How to Apply for Birth Certificate in Pakistan (Step-by-Step Guide – 2026)

How to apply for a birth certificate in Pakistan 2026 step by step process

This guide explains everything clearly, whether the birth is newly registered, late-registered, or you are applying for a NADRA Birth Certificate (CRC) for official use.

1. What Is a Birth Certificate in Pakistan?

A Birth Certificate is an official legal document that proves:

  • A child’s date of birth

  • Place of birth

  • Parentage

  • Pakistani identity record

In Pakistan, birth registration is handled by:

  • Union Council / Municipal Committee (initial registration)

  • NADRA (Computerized Registration Certificate – CRC)

👉 A NADRA birth certificate is required for:

  • B-Form

  • Passport

  • School admission

  • CNIC (later)

  • Visa and immigration purposes

2. Who Can Apply for a Birth Certificate?

Birth certificate can be applied for:

✔ Newborn babies
✔ Children under 18
✔ Adults without birth record
✔ Parents or legal guardians
✔ Individuals applying for late registration

Who Can Submit the Application?

  • Father or mother

  • Legal guardian

  • Authorized representative (with affidavit)

❌ A child cannot apply alone.

3. Types of Birth Certificates in Pakistan

There are two main stages:

1️⃣ Union Council Birth Registration

  • First legal entry of birth

  • Issued by local UC / Metropolitan Corporation

2️⃣ NADRA Birth Certificate (CRC)

  • Computerized certificate

  • Based on UC record

  • Used for all official purposes

📌 Both are important, but NADRA certificate is mandatory for most uses.

4. Documents Required for Birth Certificate

A. Documents for Newborn (Early Registration)

You need:

  1. Hospital Birth Slip / Birth Notification

  2. Parents’ CNICs

    • Original + photocopies

  3. Nikahnama (Marriage Certificate)

  4. Union Council Application Form

📌 Early registration usually means within 60 days of birth.

B. Documents for Child (Late Registration)

If birth was not registered on time:

  1. Parents’ CNICs

  2. Nikahnama

  3. School Certificate / B-Form (if available)

  4. Affidavit (explaining delay)

  5. Witness CNICs (sometimes required)

⚠️ Late registration may involve extra verification.

C. Documents for Adult Birth Registration

For adults without birth record:

  1. CNIC

  2. Affidavit

  3. Educational documents

  4. Parents’ CNICs (if available)

  5. Union Council verification

📌 Adult registration takes more time.

5. Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Birth Certificate (Union Council)

Step 1: Visit Relevant Union Council

Go to the Union Council where:

  • Birth occurred
    OR

  • Parents are registered residents

Step 2: Get Birth Registration Form

  • Collect form from UC office

  • Fill child’s details carefully:

    • Name

    • Date of birth

    • Place of birth

    • Parents’ details

⚠️ Spelling must match NADRA records

Step 3: Attach Required Documents

Attach:

  • Hospital slip

  • CNIC copies

  • Nikahnama

  • Affidavit (if late)

Step 4: Verification by UC

UC staff will:

  • Verify documents

  • May conduct local verification

  • Approve birth record

Step 5: Collect Birth Certificate

After approval:

  • UC issues manual or computerized birth certificate

⏱ Processing time:

  • Normal: 3–7 days

  • Late cases: 2–4 weeks

6. Step-by-Step: How to Get NADRA Birth Certificate (CRC)

After UC registration, apply for NADRA CRC.

Step 1: Visit NADRA Registration Center

  • Child + parents must visit

  • Carry UC birth certificate

Step 2: Token & Data Entry

  • Token issued

  • NADRA operator enters birth data

Step 3: Biometric Verification

  • Parents’ fingerprints

  • Photograph of child (if required)

Step 4: Fee Payment

Fee depends on service:

  • Normal

  • Urgent

  • Executive

Step 5: Collect NADRA Birth Certificate

  • CRC issued within given timeline

  • Can be collected or delivered

📌 NADRA certificate is computerized & official.

7. Online Method (Is It Available?)

Union Council:

❌ Mostly offline only in Pakistan

NADRA:

✔ Partial online services available

  • Appointment booking

  • Tracking

  • Some CRC services via Pak-Identity portal

📌 Physical visit is still required for biometrics.

8. Offline Method (Traditional Way)

✔ Visit Union Council
✔ Manual verification
✔ NADRA center visit

This is the most common and accepted method across Pakistan.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these errors:

❌ Delaying birth registration
❌ Wrong spelling of child or parents’ name
❌ Mismatch with CNIC data
❌ Fake hospital slips
❌ Using agents
❌ Ignoring affidavits for late cases

⚠️ Always verify spellings before submission.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is birth certificate mandatory in Pakistan?

Yes. It is required for B-Form, passport, and CNIC.

Q2: Can I apply without hospital slip?

Yes, but affidavit and witness verification may be required.

Q3: How long does NADRA birth certificate take?

  • Normal: 7–14 days

  • Urgent: 3–5 days (approx.)

Q4: Can adults apply for birth certificate?

Yes, but process is longer and stricter.

Q5: Is birth registration free?

UC fee is minimal. NADRA CRC has official charges.

Q6: Can mistakes be corrected later?

Yes, but correction requires supporting documents.

11. Conclusion

Applying for a Birth Certificate in Pakistan is a legal responsibility and an essential step for a child’s future. Whether it is a newborn or late registration, following the correct procedure ensures smooth approval.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Register birth early
✔ Start from Union Council
✔ NADRA certificate is mandatory
✔ Match CNIC data exactly
✔ Avoid agents

If you follow this step-by-step guide, you can successfully obtain a birth certificate without confusion or delays.

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