How to Apply for Birth Certificate

Disclaimer

The sample Application form provided below is only for illustrative and reference purposes and has been taken from the Delhi Government Birth Certificate Application format to help applicants understand the general nature of information required.

Each State/UT in India prescribes its own birth registration form, eligibility conditions, documentation requirements, competent authority, fee structure, and procedure.

What Is a Birth Certificate

A Birth Certificate is an official document issued by the State/UT Government recording the date, place of birth, name, and parentage of a person.

It is a foundational identity document required for:

• School admissions and examinations
• Passport, Aadhaar, voter ID
• Proof of age and nationality
• Government benefits and services
• Court and legal records

Births are registered under the Civil Registration System (CRS) by the Registrar of Births and Deaths (Municipality, Panchayat, Cantonment Board, or notified authority).

Key Points to Know

• Birth registration is mandatory.
• Birth should ideally be registered within 21 days of occurrence.
• Delayed registration is allowed with additional formalities.
• Forms, portals, authorities, and timelines differ across states/UTs.

How to Apply for a Birth Certificate

Online Method (Most States)

Step 1

Visit the State CRS / Municipal / e-District portal

Step 2

Select Birth Certificate / Birth Registration service.

Step 3

Enter birth details (date, place, hospital, parents' details).

Step 4

Upload required documents, if prompted.

Step 5

Submit the application.

Step 6

Download the digitally signed birth certificate after approval.

Offline Method

Step 1

Visit the Municipal Corporation / Nagar Panchayat / Gram Panchayat / Registrar Office.

Step 2

Obtain the state-specific birth registration form.

Step 3

Submit the completed form with documents.

Step 4

Receive acknowledgement slip.

Step 5

Collect the birth certificate after registration.

Commonly Required Documents

(Exact list varies by state)

• Hospital birth report / birth slip
• Identity proof of parents
• Proof of residence
• Marriage certificate of parents (if required)
• Affidavit (for delayed registration)

State-Wise Overview (Indicative)

First copy is generally free of cost. Fees may apply for late registration or extra copies.

FAQs – Birth Certificate

1. Who can apply for a birth certificate?

Parents, legal guardians, hospital authorities, or the individual (after adulthood).

2. Is hospital birth automatically registered?

In many urban areas, hospitals electronically report births, but certificate download may still require an application.

3. What if the birth was not registered within 21 days?

Delayed registration is permitted with an affidavit and approval from the competent authority.

4. Can corrections be made later?

Yes. Name, date, or parent details can be corrected through the prescribed state procedure.

5. Can I apply from another city or state?

Yes. Online CRS portals allow applications from anywhere.

6. Is a digital birth certificate legally valid?

Yes. Digitally signed certificates issued through official portals are legally valid.