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Declaring a birth at the town hall: the five days that actually count
The day of birth itself does not count toward the deadline. And if you miss it anyway, the town hall is no longer the one deciding.
Paul · October 7, 2026 · 4 min read
This is one of the few pregnancy-related steps that plays out after the birth, on a short and non-negotiable deadline. In France, the birth declaration must be made within five days of the delivery, at the town hall covering the place of birth.
How those five days are counted
The day of the delivery itself does not count toward the deadline. If the fifth day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, the deadline moves to the next working day. In certain towns far from a registrar, the deadline is extended to eight days.
Who can make the declaration
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The father, regardless of marital status
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Anyone who was present at the birth, including the midwife
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In practice, maternity staff often help with this step
If the deadline is missed
Past the five days, the registrar can no longer record the birth directly in the registers. A court judgment (jugement déclaratif de naissance) is then required, issued by the local court for the place of birth. The procedure is a formal petition and requires a lawyer, which turns a ten-minute errand into something far longer and more complicated.
Reference text: Article 55 of the Civil Code. Detailed procedure on justice.fr.
Bulle helps you get organised, not treated. For any medical question, or at the slightest doubt, contact your midwife or your doctor.