Register a birth

Service information

Use this service to register a birth.

Due to the exceptionally high number of registrations at this time, please do not worry if your booked appointment takes you over the 21 day statutory timeframe.

Before you start

You must register a birth within 21 days.

If your baby was born in Scotland, you can register the birth at any registration office in Scotland.

Who can register a birth?

Either parent if:

• married to each other
• in a civil partnership

The mother if parents are:

• unmarried
• not in a civil partnership

Both parents must be there to include both names on the birth certificate.

A relative can register a birth in exceptional circumstances. Contact a registrar if you need more information about this.

How to register

Contact the Registrars team.

What happens next

You'll be given an appointment to attend and you'll need to bring:

• your notification card from hospital
• a marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)

Documents we'll give you

• Abbreviated birth certificate
• Form EC58, which lets you register your child with a GP

There's no cost for these documents.