A birth certificate is an important official document that validates the birth place, date of birth, name, and gender of an infant. In other words, it proves the existence of a person.
- To avail benefits under social welfare schemes.
- To validate the identity.
- To get a driving license.
- To get admission in a school.
- It also acts as a proof for the right to vote.
What is a Birth Certificate?
A birth certificate in India is an essential official record that documents an individual’s birth. It includes important details such as the person’s full name, their parents’ names, date of birth, place of birth, and gender. It is issued under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 and must be registered within 21 days in India. It provides legal proof of identity, age, and citizenship, with fines applicable for late registration.
Benefits/Uses of a Birth Certificate
- Obtaining Government-Issued Documents: A birth certificate is necessary for applying for other critical government-issued documents, such as driving licences, AADHAR cards, or passports. These documents are vital for accessing services, travelling, and engaging in everyday activities.
- Access to Social Welfare Schemes: A birth certificate is essential for enrolling in various government social welfare programs, including subsidies, scholarships, and healthcare benefits. It acts as a foundational document to verify eligibility, ensuring that citizens can access the support they are entitled to.
- Proof of Identity: The birth certificate serves as an official record of an individual’s identity, providing details such as full name, date of birth, and parents’ names. It is often required in various situations, like opening a bank account, registering for utilities, or applying for a job, to confirm identity.
- School Admissions: When enrolling a child in school, a birth certificate is typically needed to verify the child’s age and identity. This ensures that children are placed in the correct grade level and meet the required age criteria for admission.
- Inheritance and Property Rights: In legal matters concerning inheritance or property disputes, a birth certificate can be crucial evidence. It establishes a person’s lineage and identity, which is often required to prove entitlement to property or assets.
- Voter Registration: A birth certificate is required for registering to vote, as it provides proof of age and citizenship. This document enables individuals to participate in elections and engage in the democratic process.
Birth Certificate Registration
The government appoints a Chief Registrar of births and death who is responsible to unify, coordinate, and supervise all the work related to registration. Not only this, but also the works of local registration centers supervised by registrars and sub registrars of births and deaths who have experience at the grass root level.
The process of obtaining a Birth Certificate in India begins with registering the birth. This is a critical step that must be completed promptly to ensure the document is issued without complications. Ideally, births should be registered within 21 days from the date of birth. If the registration is completed after this period, a late fee is usually imposed.
Place of Registration
Birth registration should be made in local ward offices by the place of birth or to be done at the Head Office of the Health Department, if the registration is delayed for more than one year.
Government Fee
As stated clearly by the Registration of the Birth and Death Act, 1969 Act, the local bodies should issue the birth certificate free of cost for the births reported within 21 days of its incidence.
Provision of information to the authority after 21 days but within one month attracts a penalty of Rs.2 for late registration, and the application should be made as per the prescribed format.
If providing data for registration after 30 days and before one year, a permission letter from Additional Health officer must be submitted along with a late fee of Rs.5.
A delay of 1 year in registration requires an order from the Deputy District Magistrate. The registration fee for the birth certificate, which is Rs.5 and a late charge of Rs.10, is charged at the Head office of the Health Department to acquire the certificate.
Documents Needed to Register a Birth Certificate in India
- Birth Certificate from the Hospital: This is an official document provided by the hospital where the birth took place. It serves as proof that the birth occurred and includes basic details such as the date and time of birth.
- Statement of Birth from the Hospital or Birthplace: This is an additional document issued by the facility where the baby was born. It includes details about the birth and confirms the information provided by the hospital.
- Parents’ Marriage Certificate: This document verifies the marital status of the parents. It is required to establish the legal relationship between the parents and the child.
- Parents’ Identification Documents: Valid identification proofs of both parents, such as passports, driving licences, or Aadhar cards, are required to confirm their identity.
- Aadhar Card: For both parents, if available, the Aadhar card is used to verify their identity and residency status.
How to Apply for a Birth Certificate?
Offline Application
- Step 1: Go to your local Registrar’s office
- Step 2: After the birth of a child, the medical officer in charge will provide the registration form for a birth certificate. You need to fill out this form accurately.
- Step 3: Along with the completed registration form, submit necessary documents such as birth reports and identity proof for verification. Make sure to bring all required documents, including your Aadhar card, proof of qualification, and proof of address.
- Step 4: Supply detailed information about the birth, including the date and place of birth, to the registrar or official at the office.
- Step 5: Pay the registration fee as required.
- Step 6: After payment, the Registrar will verify the submitted documents.
- Step 7: Once the verification process is complete, the Registrar will issue the birth certificate to the applicant.
Online Application
- Step 1: Go to the official Birth and Death Registration website at https://crsorgi.gov.in/web/index.php/auth/signUp. This site provides a platform for managing and tracking birth certificate applications.
- Step 2: Download and print the application form from the website. Fill it out with accurate information, including details such as the child’s name, date of birth, and parents’ information.
- Step 3: After completing the application form, submit it along with all required documents to your local Registrar’s office.
- Step 4: Once your application is received, the Registrar’s office will process it and send you a confirmation email. This email will provide details about the current status of your application and include an Application Reference Number.
- Step 5: Use the Application Reference Number provided in the confirmation email to track the status of your application on the Birth and Death Registration website. This allows you to monitor the progress and check for any updates or additional requirements.
- Step 6: After the application process is complete and all documents have been verified, your official Birth Certificate will be delivered to your address. The delivery time may vary depending on the local procedures and postal service.
FAQs
Why is a birth certificate important?
It is essential for availing benefits under social welfare schemes, validating identity, obtaining a driving licence, getting school admission, and acting as proof for the right to vote.
Who is responsible for birth certificate registration in India?
The Chief Registrar of births and deaths, along with local registrars and sub-registrars, is responsible for unifying, coordinating, and supervising birth certificate registrations.