Clackmannanshire Council Online

Registering a Birth

Registering a Birth

Congratulations on the birth of your baby.

When and where can the birth be registered?

Babies born in Scotland must be registered within 21 days and can be registered at any Registration office in Scotland. To avoid unnecessary waiting please phone to book an appointment using the details at the bottom of this page.

Who can register the birth?

If the baby's parents are married or in a registered civil partnership with each other, either parent may register the birth.

If the baby's parents are not married or in a registered civil partnership with each other, the mother must register the birth. If the father/parent's name is also to be included on the registration documents, then both parents should attend the Registrar's office together. If this is not possible, please contact the Registrar for advice.

Parental Responsibilities and Rights

A child's parents are both given equal Parental Responsibilities and Rights if both parents' names appear on the child's birth registration. More information is available in the Scottish Government Publication Family Matters.

Documents to be taken to the Registrar's Office

• The birth registration envelope that was issued by the hospital or midwife showing details of the baby and information about how to register the birth.
• Parents' marriage or civil partnership certificate, if available
• Parents' birth certificate(s), if available

What documents will you receive?

• An abbreviated birth certificate, which is issued free of charge
• A form (EC58) to register your child with a doctor
• A full birth certificate can be purchased for the statutory fee, currently £10.00 each

Tell Us Once

If you've just had a baby we can help you tell the people who need to know. Please see our Tell Us Once Birth Service page for more information.