Registration of Births, Stillbirths, Deaths, Marriages and Civil Partnerships
Recording, in the relevant statutory Register for Angus, births, stillbirths, deaths, marriages and Civil Partnerships; and issuing Certificates of these events. Each office can also issue extracts of any event (except stillbirth) registered in Scotland between 1855 - 2009/10.
Conducting civil wedding ceremonies as an alternative to religious services.
Assisting people with research into their ancestry. Each office can access full digital records for the whole of Scotland from 1855 - 2009/10 and census records from 1841 to 1901 and Old Parish Records pre 1855.
Dealing with a number of other related matters such as changes of name, marriages abroad, re-registration of births and declarations of parentage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Birth Registration
Who can register a birth?
One of the child's parents must register the birth of their child.
If the parents are married to each other, only one parent need visit the registrar and either the mother or father can register the birth.
If the parents are not married to each other it is the mother's duty to register the birth. Where both parents' names are to appear on the birth entry, both parents should visit the registrar, together, to register the birth. If either parent is unable to be present at the time of registration, the parents should contact the registrar, who will explain how the birth may be registered.
The Scottish Government believes it is usually best for children to grow up with the involvement of both parents in their lives, and registering the birth of your child with your partner can be the first step.
When you register the birth of your baby with your partner you both obtain legal responsibilities and rights towards the child. They are called Parental Responsibilities and Rights (PRRs) and can only be removed by the courts.
If you want further information, including how to obtain PRRs for existing children, look at: www.scotland.gov.uk/familylaw, phone 0131 244 3581, or seek independent legal advice before you register the birth.
The Human Fertilisation & Embryology Act 2008 makes provision for a mother and second female parent to register a birth if certain conditions are met. Further information can be obtained from any of the registration offices.
Where do I register a birth?
You can register a birth occurring in Scotland at any Registrar's office in Scotland although most people will find it more convenient to use their local office. In Angus there are 3 registration offices and each has a designated registrar. You can register the birth at any of these offices.
When do I have to register a birth?
You must register it within 21 days from the time the baby was born, but in certain circumstances, the registrar may allow an extension.
What documents do I need?
After the birth, the hospital, doctor or midwife will issue a form containing details of the birth and information about how to register the birth. This form should be taken to the registrar, to allow the birth to be registered. If the parents are married to each other, it would be helpful to take your marriage certificate with you when you go to the Registrar's Office.
What documents will I receive?
After the birth has been registered, the registrar will give you the following documents:
- an abbreviated extract of the birth entry in the register (ie without parents details).
- a form (EC58) to register your child with your doctor.
- full extracts of the details entered in the Register, or certificates, at a cost of £9.00 per copy and you may purchase as many as you wish.
- a folder in which to keep your child's birth certificate. This is free of charge.
- a gift voucher for a baby pack from Lloyds Pharmacy or Argos.
What names can I give the baby?
Your baby may be given any surname when the birth is registered. Naturally, most parents register the surname of the mother or the father. You can give the baby any forename(s) you wish (with a few exceptions).
Stillbirths
Who can register a stillbirth?
One of the child's parents must register the stillbirth.
If the parents are married to each other, only one parent need visit the registrar and either the mother or father can register the stillbirth.
If the parents are not married to each other it is the mother's duty to register the stillbirth. Where both parents' names are to appear on the entry, both parents should visit the registrar, together.
If either parent is unable to be present at the time of registration, the parents should contact the registrar, who will explain how the stillbirth may be registered.
Where do I register a stillbirth?
You can register a stillbirth occurring in Scotland at any Registrar's office in Scotland although most people will find it more convenient to use their local office. In Angus, there are 3 registration offices and each has a designated registrar. You can register the stillbirth at any of these offices.
When do I have to register a stillbirth?
You must register it within 21 days, but in certain circumstances, the registrar may allow an extension.
What documents do I need?
