Birth announcement
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Why should I specify a location?
With the help of the location information, we can display the information, forms and services suitable for you and your responsible office.
Which location should I specify?
For example, your place of residence if you want to apply for a passport or the company location if you want to register a business.
You will need the following documents to register the birth:
- Your identity card, passport or a recognized passport replacement document from both parents of the child.
- If you are married: additionally a certified printout from the marriage register with references or birth certificates and the parents' marriage certificate
- If you are a single mother: additionally your birth certificate
- If you are a divorced or widowed mother: additionally a certified printout from the marriage register with references or your birth certificate and your marriage certificate and the divorce decree or death certificate
- If the parents are not married to each other and paternity has already been recognized or is to be recognized before the birth is certified: In addition, a certified copy of the father's declaration of acknowledgment, a certified copy of the mother's declaration of consent and the father's birth certificate.
- If the name of one of the parents has changed: proof of the name change.
- If the parents have already established joint custody: a certified copy of the declaration of custody.
- For foreign parents: additional proof of the residence permit to verify the child's acquisition of German citizenship
Note: Documents from abroad must be submitted in the original and each with a German translation by a recognized translator. The registry office may request further documents if this is necessary to verify information.
Notification of a birth at the registry office is free of charge.
Certificates for private purposes are subject to a fee. They can be paid for in cash or by EC card.
Simply explained
The birth of a child must be reported to the registry office responsible for the place of birth.
If your child is born in a hospital or other facility where obstetric care is provided, the birth notification will be handled by this facility. In this case, you should enquire at the maternity facility in good time about which documents you need to bring with you to the delivery date. .
If the birth does not take place in a hospital or other facility where obstetric care is provided (home birth), the birth must be registered in person by a parent with custody at the registry office within one week. If the parents are unable to register the birth, the birth must be registered by another person who was present at the birth.
What requirements must be met?
As the mother or custodial father, you can report the birth of your child in person. However, it is also possible for the birth to be reported by another person who was present at the birth.
What do I get?
After the birth, you will receive free birth certificates from the registry office to apply for maternity assistance, child benefit and parental allowance. These certificates are only issued once for the respective purpose. The birth certificates can only be issued after the birth has been recorded in the register of births. Additional certificates for private purposes are issued in the desired number for a fee. The fees vary depending on the registry office.
The registry office will inform the registration office of the birth of your child.
After the birth has been certified, you will receive a birth certificate if the child's name has already been established, otherwise a certified printout of the register.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Already checked? Tips and lists for the next steps
There are a few things to think about and take care of before and after the birth. The following checklists will give you an overview of the important things you need to take care of before and after the birth.
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