Until further notice Leith and South Queensferry registration offices are closed for general registration to the public. For enquiries email
We can now accommodate appointments for all birth registrations regardless of the date your baby was born.
- Births, by law, must be registered within 21 days of occurrence
- Registration can be carried out in any registration office in Scotland – please check your local council’s website for arrangements
- The City of Edinburgh Council operate an appointment system
Attending your appointment
- Strict physical distancing is being adhered to
- All relative PPE (hand sanitiser, wipes etc) is available
- All stations are being cleaned regularly
- Please do not arrive any earlier than your appointment time – the appointment should last no more than 10-15 minutes
- Should you have to change your appointment please email [email protected]
- You will be given the opportunity to prepay for any full birth certificates you require when making your appointment
When registration is complete the Registrar will supply you with the following documentation:
- Abbreviated extract of the birth entry (free)
- EC58 form for the medical centre (free)
You will be given the opportunity to purchase full extract(s) for the statutory fee when making your appointment. The extract will be issued to you at your appointment. Extracts can be purchased at any time.
When parents are married or in a registered civil partnership with each other it is the duty of either parent to attend the Registration Office to register the birth.
If the parents are not married or in a registered civil partnership you need to attend with each other:
The mother may register the birth on her own, if she does not wish the father/parent’s name to appear on the entry.
If the father/parent’s name is to be on the entry, both parents should attend the office together to register the birth. If this is not possible please email [email protected]
Parental Responsibilities and Rights (PRRs) for the child are automatically given to both parents if registered together. These Parental Responsibilities and rights can only be removed by order of a court.
View further information including how to obtains PRRs for existing children or call 0131 244 3581 or seek independent legal advice before registering this birth
If the parents of the baby are not married or in a civil partnership they must come together to the appointment if both names are to appear on the birth certificate.
You should wear a face covering when you visit the office.
Becoming a parent may mean you are entitled to certain payments from Scottish Government or the Department for Work and Pensions to help with the costs of being a parent. You can find out more at the Advice Shop