HOW TO APPLY FOR A BIRTH CERTIFICATE IN INDIA

In India, obtaining a birth certificate is mandatory under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969. It can be applied for both offline and online, depending on the process followed in your state or municipality.

After applying, one free copy of birth certificate is issued to the informant under Section 12 of the RBD Act. Under the provision of Section 17 of the Act, any number of copies can be obtained by any one after paying the prescribed fee.

Below is a step-by-step guide for both methods:

Applying Offline for a Birth Certificate

Step 1: Visit the Local Registrar’s Office

Go to the Registrar of Births and Deaths office in the area where the birth occurred. This office is generally located in municipal corporations, gram panchayats, or district headquarters.

Step 2: Obtain and Fill Out the Application Form

First, collect the birth registration form from the registrar’s office and fill in the required details such as the child’s name, date and place of birth, parent’s names, and residential address.

Step 3: Provide Supporting Documents

Submit the completed form along with the following documents:

1. Proof of birth (hospital discharge summary or doctor’s certificate).
2. Identity proof of parents (Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, etc.).
3. Address proof of parents (electricity bill, ration card, etc.).

Step 4: Verification of Details

The registrar or concerned authority will verify the details provided in the application. If the birth occurred in a hospital, the hospital’s records will also be checked.

Step 5: Collect the Birth Certificate

Once the verification is complete, the birth certificate will be issued. The time frame for issuance is usually 7–15 working days, depending on the state or municipality.

Applying Online for a Birth Certificate

Step 1: Visit the Official Birth Registration Portal

Go to the official website of your state’s municipal corporation or the CRS (Civil Registration System) portal: (https://crsorgi.gov.in)

Step 2: Register or Log In

Create an account by registering your details or log in if you already have an account.

Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application Form

Select the “Birth Registration” option and complete the online form with details like:

1. Child’s name.
2. Date and place of birth.
3. Parent’s information.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Attach scanned copies of the necessary documents:

1. Proof of birth (hospital records or medical certificate).
2. Parent’s identity and address proof.
3. Marriage certificate of parents (if required).

Step 5: Submit the Application

Submit the completed form along with the documents. You may need to pay a small fee online, which varies by state and service.

Step 6: Verification and Approval

The authorities will verify the submitted details and documents. Updates on the status of your application are usually sent via SMS or email.

Step 7: Download or Collect the Birth Certificate

Once approved, the birth certificate can be downloaded from the portal or collected from the local registrar’s office.

Special Notes

1. Timelines for Registration: Births must be registered within 21 days of occurrence. For late registration (after 21 days), an additional affidavit or approval from the magistrate may be required.
2. Fee Structure: The application fee varies depending on the state or local body. Some states may also charge a penalty for late registration.
3. Digitized Records: Many states offer digital birth certificates, which are legally valid and accessible online.
4. Support for Rural Areas: For births in villages, the application can be submitted at the Gram Panchayat Office or Primary Health Centre.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the birth certificate is issued without delays or complications.

This Post is written by Shirsti

Disclaimer: The materials provided herein are intended solely for informational purposes. Accessing or using the site or the materials does not establish an attorney-client relationship. The information presented on this site is not to be construed as legal or professional advice, and it should not be relied upon for such purposes or used as a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney in your state. Additionally, the viewpoint presented by the author is personal.