Any birth which occurs in Scotland must be registered within 21 days. This can be
done at our registration office
or at any registration office in Scotland.
Who can register a birth?
When the parents are married or in a civil partnership, the child's mother, father
or second female parent can register the birth.
If the parents are not married or in a civil partnership, the father or second female
parent can only be recorded if:
- The parents sign the register together
- They sign declarations
- A court declares parentage
How to make an appointment
Please call our office Monday – Friday between 9:30am and 4:30pm to arrange your
appointment. If you need to change or cancel your appointment please contact us
as soon as possible
What to take with you
When you go to the office to register the birth you should take these documents
with you, if you have them:
- The birth envelope given to you at the hospital
- Your marriage certificate
- Your birth certificate
What we will give you
After the birth has been registered, we will give you the following forms free of
charge:
- A form to give to the health centre to register your baby with a doctor (EC58)
- An abbreviated birth certificate
If you would like a full birth certificate, you will be able to purchase one.
Best Start Grant
The Best Start Grant) is a package of three grants that will give money to parents and carers on low income during the early years of a child's life.
Tell Us Once
After the registration, you can use the Tell Us Once service:
- Downloads
- Tell Us Once - Births
PDF file, 85.2 KB
This service will
tell central government of the birth. To use this service, you will need to bring
your completed Child Benefit application form with you.