How to Register a Birth in Scotland (Step-by-Step Guide)
Last updated: October 2025Overview
In Scotland, you must register a birth within 21 days. Registration is carried out by a local registration office and results in an official entry on the Scottish register.When you must register
The birth should be registered within 21 days of the date of birth. You can register at any registration office in Scotland.Who can register
- Either parent if married or in a civil partnership at the time of birth
- The mother, if not married or in a civil partnership
- The other parent if they attend with the mother, or via statutory declaration in some cases
What to bring
- Baby’s date and place of birth
- Parents’ full names, occupations and addresses
- Identification for parent(s) (passport or other acceptable ID)
- Marriage or civil partnership details (if applicable)
Where to register
Contact your local registration office to make an appointment:Register a birth (mygov.scot)National Records of Scotland – Registering a birthCertificates
After registration, you can obtain extracts (certificates) of the entry. Fees apply for official copies.Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the 21-day deadline
- Spelling errors in names or addresses
- Not confirming local appointment requirements in advance