Birth declaration

What is it?

Your child has been born. To make this official announcement, you declare the birth within 3 days. You do this in the municipality where your child was born. This is required by law.

How does it work?

The mother, father or duo mother reports the birth.

If they cannot do this, one of the following 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 home
  • in the case of a hospital delivery: the head of the hospital or an employee authorized by the head

If this too is not possible, the declaration will be made by or on behalf of the mayor of the municipality where your child was born.

Birth certificate

The municipality prepares a birth certificate after the declaration. The birth certificate contains your child's first name or first names and last name. It also contains the parents' names, date, time and place of birth. If you wish, you can purchase a copy of the birth certificate on the spot.

What to do?

  • Report to the municipality where your child was born. Do this within 3 days.
  • You cannot file a declaration on Saturday, Sunday or a national holiday. In that case, you will have 1 additional business day.
  • Do you press charges later? Then the registrar will report this to the Public Prosecutor's Office. You may be fined.

What do I need?

  • valid proof of identity of the person making the declaration
  • valid ID of the mother
  • statement from the doctor or midwife (if you have one)
  • marriage certificate (not required)
  • certificate of recognition of unborn child (if you have one)
  • deed of choice of name (if you have one)

Child born in lesbian relationship

The mother and duo mother who are married or in a registered partnership bring a statement from the Foundation for Donor Data on Artificial Fertilization if the donor is anonymous.

Declaration

DigiDManaging digitally

You can also make a Make an appointment to report the birth of your child.

Call 14 045 for an appointment at the front desk.

  • Report to the municipality where your child was born. Do this within 3 days.
  • You cannot file a declaration on Saturday, Sunday or a national holiday. In that case, you will be given an extra business day.
  • Do you press charges later? Then the registrar will report this to the Public Prosecutor's Office. You may be fined.

At the Municipality of Kerkrade, you can also make a digital declaration of birth. You only need to make an appointment to check the data on the birth certificate and to receive the child's citizen service number (BSN). This appointment must take place within 3 days of the birth!

What does it cost?

There is no charge for registering a child.

You can request a copy of the birth certificate for a fee. A copy of the birth certificate costs €17.10

Additional information

Choice of last name

As parents, you decide which last name your child will have. You can only choose the last name for your first child. You can do this before the birth or at the time of the birth declaration. All subsequent children in the family will automatically receive the same last name as your first child.

Other nationality

If your child does not have Dutch nationality, you may not be able to decide which last name your child will have. This depends on the country of your child's nationality. Ask about this at the embassy or consulate.

Declaration of birth of deceased child

Did your child live for a short time after delivery, but died before birth registration? If so, a birth certificate is first drawn up in the municipality where your child was born. Then a death certificate is prepared in the municipality where your child died.

Child born lifeless

  • If your child is born lifeless, you can have a "certificate of birth (lifeless)" prepared at the municipality. This is official proof that your child was born. How long the pregnancy lasted is not important here. The content of this certificate is the same as an ordinary birth certificate and is recorded in the death register.
  • If this is your first child, you may choose the last name. This can be the father's or the mother's last name. For subsequent children, you do not have to use the same last name.
  • You can also register your child in the BRP. That way, you will see your child's name in your personal information when you log in to MijnOverheid.nl.