After the stillbirth the doctor or midwife will issue Form 6 (certificate of stillbirth). This form should be taken to the Registrar. If the parents are married to each other it would be helpful to take your marriage certificate with you when you go to the Registrars office.
What documents will I receive?
After the stillbirth has been registered the Registrar will give you the following documents:
- Form 8 (certificate of registration of stillbirth) which has to be given to the Undertaker
- If the Informant requests, one extract of the entry, free of charge. If further extracts are required the cost is £9.00 each
Can I give the baby a name?
Yes, but there is no obligation to do so.
Death Registration
Who can register a death?
A death can be registered by:
- any relative of the deceased, or
- any person present when the person died, or
- the deceased's executor or other legal representative, or
- the occupier of the property where the person died, or if there is no such person,
- anyone else who knows the information to be registered.
Where do I register a death?
You can register a death occurring in Scotland at any Registrar's office in Scotland. In Angus, there are 3 registration offices and each has a designated registrar. You can register the death at any of these offices.
When do I have to register a death?
You must register it within 8 days of the death occurring.
The doctor or hospital will normally issue a Medical Certificate of Death (Form 11). The registrar will require this to register the death. In addition, the following documents will help ensure that the registration is completed swiftly and accurately:
- the birth certificate for the deceased
- any marriage or civil partnership certificates for the deceased
- the deceased's NHS medical card
- any documents or details relating to any pensions or allowances which the deceased received from public funds.
What information does the Registrar need?
If the documents above are available, the death should be registered without any problem. If none of these documents are available, the registrar will require the following information about the deceased:
- full name
- date and place of birth
- occupation
- address
- the full names of all spouses and civil partners and their occupations
- father's full name and usual occupation
- mother's full name, maiden name and usual occupation
- name and address of the registered NHS doctor.
What documents will I receive?
After the death has been registered, the registrar will give you the following documents:
- a Certificate of Registration of Death (Form 14), which is required by the undertaker, free of charge.
- a form (334 S1), which is required for obtaining or adjusting Social Security Benefits and for National Insurance purpose, free of charge.
- an abbreviated extract of the death entry (ie showing name, date of birth, date and place of death), free of charge.
- full extracts of the details entered in the Register, or certificates, at a cost of £9.00 per copy. These will be required for purposes such as, bank, life insurance, shares, mortgage, superannuation etc, and you may purchase as many certificates as you wish.
Marriage Registration
Who can be married in Scotland?
Any two people, regardless of where they live, may marry in Scotland provided that they are:
- both at least 16 years of age on the day of their marriage
- not related to one another in a way which would prevent their marrying
- each unmarried or not already registered as a civil partner (any person who has already been married or registered as a civil partner must produce documentary evidence that the previous marriage or civil partnership has been ended by death, divorce, annulment or dissolution
- not of the same sex
- capable of understanding the nature of a marriage ceremony and of consenting to marriage
- able to have the marriage regarded as valid in any foreign country to which either party belongs.
What type of marriage can I have?
You can be married in either of the following two ways in Scotland:
- a religious marriage, whether Christian or non-Christian, which may take place anywhere, may be solemnised only by a minister, clergyman, pastor, priest or other person entitled to do so under the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977; or
- a civil marriage, which may take place in a registration office or at an approved place, may be solemnised only by a registrar or an assistant registrar who has been authorised by the Registrar General for that purpose. A list of approved venues is available at all the offices. If you wish to apply for a temporary approval for a civil marriage to be conducted at a place of your choice, such as your own home, you should contact the Law and Administration Division's Licensing Section at Angus House, Orchardbank Business Park, Forfar DD8 1AN, who will advise you about the fee and the application procedure.
What notice do I have to give?
You can obtain marriage notice forms, and information about fees, from any registrar in Angus.
Each of you must complete and submit a marriage notice, along with the required documents (see below) and a fee, to the registrar for the district in which the marriage is to take place.
