Birth declaration

What do you need to know

Who can report

• The father or (duo) mother of the child
• Someone who was present at the birth, for example a friend or family member
• The head of the hospital or clinic where the child was born. This is only possible if no one was present at the birth
• The mayor or an official of the municipality where the child was born. This happens if there are no people who are allowed to report

You do not have to take the baby with you when registering the birth.

Digital declaration

• You need a DigiD for digital declaration
• Digital declaration can only be made jointly by the father or co-mother and the mother. You both need a DigiD
• If you are not married or a registered partner and if no acknowledgment has been made for the birth, only the mother can make a declaration

Choose child's last name

Since January 1, 2024, you can also choose to give your child the surname of both parents. You can only choose the surname for your first child together. At least one of the parents has Dutch nationality. For more information, go to Choose a surname for your child.

What you need to arrange depends on your situation.

You are married/you have a registered partnership

• The child automatically receives the surname of the father or co-mother.
• Do you want the child to have the biological mother's surname or a double surname? This can be done with a deed of choice of name. You can arrange this with the municipality. You can do this before the birth or during the birth registration. After this, choosing a name is no longer possible. Please note that both parents must be present.

You are not married

• The child automatically receives the surname of the biological mother.
• Do you want the child to have the surname of the father or co-mother? Then the other parent has to do it first acknowledge child. During recognition you choose which surname the child will receive. You can also choose a double surname. Please note that both parents must be present if this is your first child together. 

Within three days

You must register your child within 3 days of its birth. The day of birth does not count towards the deadline. If you are unable to register via DigiD, please contact us via the contact form.. We will then make an appointment with you.

What do you have to do

Pack

• Valid ID
• Valid ID of the mother from whom the child was born
• Copy of the certificate of recognition if the child has already been recognized before birth
• Marriage certificate or partnership booklet. You can have your child mentioned in it, but this is not mandatory
• Birth certificate from midwife/hospital (if you have one)

What does it cost

The registration of birth is free.

also look at

• Digital information brochure heel prick
• Recognition (unborn) child
• Choose a surname for your child
• Parenting for duo mother
• Birth checklist