Acknowledge child after birth

How does it work?

You can acknowledge your child if you are a male 16 years of age or older. You can also acknowledge your child if you are a duo mother.

Furthermore, the following applies:

• Your child does not yet have a legal father.
• If your child has 2 parents, they can never be recognized by another.
• If you are under guardianship, you need permission from the court.
• If you cannot marry the mother due to consanguinity, you cannot acknowledge the child.
• You cannot acknowledge a deceased child.
• If you are the biological father, you cannot later undo the recognition.

What to do?

You can acknowledge your child after birth at 2 times:

• at birth registration
• after the birth declaration

Acknowledge at birth declaration

• You report the birth of your child within 3 days. You cannot make a declaration on Saturday, Sunday or a generally recognized holiday.
• You do this at the municipality where your child was born.
• You can then acknowledge your child immediately.

If the mother cannot come with you to the municipality, you will need written consent from her to acknowledge your child.

Acknowledging after the birth declaration

• You and the mother go to the municipality to acknowledge your child. This can be done in any municipality in the Netherlands.
• If the child you want to acknowledge is 12 years old or older, you need written consent from both the mother and the child. If you do not get permission from both, you can ask the judge for permission. This is only possible if you are the biological parent of your child.
• If the child you want to acknowledge is 16 years old or older, you will go to the municipality together. The mother does not have to be here.

Requesting parental authority

Since Jan. 1, 2023, parental authority is automatically established upon recognition of the child. Even if you are unmarried or do not have a registered partnership with the mother. Please note that there are a few exceptions.

Make an appointment online

Make an appointment an appointment by phone by calling 14 045

What do I need?

If the child was not born in the municipality where you will arrange for recognition, bring a copy of the birth certificate with you

If the mother goes with you to the church:

• your valid ID
• valid ID of the mother

If the mother does not go with you to the church:

• your valid ID
• written consent of the mother
• mother's signature on the written consent
• copy of valid proof of identity mother

Additional required when recognizing child aged 12 to 16

• written consent of the child
• copy of valid ID of the child

Additional requirement for recognition of child by paternal mother

• statement from the donor data foundation artificial insemination (only needed if the donor is anonymous)

How long does it take?

You will receive a copy of the acknowledgement certificate immediately.