The identity of an individual is established since the day he is born, and the registration of births is mandatory in India under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969. A birth certificate serves as a vital identity proof in India, especially when applying for government schemes. A birth certificate, an important legal document, can be obtained from the municipal corporation or council if you reside in an urban area and gram Panchayat office at the village level. One can get an online birth certificate by following a simple procedure on the official Birth and Death Registration website, office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India.
What is a birth certificate?
A birth certificate is an official document issued by a local authority, which is a record of an individual’s birth and related details. It serves as a proof of identity, age and Indian citizenship. A birth certificate can be used when applying for Aadhaar cards, passports, driving licenses, etc.
How to apply for a birth certificate?
Step 1: Register and log in to the Birth and Death Registration website https://crsorgi.gov.in/web/index.php/auth/signUp
Step 2: Download the birth certificate registration form online from the site and get a printout. You can also obtain it from the registrar’s office.
However, if a baby is born in a hospital, the form will be provided by the medical officer-in-charge.
Step 3: Duly fill the form with relevant details within 21 days of the child’s birth.
Step 4: Submit the form to the concerned Registrar by hand. Do not post the application. The registrar’s address will appear at the bottom of the application. Carry the requisite documents
Step 5: After successful submission of the application, a confirmation mail will be sent to the applicant’s email ID. The users will be notified through email after receipt of the application by the registrar.
The certificate will be issued upon verification of the birth records like date, time, place of birth, parent’s ID proof, nursing home, etc. by the registrar.
See also: How to download Tamil Nadu birth certificate?
Documents required for online birth certificate
- Proof of a birth letter issued by a hospital or nursing home
- Birth certificates of the parents
- Marriage certificate of the parents
- Identity proof of the parents
- Address proof – Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, utility bill, passport, ration card, etc.
- A church record, issued at the time of your baptism, with an official seal can serve as proof of one’s birth, parent’s names and place of birth.
- In cases of adoption, an adoption decree can be used for birth certificate applications
Name inclusion in Birth Certificate
One can apply for a birth certificate for a child even if they do not have a name yet. Once the child is named, one can add their name to their birth certificate using the name inclusion service. For this, one must obtain the birth certificate form from the municipal corporation office or gram panchayat of the area where the child was. The applicant should obtain an affidavit from a nearby notary and get the name added to the birth certificate.
Why is registration of birth certificate important?
In India, registration of birth is a mandatory. If a birth is not unregistered, it comes in the category of an unregistered birth. Numerous NRIs and citizens face the challenge of seeking proof of birth in the form of a birth certificate. A birth certificate is a crucial identity proof. An unregistered birth leads to difficulties for individuals seeking entitlement to rights and services.
To ensure accurate registration, parents must complete the registration of their child within 21 days of the birth. The service is free of charge initially but a late fee is applicable after a specified time.
Birth certificate single document for Aadhaar, other services from Oct 1
September 18, 2023: Birth certificates will be a single document for availing various public services, with effect from October 1, 2023, under the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023, as per media reports. The move aims to ensure easy access to services, including admission to an educational institution, issuance of driving licence, preparation of voter list, marriage registration, appointment to a post in Central or state government or a local body or public sector undertaking or in any statutory or autonomous body under the Central or state government. Further, a centralised database will help improve transparency and efficiency of the delivery of services.
Online birth certificate: Things to remember
- One must report the birth of a child to the registrar under their jurisdiction within 21 days of the event. However, if the parents fail to register the birth of their child within the specified time, they can report under the Delayed Registration provisions under Section 13 of the Act upon payment of a specified fee.
- One can obtain the birth certificate document without the name of the child. The registration authority concerned can enter the child’s name within 12 months without any fee.
- A birth is registered beyond a period of 30 days and within a year, through a written permission of the authority and late fee payment. Also, an affidavit must be produced.
- A birth can be registered beyond a year only by the magistrate after the verification of the birth date.
Birth certificate benefits
Registration of a child’s birth and obtaining the birth certificate has several benefits as explained below:
- It serves as an age proof of an individual.
- Ensures entry in the national population register
- Provides state recognised evidence of a child’s birth
- Enables the citizen in seeking school admission, ration card, employment, voter registration, marriage registration and helps one access social welfare schemes.
- Facilitates assessment of the health status of a country and notify wider policy implications.
- Helps in calculation of birth, death, and population rate
How to check online birth certificate application status?
The Birth and Death Registration website has the provision of birth certificate status check online. Applicants can view their status by using their application reference number on the portal.
How to get a birth certificate offline?
- To apply for a birth certificate offline, citizens can visit the corporation, or panchayat in the area where they were born.
- The certificate can be obtained from the authority at a nominal cost.
- Applicants must provide the registrar concerned with the date, place, and time for issuing the birth certificate.
- They must carry the required documents such as Aadhaar card, address proof and academic certificates.
- One must pay a nominal fee.
- After the verification process, the birth certificate will be issued to the applicant.
What is the fee for birth certificate in local government?
In case of delayed registration of a birth, different charges may be applicable. For example, if an applicant applies for a birth certificate after 21 days of birth but within 30 days, a late fee of Rs 2 is applicable.
If one applies for the birth certificate after 30 days and within one year of the birth, a written permission from the authority and an affidavit done before a notary public are required. In addition, a late fee charge of Rs 5 is applicable.
In one fails to apply for a birth certificate within one year of the birth, all the required documents must be submitted to the magistrate for verification along with a late fee of Rs 10.
Housing.com News Viewpoint
A birth certificate is a crucial legal document that must be obtained in a timely manner. This enables an individual to apply for various services. In many states, local authorities issue a birth certificate through a simplified process.
FAQs
How long will it take to get a birth certificate in India?
It may take around seven days for the authority concerned to issue a birth certificate.
What is the cost of getting a birth certificate in India?
Applicants must pay a registration fee of Rs. 20 for a birth certificate. Additional late fee charges are applicable if one applies after 21 days of the child's birth.
Why is birth certificate important?
A birth certificate is a vital identification proof and serves as age proof. The certificate, which is issued by a local authority, is an important document when applying for PAN, Aadhaar Card, Citizenship, etc.
Which birth certificate is valid in India?
According to the Registration of Birth and Deaths Act, 1969, newborns must get registered with the authorities and the registration must be done within 21 days. Non availability of Birth Certificate (NABC) is a legal document that one can apply in case of unregistered birth or if tt was a home birth.
How do I get a local copy of my birth certificate?
You can approach the municipal corporation of the city where you were born and check with the zone/ward office in the area to get a duplicate birth certificate.
How can I get my birth certificate number in India?
The identification number is a 10-to-15-digit number mentioned at the top right corner of the birth certificate document. You can approach the issuing authority and get a birth certificate number.
What is proof of date of birth?
A Birth Certificate, issued by the local municipal authority or the office of the registrar of births and deaths serves as a proof of date of birth.
Can you apply for a birth certificate later if birth was not registered immediately?
Yes. One can apply for a birth certificate later through online and offline procedure in their area.
Can someone apply for a birth certificate on your behalf?
Yes. An individual’s parents or authorised representatives can apply for a birth certificate for someone.
Can one apply for a birth certificate if they were born at home?
Yes. Registration of home births can be done and birth certificates can be obtained from local authorities.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