Timing is important. The notices must be submitted early enough to enable the registrar to be satisfied that you are free to marry one another, normally about four weeks before the marriage; but if either of you has been married or in a registered civil partnership before, the notices should be with the registrar six weeks beforehand. The minimum period is 15 days before the date of the proposed marriage but, if you leave things as late as this, you could be faced with the need to postpone your marriage.
Although you don't have to hand in your marriage notice yourself at least one of you must visit the Registrar's Office before the date of the marriage. This is necessary in the case of a religious marriage, to collect the Marriage Schedule or, in the case of a civil marriage, to finalise arrangements with the registrar. Personal attendance is necessary at this stage because the registrar will need further information before the marriage can proceed.
Both of you are required to sign a declaration to the effect that the particulars and information given on the notice are correct. As a safeguard against bigamous marriages, a subsequent check of the information is made by the General Register Office for Scotland.
What documents do I need?
When giving or sending the marriage notice forms to the registrar, each of you must supply the following:
- your birth certificate;
- evidence of your nationality - normally a passport;
- if you have been married or in a registered civil partnership before and the marriage or civil partnership has been dissolved or annulled, a decree of divorce or dissolution or annulment or a certified copy decree;
- if you are a widow or widower or a surviving civil partner, the death certificate of your former spouse or civil partner;
- if you and the person you are marrying are related in certain ways, various death certificates are required;
- if you live abroad, a certificate of no impediment issued by the competent authority to the effect that you are free to marry.
If any of these documents is in a language other than English, a certified translation in English must also be provided.
Please do not delay giving notice simply because you are waiting for any of the documents mentioned above to come to hand. If time is getting short, it is better to give notice first (but see note in bold below for exception) and then pass the documents to the registrar when you have them, but remember they must be made available to the registrar before the marriage.
Provided the documents are in order, the marriage can proceed as arranged.
With effect from 1 February 2005 new procedures were introduced that affect foreign nationals who are subject to Immigration Control. Notice of marriage cannot be accepted until specific conditions have been met. For further important information please contact any registration office.
What should I do before the ceremony?
You should arrange for the date and time of your marriage as early as possible. In particular, you should:
- go and see the minister or clergyman before completing the notice of marriage if you are having a religious ceremony;
- make advance arrangements with the registrar for a civil marriage - this is particularly important if you want a special/popular date;
- arrange for two people, aged 16 years or over, to be present at your marriage to act as witnesses, as they are required for both religious and civil ceremonies;
- be sure to let the clergyman or the registrar know if you change your plans or decide to postpone your marriage.
What is the Marriage Schedule?
When satisfied that there is no legal impediment to the marriage, the registrar will prepare a Marriage Schedule from the information you have given. The Schedule is a most important document - no marriage can proceed without it.
If you are having a religious wedding, the Marriage Schedule will be issued to you by the registrar. The Schedule cannot be issued more than seven days before the marriage and the registrar will advise you when to call. The Schedule cannot be collected on your behalf by a relative or friend - the registrar will issue it only to the prospective bride or bridegroom.
The Marriage Schedule must be produced before the marriage ceremony to the person performing the matter.
Immediately after the ceremony, the Schedule must be signed by both parties, by the person performing the marriage and by the two witnesses. Thereafter, it must be returned to the registrar within three days so that he can register the marriage.
If you are having a civil wedding, the registrar will have your Marriage Schedule available at the marriage ceremony for signature.
What documents will I receive?
After your marriage has been registered, the registrar will give you a certificate of the marriage entry in the Register. Additional extracts can be obtained for a fee of £9.00 each.
Civil Partnership Registration
Who can have a civil partnership registered?
Any two people, regardless of where they live, may have their civil partnership registered in Scotland provided that they are:
- both at least 16 years of age on the day they wish to register their civil partnership
- not related to each other in a way which would prevent them registering their civil partnership
- each unmarried or not already registered as a civil partner (any person who has already been married or registered as a civil partner must produce documentary evidence that the previous marriage or civil partnership has been ended by death, divorce, annulment or dissolution.
