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

Child Benefit

If this is your first child, complete the Child Benefit Claim form CH2 and send it to the Child Benefit Office. You do not need to send the birth certificate if you add the number from the birth certificate.

If you already claim Child Benefit, you can complete the form or add your baby’s details over the phone on 0300 200 3100.  You will need your National Insurance number or Child Benefit number.

For further information about Child Benefit please see the GOV.UK website.