Birth Registration

The birth of a child is a big event in all families. It brings with it new responsibilities, changed priorities, and a big change in the family routine.

One thing which is very important is the need to register the birth. You should not feel rushed, you have 21 days in which to choose a name and register the event with the registrar.

The following information will help you:

Where can the birth be registered?

There is no maternity unit in Clackmannanshire, and parents are often unsure as to where a birth may be registered.

A birth that takes place in Scotland can be registered at any Registration Office within Scotland.

Who can register the birth?

New parents have many things on their minds as their life adapts to the latest arrival. Registering the birth is an important event, and it is important that the correct people attend the event. The "correct" people will vary according to personal circumstances and intentions. For example:

If the new baby's parents are married to each other at the time of registration, then either parent may register the birth.

If the baby's parents are not married, it is the mother who must attend to register the birth. However, if the desire is to include the father's name on the registration documents then both mother and father would be required to attend the Registrar's Office together at the time of registration.

Note: A mother of a child is automatically given parental responsibilities and parental rights to the child unless otherwise dictated by a Court Order. With effect from 4th May 2006 where unmarried parents of a child attend jointly at the Registrars to register the birth, the father will now also automatically be given parental responsibilities and parental rights to the child. If you wish further clarification, please contact the office on the number detailed below.

Whatever the decision, we look forward to welcoming you into the Alloa office to formally register the birth.

What should be taken to the Registrar's Office?

We are often asked what documents should be taken to the Registrar when a birth is being registered.

It is very helpful, but not essential, for parents to bring their own birth certificates (and marriage certificate if applicable) with them when they call to register their baby's birth.

Mothers should receive, from the hospital or midwife, a form confirming the baby's sex, date of birth and time of birth. It is helpful if this can be made available to the Registrar to ensure the correct details are recorded.

The registration of a new family member is an important event. The birth certificate will be presented to you in a protective wallet to help mark the occasion.

More information

The Administration and Legal Services Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages Annual Statistical Review contains detailed information and statistics for Clackmannanshire, including the most popular names in Clackmannanshire. The report can be downloaded by following the link in the Publications and documents section below.