Birth registration

DE mother, father or co-mother registers the birth.

If they are unable to do this, one of the following persons can do it for them:

• any person who was present at the birth
• in the case of a home birth: a co-resident of the house
• in the case of a hospital birth: the head of the hospital or an employee authorized by the head

If this is also not possible, the registration is made by or on behalf of the mayor of the municipality where your child was born.

Birth certificate

The municipality draws up a birth certificate after the registration. The birth certificate contains the first name or names and the surname of your child. The names of the parents, the date, time, and place of birth are also included. If you wish, you can purchase a copy of the birth certificate on the spot.

• Register the birth with the municipality where your child was born. Do this within 3 days.
• You cannot register a birth on a Saturday, Sunday, or a national public holiday. In that case, you are given 1 extra working day.
• Do you register the birth later? Then the civil status officer will report this to the Public Prosecution Service. You may then receive a fine.

• valid ID of the person making the declaration
• valid ID of the mother
• statement from the doctor or midwife (if you have one)
• family record book (not mandatory)
• acknowledgement deed of unborn child (if you have one)
• deed of choice of surname (if you have one)

Child born in a lesbian relationship

DE mother and co-mother who are married or have a registered partnership bring a statement from the Foundation for Artificial Insemination Donor Data if the donor is anonymous.

Surname selection

As parents, you decide which surname your child will receive. You can only choose the surname for your first child. This can be done before the birth or during the birth registration. All subsequent children in the family will automatically receive the same surname as your first child.

Other nationality

If your child does not hold Dutch nationality, you may not be able to choose your child's surname yourself. This depends on the country of which your child is a national. Please inquire with the embassy or consulate.

Birth registration of a deceased child

Did your child live for a short time after birth, but pass away before the birth registration? In that case, a birth certificate is first drawn up in the municipality where your child was born. Afterwards, a death certificate is drawn up in the municipality where your child passed away.

Stillborn child

• If your child is stillborn, you can have a 'certificate of birth (stillborn)' drawn up by the municipality. This is official proof that your child was born. The duration of the pregnancy is not important here. The content of this certificate is the same as a regular birth certificate and it is entered into the death register.
• If this is your first child, you may choose the surname yourself. This can be the father's or the mother's surname. For subsequent children, you do not have to use the same surname.
• You can also register your child with the National Population Register ( BRP). That way, your child’s name will appear in your personal information when you log in to MijnOverheid.nl.

Registration is free of charge

A certified copy of the certificate costs € 17.80 (2026)

Voorschoten Municipal Fees Ordinance

Online birth registration