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It is a legal requirement for a birth in Scotland to be registered within 21 days of the event. It can be done at any registration office in Scotland.
If they are married or in a civil partnership, either parent can register the birth.
If the parents are not married or in a civil partnership, the child's mother must register the birth.
The father, or second female parent, must be present if they want their name on the birth certificate. A child's parents are both given equal parental responsibilities and rights if both parents' names are on the child's birth certificate.
If the parents are not married or in a civil partnership but it's not possible for them to register the birth together, call the registrar for advice on 030 33 33 3004.
Call 030 33 33 3004 to make an appointment to register a birth.
The appointment can be:
You'll need a few things for your appointment with the registrar:
You get one free copy of the abbreviated birth certificate when the birth is registered. The abbreviated certificate contains no reference to the child’s parents. You can also buy a full birth certificate for £10 on the day or within one month of registering.
If you register in person you can get the certificates on the day. If you register by telephone we'll send them to you.
After a month it costs £15 for each certificate. Find out how to order certificates.