Registering a Birth

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Registrars

Update: 18 July

Scottish Government legislation was changed on 24 September 2022 surrounding the registration of Births and parents are now permitted to register their child's birth remotely.

Glasgow registration service will look to introduce remote registration for births over the next couple of months.

Please note appointments to register your child's birth will continue to be face to face at this time until further notice.

Our service is exceptionally busy, therefore please do not worry if your booked appointment takes you slightly over the 21 day statutory timeframe in which you should register a birth.

We are currently offering face to face appointments for birth registrations, however we are operating a strict appointment schedule and ask that you arrive on time. Should you arrive late for your appointment, you will not be seen and will need to rearrange your appointment online for a new date.

Congratulations on the birth of your baby. This webpage will provide information and guidance to help you through the registration process.

What do I need to know?

Births need to be registered within 21 days.

If the event took place out with Scotland it must be registered in the country the birth took place.

Who can register a birth?

If the baby's parents are married to one another, or in a registered civil partnership with each other then either parent can act as the informant and register the birth.

If the baby's parents are not married to one another, or in a registered civil partnership with each other, then the mother must register the birth, as the primary informant. If the father/parent's name is also to be included on the registration documents, then both parents should attend the registrar's office together to register the birth. If this is not possible, please contact genreg@glasgow.gov.uk for advice.

The registrar must be satisfied that the informant fully understands all of the questions asked during the registration. If you need help with this please arrange for a family member or friend to come along to translate. Please note if the parents are not married to each other then either parent cannot act as interpreter for the other and you must arrange to bring someone else along to translate.

For more information please visit NRS - Births.

Parental Responsibilities and Rights:

A child's parents are both given equal parental responsibilities and rights if both parents' names appear on the child's birth registration.

More information is available in the Scottish Government publication 'Family Matters'.

What documents do I need to register a birth?

When registering a birth, you must bring the following to your appointment:

The birth registration card issued by the hospital or midwife
Your marriage/ civil partnership certificate (if applicable/available)
Your birth certificate(s) (if available)

What documents will I receive once the registration is completed?

An abbreviated birth certificate, which is issued free of charge
A form (EC58) to register your child with a doctor

A full birth certificate can be purchased for a statutory fee of £10.00 per copy.

How do I pay?

Glasgow City Council now operates a cashless payment system. Payment can be made by a credit or debit card. Apple pay is also available. Registration staff will be unable to accept cash or cheque payments.

How do I make an appointment?

Please use the online booking system to make an appointment to register a birth. We advise you to book an appointment as far in advance as possible.

Appointments are available Monday - Friday (9.00am - 3.40pm) with the exception of Public Holidays. Appointments usually last around 15 to 20 minutes.

Where can I register a birth?

Birth registrations can be registered at any registration office in Scotland - if your home address is out with Glasgow or you live nearer another office then you can arrange to register your child there. Click here to find contact details for all other registration offices in Scotland.

If you have made an appointment in Glasgow to register a birth, please attend:

Registration Office, Service Desk, 45 John Street, Glasgow G1 1LY

Please arrange an appointment with one office only - do not make duplicate appointments as this will lead to further delays.

What happens if I am late for my appointment?

You should arrive on time for your appointment.

We will not be able to accommodate your appointment if you are late and you will need to reschedule. There can be no exceptions as we are dealing with a very high number of registrations and working within a tight appointment schedule.

Can I cancel or reschedule an appointment?

Your confirmation email will include instructions on how to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

If you arrange an appointment and are unable to attend, then please ensure to cancel or reschedule as soon as possible as this will release this slot for someone else. We have a very limited number of appointments and welcome your assistance in keeping to our schedule/time allocated.