Birth Registration

 

If a child is born in Scotland, the birth must be registered within 21 days. Parent(s) have the freedom to register the birth at any Registration office in Scotland.

If the parents of the child are married to each other, either parent can register the birth.

If the parents are not married to each other and they wish the father’s name to appear on the birth entry they should attend the office together.

What documents should I take to the Registrar?

• The card issued by the hospital
• The birth certificate(s) of the child's parent(s)
• The marriage certificate of the child's parents (if married to each other)

If any of these documents are not available the Registrar can still proceed to register the birth.

Documents issued by the Registrar

• An abbreviated copy of the baby’s birth certificate is issued free of charge at the time of registration
• A Form EC58 to be given to the family doctor
• A full copy of the birth certificate can be purchased if required. The fee is £9.00 within a year of registration rising to £14.00 thereafter

Parental Rights and Responsibilities (PRRs)

The law about parental rights and responsibilities changed on the 4 May 2006, which now gives automatic PRRs to unmarried fathers who attend the Registration office with the mother and jointly register the birth of their child.

Where the father is declared on the birth before the 4 May 2006 they do not have automatic PRRs. Our local Registration offices hold Parental Rights and Parental Responsibilities Agreement Forms or contact the Scottish Executive on 0131 244 3581. Check with them before sending the completed form to ascertain the fee payable.

Re-registration of births

Re-registration is permitted where the original entry of birth indicates that the parents were not married to each other but have subsequently done so. Re-registration is also allowed if there is a subsequent declaration of parentage.

For further advice on any of the above topics contact your local Registration Offices.