A birth occurring in Scotland must be registered within 21 days.
When a baby is born in Scotland, the birth can be registered anywhere in Scotland.
Birth registrations can be registered remotely over the telephone. A telephone appointment can be more convenient for many new parents.
If you prefer to come into an office, you can book an In-Person appointment at one of the following offices – Cupar, Dunfermline, Glenrothes, or Kirkcaldy.
If parents are married to each other:
- Either the mother or father/second parent can register the birth
If parents are not married to each other:
- The mother should register the birth herself, or
- If the father/second parents name is to be entered in the register, both parents should be available during the telephone appointment, or both attend the office for the appointment.
A woman who is not married to, or in a civil partnership with, the mother can only register the birth and be named in the register as a parent if the provisions of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 apply to them and:
- She jointly signs the register with the mother;
- She and the mother sign declarations that she is the parent (contact your local registration office for the forms); or
- A court declares that she is the parent and the mother registers the birth
A child's parents are both given equal Parental Responsibilities and Rights if both parents' names appear on the child's birth certificate. These Parental Responsibilities and Rights can only be removed by order of a court. More information is available in the Scottish Government publication Family matters.
What you will need for your appointment:
- Birth card or A4 letter sheet from maternity hospital or midwife. If you don’t have this please advise Registrar at your appointment.
- Parents' birth certificates (if available)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Documents Issued and Costs:
- A letter to register your baby with your doctor
- A free abbreviated birth certificate
- A full birth certificate - £10 at the time of registration, £15 after one month.
Contact Us
If you are unable to book your appointment online, then please telephone 03451 55 00 77.
