Home birth registration

When a baby is born outside a hospital — whether a planned home birth with a midwife or an unplanned birth at home or in transit — the birth must still be officially registered with the local vital records office to obtain a birth certificate and Social Security number. Unlike hospital births (where the hospital handles registration), out-of-hospital births require the parents or attending midwife to initiate the registration process directly.

15 steps across 2 sections

1. If a Midwife or Physician Was Present

  • Midwife/physician files the birth registration — In most states, the attending certified midwife or physician is responsible for completing and filing the birth certificate with the local vital rec...
  • Parents provide information — Both parents need to provide: full legal names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, and photo identification. The father must sign a Voluntary Acknowle...
  • Midwife provides medical details — The midwife or physician completes the medical section of the birth certificate, including date, time, and location of birth, birth weight and length, and any com...
  • Filing timeline — The birth must typically be registered within 5-10 days, though some jurisdictions allow up to 21 days.
  • Order certified copies — Once the registration is processed, order certified birth certificate copies from the county clerk or vital records office.

2. If No Medical Professional Was Present (Unattended Birth)

  • Register the birth yourself — You must make an in-person appointment at your local vital records office or county registrar.
  • Bring required people to the appointment:
  • The person who gave birth
  • A witness to the birth (someone who was present)
  • Provide proof of pregnancy:
  • Prenatal care records
  • Ultrasound records
  • Lab results confirming pregnancy
  • Preregistration forms (if filed before birth)
  • Provide proof of live birth:

Common Mistakes

  • Not knowing the process before the home birth
  • Missing the registration deadline
  • Not having prenatal records available
  • Forgetting to bring a witness
  • Not bringing the baby to the appointment

Pro Tips

  • If planning a home birth, contact your local vital records office during the ...
  • Ask your midwife about their birth registration process during your prenatal ...
  • Keep all prenatal records in a dedicated folder that is easily accessible dur...
  • Take photos of the birth (time-stamped) and document the birth weight and tim...
  • If you are planning a home birth, pre-register with your county if your juris...

Sources

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