As the custodial parent, you must report the birth of your child 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 is usually handled by that facility. In this case, you should inquire in good time at the maternity facility which documents and papers you need to bring with you to the date of delivery.

If the birth is not in a hospital or other facility where obstetric care is provided , you must report the birth in person at the registry office within one week. If it is not possible for you to report the birth yourself, the report can also be made by a person who was present at the birth.

You must report the birth of your child to the registry office of the place of birth . It does not matter where you are registered at the time of birth.

After the birth, you will receive free birth certificates from the registry office to apply for maternity benefits, child benefits and parental benefits. These certificates are issued only once for the respective purpose. The birth certificates can only be issued after the birth has been recorded in the birth register. 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 informs the registration office about the birth of your child.
. After the certification of the birth, you will receive a birth certificate, if the names of the child have already been determined; otherwise, you will receive a certified register printout.

You as the mother or custodial father can report the birth of your child in person, but it is also possible for the birth to be reported by the another person who was present at the birth.

To report the birth, you will need the following documents:

• the identity card, passport or a recognized passport replacement documentofboth parents of the child
.
• if you are married: additionally a certified printout from the marriage register with references or birth certificates and the marriage certificate of the parents
.
• if you are single as a 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 acknowledged or is to be acknowledged before the birth is notarized: additionally 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: a proof of the name change
.
• if the parents have already established joint custody: a certified copy of the declaration of custody
.
• if the parents are foreign: additionally a proof of the residence title to verify the acquisition of German citizenship of the child
.

Note: The registry office may require additional documents if this is necessary to prove information. Documents from abroad are to be submitted in the original and each with a German translation by a recognized translator.

Notification of the birth of your child must be made within one week at the registry office responsible for the place of birth.

The day of birth is not included in the calculation of the notification period.

If the child's first name or surname have not yet been determined when the birth is announced, you must notify the registry office of this within one month.

If your child is stillborn, the notification must be made no later than the third working day after the birth. This is usually done for you by a mortician.

The processing time varies from region to region and depends on the individual case design.

The notification of a birth at the registry office is free of charge.

The notification of birth is free of charge. Chargeable certificates for private purposes can be paid additionally in cash or with EC card.