth, you should contact the registrar in advance for advice.
• A father who is not married to the mother can only register the birth and be named in the register as the father if;
• He jointly signs the register with the mother;
• He and the mother sign declarations (these are available from the registrar) that he is the father; or
• A court declares that he is the father and the mother registers the birth.
• Information on who has parental responsibilities and rights for a child is available in the Scottish Executive publication Family Matters:family law and young people in Scotland.

What Documents do I take to the Registrar? 

• the birth card issued by the hospital giving the child's date and time of birth;
• the parents marriage certificate (if they are married to each other). Please note that the registration can still proceed if the above certificates are unavailable. 

Documents Issued by the Registrar at the time of Birth Registration

• Abbreviated Birth Certificate which shows the child's name, date and place of birth (free of charge), 
• Form EC58 containing the child's National Health Service Number which should be submitted to the family doctor.
• A full birth certificate can be purchased for the statutory fee. This shows details of parentage.