How to register a birth

You now have 21 days to decide on a name for your baby and register his/her birth at a Registrar's Office in Scotland.

Who can register a birth - the law states that:

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

If the parents are not married to each other or not in a registered civil partnership they must attend the Registrar's office together to have the father/parent name shown on the birth entry.

If the birth is registered by just the mother the other parent's details will not be shown unless a statutory declaration has been signed in the presence of someone who can administer oath's.

Same sex parent's details can only be inserted in the register if the provisions of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 apply.  For more information see the Human Fertilisation Embryology Authority website.

If you are unsure or need any more advice please contact the Registrar's Office.