Registering a Birth

• Registration for all births will now be completed remotely by telephone appointment. Please email registration@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window) with your name and contact number and an appointment will be sent via email. 
• A birth must be registered within 21 days of it's occurrence (where possible)
• 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 operating a strict appointment schedule and ask that you are available at the agreed time booked. 
• If the birth took place in Scotland it must be registered in any Registration Offices in Scotland

• 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 be present during the telephone appointment. If this is not possible, please contact registration@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window) for advice.

• The hospital will issue you with a birth card. This will have the date and time of the birth which will be asked by the Registrar
• Parents date and place of Marriage (where applicable)
• If not married both parents will be asked to confirm Full Name as recorded on Birth Certificate, Date of Birth and Occupation (where applicable).

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 be present 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 have a suitable person present. 

This may require a face to face appointment at the Registration Office in the Civic Centre Livingston. 

For more information please visit National Records Scotland Registering a Birth (opens new window)

A full birth certificate purchased at the time or within one month of registration will cost £10.00. Thereafter £15.00.

• To get help and advice when you are pregnant visit: Scottish Government - Help when pregnant (opens new window)
• For advice on your benefits visit: Scottish Government - Help with Benefits (opens new window)
• For health advice visit: NHS - Advice on Pregnancy (opens new window)