30. In many states,24 births that take place abroad are also entered into the civil registrar of the state of which the parents are nationals on the basis of an extract from the birth certificate issued by the competent foreign civil register. In some cases, a birth taking place abroad can also be entered in the civil register of the state of which the parents are nationals without a birth certificate. However, in such cases, a court decision is often required. 31. Birth registration is free of charge in all countries that replied to the questionnaire, and almost all countries do not charge for the first birth certificate issued for a child. In most states, birth registration will still take place after the set deadline when the civil registrar is informed of the birth. Identified promising practice In Spain, although deadlines for registration exist, even after these have expired, it is possible to file for a late registration before the civil registry. In no case would a birth remain unregistered. The only additional requirement is the need to file for a late registration before the competent authority. 2. Flexibility in evidentiary and documentation requirements in birth registration processes 32. In some countries a copy of an identity document is sufficient, but not an oral witness statement.25 This is different in one member state, where information for a birth registration is obtained through a personal interview conducted by the registrar with a qualified informant, usually one or both of the child’s parents.26 This informant is not required by law to produce any form of identification. If the parents are not married or in a civil partnership and do not both attend the registration, a signed declaration is required to confirm their parentage. 33. If the mother cannot provide documentation, in the vast majority of countries the birth will still be registered, but the mother’s information will be marked as uncertain in the civil registry and/or, where such a registry exists, in a central register of persons. Identified promising practices In Czechia, a declaration of honour is accepted in lieu of documentation for some groups, such as refugees and asylum seekers. 24. For example, France and Netherlands. 25. For example, Denmark. 26. United Kingdom. Page 18 ►Access to nationality for stateless children