Who can register a birth in Scotland?
You need to make an appointment at a registrar's office to register a birth. You have 21 days to do this from the day of a child's birth.
A birth in Scotland can be registered by:
- either parent, if the parents are married or in a civil partnership
- the mother, if the parents are not married or in a civil partnership
Married or civil partner parents
If the parents are married or in a civil partnership, either parent can register the birth and be named as a parent. This includes a child’s:
- mother
- father
- second female parent
Unmarried parents
If the parents are not married or in a civil partnership, the father or second female parent can only be named as a parent if both parents either:
- register the birth together
- sign the necessary declaration forms
Registering a birth together
Joint registration gives both parents parental responsibilities and rights.
Find out about joint birth registration.
If the parents cannot register the birth
If the parents are married or in a civil partnership with each other, and are not available to register the birth, it can be registered by:
- a relative of either parent
- someone present at the birth
- someone taking care of the child
If the parents are not married or in a civil partnership with each other, it can be registered by someone else. This includes:
- birth mother's relatives
- someone present at the birth
- someone taking care of the child
An unmarried father/second parent cannot be named on the entry if the mother is not present to register the birth.