- of the same sex
- capable of understanding the nature of a civil partnership and of validly consenting to its formation.
Where can a civil partnership be registered?
A civil partnership registration may take place at any of the registration offices in Angus. It can also take place at a venue approved for that purpose by Angus Council. A list of approved venues is available at all registration offices. If you wish to apply for a temporary approval to allow your civil partnership registration to take place elsewhere, for instance your home, you should contact the Law & Administration Division's Licensing Section at Angus House, Orchardbank Business Park, Forfar DD8 1AN, who will advise you about the fee and the application procedure.
A civil partnership can only be registered by a Registrar or Assistant Registrar who has been authorised by the Registrar General for that purpose.
What notice do I have to give?
You can obtain civil partnership registration notice forms, and information about fees, from any registrar in Angus.
Each of you must complete and submit a civil partnership registration notice, along with the required documents (see below) and a fee, to the Registrar for the district in which the civil partnership registration is to take place.
Timing is important. The notices must be submitted early enough to enable the Registrar to be satisfied that you are free to enter into the civil partnership, normally about 4 weeks before, but if either of you has been married or in a civil partnership before, the notices should be with the registrar 6 weeks beforehand. The minimum is 15 days before the date of the proposed civil partnership registration but if you leave it as late as this, you could be faced with the need to postpone it.
Although you don't have to hand in your notices yourself at least one of you must visit the Registrar's office before the date of the civil partnership registration. This is necessary to finalise arrangements.
Both of you are required to sign a declaration to the effect that the particulars and information given on the notice are correct. As a safeguard against a possibility of simultaneous civil partnership registrations a subsequent check of the information is made by the General Register Office for Scotland.
What documents do I need?
When giving or sending the civil partnership notices to the Registrar, each of you must supply the following:
- your birth certificate
- evidence of your nationality - normally your passport
- if you have been married or in a registered civil partnership before and the marriage or civil partnership has been dissolved or annulled, a decree of divorce or dissolution or annulment or a certified copy decree.
- if you are a surviving civil partner or a widow or widower the death certificate of your former civil partner or spouse
- if you and the person you are to register a civil partnership with are related in certain ways, various death certificates are required.
If any of these documents is in a language other than English, a certified translation in English must also be provided.
Please do not delay giving notice simply because you are waiting for any of these documents mentioned above to come to hand. If time is getting short, it is better to give notice first (but see note in bold below for exception) and then pass the documents to the registrar when you have them, but remember they must be made available to the registrar before the civil partnership registration.
If you are subject to Immigration controls, notice of civil partnership cannot be accepted until specific conditions have been met. For further information please contact any registration office.
What should I do before the registration?
You should arrange for the date and time of your civil partnership registration as early as possible. In particular you should:
- make advance arrangements with the registrar - this is particularly important if you want a special or popular date
- arrange for two people, aged 16 years or over, to be present at your civil partnership registration to act as witnesses
- be sure to let the registrar know if you change your plans or decide to postpone your civil partnership registration.
What is the civil partnership schedule?
When satisfied that there is no legal impediment to the civil partnership the registrar will prepare a schedule from the information you have given. The schedule is a most important document - no civil partnership registration can proceed without it.
The registrar will have the schedule available at the registration venue. The schedule will be signed by both parties, the two witnesses and the Registrar or Assistant Registrar.
What documents will I receive?
After the civil partnership has been entered in the register the registrar will give you an extract of the entry. Additional extracts can be obtained for a fee of £9.00 each.
General
Who do I contact for further information?
If you need any further information about the registration of births etc in Scotland, please phone, visit or email one of the registrars in Angus.
Chief Registrar (Arbroath)
Telephone: 01241 874805
Telephone (out of hours - emergencies only): 01241 870260
Fax: 01241 874805
Service Page: registration.htm
Service Details Last Reviewed : 30 June 2010