Register a still-birth
You can register a still-birth at any registration office in Scotland within 21 days. However, in exceptional circumstances (for example, if the mother is ill or the father is unavailable), a short postponement can be arranged in consultation with the registrar.
We have registration offices in Paisley, Johnstone and Renfrew. Please make an appointment beforehand.
Who can register a still-birth?
- If the parents are married to each other or in a civil partnership with each other, the still- birth can be registered by either the father or mother or second female parent.
- If the parents are not married to each other, and the father/second female parent's name is to be entered into the register, he/she must attend along with the mother.
- If the birth is registered by the mother alone, the father/second female parent's details will not be shown unless he/she signs a statutory declaration in the presence of a local Councillor, Justice of the Peace or Notary Public.
Where can you register a still-birth?
A still-birth that occurred in Scotland can be registered at any registration office in Scotland. The document attached below has a full list of registration offices in Scotland:
In Renfrewshire, you can register a still-birth at our registration offices in Paisley, Johnstone and Renfrew.
We strongly recommend that you make an appointment - telephone numbers for each office are available below:
What details should I give and what documents are needed?
- The certificate of still-birth (Form 6).
- Full name and surname of the child (if the informant wishes).
- Sex, date, place and exact time of still-birth of the child.
- Mother's full name, maiden surname (if this applies), occupation and date of birth.
- Father's/parent's full name, occupation and date of birth (if this applies).
- Place and date of your marriage or civil partnership (if this applies).
- Your marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (if this applies).
If no certificate of still-birth (Form 6) is produced, the still-birth registration may go ahead after the qualified informant has completed a declaration as to still-birth (Form 7).
What documents will I receive?
- A certificate of registration of still-birth (Form 8) for production to the burial ground keeper or crematorium where the burial or cremation is taking place.
- If one of the parents registers the still-birth and requests it, a still-birth certificate.