Registering a birth in Scotland
When and where can a birth be registered?
A birth must be registered within 21 days of the birth. In special circumstances a short postponement can be arranged by the registrar. If the birth took place in Scotland it can be registered at any registration office in Scotland.
We operate an appointment system for all registration business.
Who can register a birth?
The mother or father of a child as long as they are married to each other.
Where the parents are not married to each other the mother should either:
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Register the birth herself or
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Bring the father with her so his name can be recorded in the register. Please contact the registrar for further advice if both parents cannot attend together.
In special circumstances it may be possible for another relative to register the birth. You should contact the registrar in advance for advice.
Documents to be produced when registering a birth
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The birth card issued by the hospital. This has the child's date and time of birth on it.
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The parents' marriage certificate (if available).
Documents issued by the registrar once a birth is registered
There is no fee to register a birth. After registration the registrar will issue the following free of charge:
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An abbreviated birth certificate.
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A Form EC58 (to register your baby with a doctor)
A full certificate of the birth entry showing the parents details is available for the fee of £10.00 at the time of registration and up to one month following the registration. Thereafter the statutory fee of £15.00 will apply unless an original extract (abbreviated of full) is produced at the time of the request.
Remember to take Form EC58 to the doctor's surgery to register the baby with the National Health Service.
Support available for bereaved parents
Still-birth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS) provides support for bereaved parents.