Summary
NRIs can obtain their birth certificate from India by determining the issuing authority, which is usually the local municipal corporation, and submitting an application either online or in person. They may also need to provide supporting documents and pay a fee for the service.
A birth certificate as per Indian legislation is a legal document that records the birth of a person. It is an important document that establishes the identity, age, and nationality of a person. The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, mandates the registration of every birth in India. The birth certificate is issued by the Municipal Corporation or municipality in the area where the birth occurred.
An NRI (Non-Resident Indian) can obtain a birth certificate while being abroad by following these steps:
1. Identify the Issuing Authority
This is the very first step that requires determining the authority that issues birth certificates in the state where the NRI was born. This information can be obtained from the respective state government website.
2. Where to Apply
It’s now a digital India, where the information can be obtained from the respected state government websites or authorities. In particular, birth certificates are issued by the local Municipal Corporation or municipality, depending on the place of birth here.
If the applicant is from a rural area, this document can be applied with the local panchayat or village council. The State Government of India has the authority to issue birth certificates through their respective municipal corporation or municipality. The issuing authority can vary depending on the state, but it is usually the local government body responsible for maintaining the birth records in the respective state. This local body is called the Registrar or Sub-Registrar.
3. Obtain the Application Form
The next step is to obtain the application form for this birth proof. The form can usually be downloaded from the state government website or obtained from the Indian embassy or consulate in the country of residence if you’re a non-resident or NRI.
4. Fill in the Application Form
The application form must be filled in with all the necessary details, such as the name of the person, date of birth, place of birth, parent’s name, etc.
As per Indian legislation, a birth certificate must contain the following information:
- Name of the child: The name of the child should be mentioned in the birth certificate, which was not necessary in the beginning but have to mention later on.
- Gender: The gender of the child or person should be specified.
- Date and time of birth: Specify the date and time of the applicant’s birth.
- Place of birth: The place where the child/ person was born should be provided on the paper, which should include the name of the hospital or maternity home, if applicable.
- Parent’s names: The names of the child/ person’s parents should be mentioned, including their occupation and address.
- Registrar’s signature: The signature of the registrar who registered the birth should be there on the document. Once received it, check if the signature is there or not.
- Registration number: The birth certificate must have a unique registration number. It is served as a reference for future purposes.
5. Provide Supporting Documents
The applicant must provide supporting documents such as passport, proof of address, and identity proof. These documents may vary if you apply for it while being abroad. It may depend on the issuing authority and the state where the NRI was born.
However, the following are the commonly required documents:
- Passport: A copy of the passport is usually required as proof of identity and nationality.
- Proof of address: He or she may be required to provide a proof of address, such as a utility bill (telephone or electricity bill) or a bank statement.
- Identity proof: He or she may be required to provide an identity proof, such as a PAN card, Aadhaar card, or driver’s license.
- Parent’s identity proof: The identity proof of the parents, such as passport or Aadhaar card, may be required.
- Marriage certificate: If the birth certificate is required for a married woman, the marriage certificate may also be required.
- Affidavit: In some cases, an affidavit may be required to declare the date and place of birth if there is no other proof available.
It is important to note that the specific documents’ requirement may vary depending on the issuing authority and the state where the birth occurred. The applicant should check the respective state government website or contact the Indian embassy or consulate in their country of residence for the specific requirements and Indian law ordinance.
5. Pay the Fees
The applicant must pay the required fees for the birth certificate. The fees can be paid online or through a bank draft.
6. Submit the Application
The completed application form along with the supporting documents and fees must be submitted to the issuing authority either by mail or in person through a representative.
7. Wait for Processing
The issuing authority will process the application and verify the information provided. The processing time may vary from state to state.
8. Receive the Birth Certificate
Once the application is processed, the birth certificate will be issued and sent to the applicant’s address. Alternatively, the applicant can also collect the birth certificate in person from the issuing authority or through a representative. Every representative has the fundamental duties to provide a birth certificate.
NRIs Can Also Apply from Being Abroad
There are some options available to obtain the birth certificate while being abroad:
- Online application: Some states in India offer the facility to apply for a birth certificate online through their respective government websites.
- Indian embassy or consulate: The applicant can also contact the Indian embassy or consulate in their country of residence to obtain information on the process of obtaining a birth certificate from India.
- Third-party service providers: There are third-party service providers or NRI consultants that can assist the applicant in obtaining a birth certificate from India. These service providers charge a fee for their services.
Reasons Why an NRI Require a Birth Certificate
An NRI (Non-Resident Indian) may require a birth certificate for various reasons, such as:
- Proof of Identity and Age
A birth certificate is an official document that establishes the identity, age, and nationality of a person. It is required for various purposes such as obtaining a passport, enrolling in school, getting a driver’s licence, etc.
- Citizenship
An NRI may require an Indian birth certificate to establish their citizenship, especially if he or she is born outside India and need to prove his or her Indian origin or if he or she is applying for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
- Legal Requirements
This paper may be required for various legal requirements, such as applying for a marriage certificate or a divorce, obtaining a visa, or applying for a job.
- Inheritance and Property Rights
A birth proof can help in establishing inheritance and property rights, especially in case of disputes or legal proceedings.
- Researching Family History
An NRI may request for a birth certificate to research their family history and genealogy.
Overall, a birth certificate is an important document for an NRI as it serves as proof of identity, age, and nationality, and may be required for various legal rights, official, and personal purposes.
Author’s Bio:
Roshan Singh is an NRI matters expert that has resolved hundreds of queries from emigrants. Mainly, he suggests how to overcome challenges in document procurement because NRI may require an Indian birth certificate for a change of status, marriage or any other purpose abroad, let’s say. So, he is quick in delivering tried and tested legal ways to sort out NRIs problems.