Having a baby in France when you are not married
2 steps, and the order matters. A reconnaissance made before the birth means both parents are legal parents from the moment the baby arrives, rather than after a later trip to the mairie. Checked 22 September 2026.
It can be done at any town hall in France, with photo ID and proof of address, and the mother does not need to be present. The birth declaration then follows in the 5 days after, with the reconnaissance certificate in hand.
Acknowledge the baby before the birth (reconnaissance anticipée)
If you are not married, the mother's link to the baby is automatic and the other parent's is not. The other parent establishes it by making a reconnaissance — a short declaration at any mairie, with photo ID and proof of address less than 3 months old. Checked against justice.fr on 22 September 2026.
Applies to people who are not married, PACS included and have a partner going through it with them. Paperbump schedules this from around week 10 of the pregnancy until the birth. What this step involves · justice.fr
Declare the birth at the mairie (déclaration de naissance)
The birth is declared at the mairie of the place the baby was born. Many maternity units have a registrar on site and will do it for you — ask, because it is the easiest version of this. Checked against service-public.gouv.fr on 22 September 2026.
Paperbump schedules this within 5 days of the birth. What this step involves · service-public.gouv.fr
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