An NRI birth certificate is an important document that serves as proof of identity in various ways. The importance of this document attracts NRIs to apply for it or for their children. It is because a birth certificate serves many legal purposes, such as obtaining a passport, a visa, citizenship, or a civil certificate from India. In total, a birth certificate enables NRIs to overcome legal barriers and travel smoothly in India.
This blog will help you understand the importance of a birth certificate for NRIs and the steps to get one as an NRI.
What is the importance of a birth certificate for NRIs?
A birth certificate is considered authentic proof of identity, age, and place of origin. It also helps to verify and get the services listed below.
- Renew a passport
- Emigrate and obtain a visa
- Open a bank account in India
- Inherit property or verify for settling legal disputes in India
- Get admission in an international university for education and employment
For these services, if you have an original copy of your birth certificate, you can proceed through the government's legal procedures effortlessly. Also, the chances of delays and legal complications are reduced.
A 2022 report by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reveals that 84% of births in India are registered in its records because of digitisation. In a similar vein, the Civil Registration System (CRS) is designed to achieve a 100% birth registration rate by 2030. This makes it easy for NRIs to access their birth credentials online.
How to get a birth certificate as an NRI without being present in India?
To start the process, follow the steps below.
1. Identify the Place of Birth
- For the first step, you must identify the location from which you get this document.
- Instead of applying anywhere, you can raise a request with the Municipal Corporation or the Gram Panchayat in India.
- If you are not physically present, you can apply for it through the online website.
2. Determine the Registration Status
To determine the registration status, you must consider two things.
- If registered at Birth
During the time of birth, the registration process is simple and easy. Simply follow the steps shared online and obtain it from the municipal authority or the registrar's office.
- If not registered at Birth
If the birth is unregistered, it will be difficult to register successfully since you might be required to attach an affidavit from the SDM office. This is a very lengthy process. You must also have other supporting documents in your possession, such as your school leaving certificate, passport and old hospital records to fulfil the verification requirement.
3. Engage a Local Representative or Authorised Agency
If you are unable to come for any reason, you can appoint a local representative, such as your friend or someone from your family. This authorisation process usually requires:
- A Power of Attorney (PoA) to sign any document on your behalf and get through the verification process.
- You must get the PoA notarised and attested from the Indian embassy or Consulate in the country where the applicant resides abroad.
What is the online application process for a Birth Certificate?
For the process, you can visit websites that provide online services for a birth certificate in many Indian states. If you are an NRI, you can register yourself and then log in with the credentials to apply online.
The online process involves the following steps:
- You must first register yourself on the online portal (the E-District portal) with your valid credentials, such as your name, passport or phone number.
- You can also explore state-specific websites like the Tamil Nadu birth certificate or the Delhi Municipal Corporation.
- Fill out the application form and mention details such as date and place of birth.
- Parental details can also be filled in, like their names, address and registration number if the birth certificate was with you and is now lost.
- Upload the required documents, such as scanned copies of passports, affidavits or hospital records, to support your application
- Afterwards, the screen will show the application fee to pay online. Pay the applicable fees.
- After the verification is over, your certificate will be sent via mail. You or your representative can collect it personally.
To learn more about replacing a lost or destroyed birth certificate, read our detailed guide.
What documents are required to be submitted?
The documents required for submission are listed below:
- Parents' Identity Proof (if parents apply on behalf of a minor)
Aadhaar card
PAN card
Voter ID card
Passport
Ration card with photo
Driving Licence
Any government-recognised document - Applicant's Identity Proof (if applied by self)
Aadhaar card
Voter ID card
Passport
Ration Card with photo
School ID
Driving licence - Address proof of both parents and the applicant
Aadhaar card
Passport
Bank passbook
Utility bills (like telephone, water or gas bills)
Voter ID card
Ration card
Driving license
Rent Agreement - Proof of DOB of an NRI
Aadhaar card
Passport
Driving Licence
Doctor Report - Proof of where the birth took place
Home address (if it took place at home)
Hospital Papers (if born at hospital) - Affidavit
A notarised document given on a non-judicial e-stamp paper as per the prescribed format in Annexure I. - Passport-sized colored photos of the applicant
You must affix a recent photograph of yourself in a downloaded form or a scanned copy.
What are the guidelines for photographs?
You must ensure you capture your full face while covering the front view with eyes open on a plain white or off-white background. Keep your expressions automatic and keep your mouth closed. Cover the full head from the top hair to the shoulders with no shadows on the face. Avoid sunglasses or hats.
How to apply for NABC?
To apply for a Non-Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC), you must go to a nearby municipal corporation office and submit a request to the Registrar and Health Officer. It is important to search at the relevant birth registrar's office to ensure no birth records are available.
After making sure there are no birth records available, a request can be submitted at the relevant office along with the necessary documentation. You will be given an application form by the relevant body that you are required to complete. The registrar will grant the NABC after the application verification.
What are the challenges faced and their solutions?
Listed below are a few challenges and their solutions.
1. Unregistered Births
A few old records, especially in rural India, are usually not available anywhere. Hence, many of the births remain unregistered.
Solution: NRIs can request to check their birth record in the old books of the municipal corporation or the Tehsildar.
If you find the record missing, you can enclose an affidavit with school certificates or hospital records to support your application for a birth certificate.
2. Lack of Knowledge about Procedures
In some cases, non-residents do not know how to get it registered in India.
Solution: In such a case, you can hire a professional consultant or get guidance from the Indian embassy to solve the problem.
3. Delays in Processing
In a few cases, some bureaucratic inefficiencies cause delays.
Solution: With regular follow-ups and hiring a representative, the process can be accelerated.
Important Points to Remember
You must be in touch with the necessary authorities after submission. If you have applied online, you must check the status online to track its updates. Some authorities may ask you for additional documents if anything is suspicious or unclear.
Conclusion
You can easily obtain a birth certificate without the need to travel to India. Thanks to the digital platforms and professional services, getting a birth certificate is now feasible. NRIs can easily avoid distance problems and bureaucratic procedures by engaging authorised representatives, leveraging online portals and ensuring proper documentation. Whether it is for legal, immigration or personal purposes, a birth certificate is a vital document that can be easily accessed from anywhere in the world.