Birth proof is an important document that shows when and at what time you took birth, who your parents are and where you belong to. All of these details are necessary to get other documents like passport, visa and birth certificate (BC). So, you should have this document as a proof of your birth.

What if the birth certificate is not available?

Non-availability of birth certificate (NABC) is no less important than the birth certificate if your birth is not registered due to some reasons. It is a document stating that the birth record of a particular person is not available. So, it is issued for registering unregistered birth. However, there are a few cases of lost birth proof to fire, flood or any other unfortunate reason. With NABC, registering the unregistered birth and re-registration later with the concerned department or authority is possible.

There are different laws stating that it’s mandatory to register it. For instance, India’s Section 17 of the Registration of Birth and Death Act, 1969 offers a provision to check the record of its happening in the books. If it’s not there, the Act allows getting it done by registering the unregistered birth. 

This document can be used as a birth proof until the BC is not issued.

Where can you apply for NABC?

There is always a local authority in every region where you live that ensures this facility to be yours. In some special cases, you need to have a letter of incharge of the office or vehicle that is in the nearby place of the registration office.

For foreigners, embassy can help in applying with the local authority. For example, NRIs can raise a request through Indian embassy online while attaching supporting documents.

Documents Needed for NABC

Here are some common evidences that are recognised for getting a proof of unregistered birth:

• A letterhead with birth info issued by the ‘Jail Incharge’ if the applicant is born in the jail
• A letterhead issued by the head of the Dharmashala/ Boarding house if he/she took birth there
• A letter issued by the vehicle incharge if it happened in the moving vehicle
• A letter issued by the headman of the village/incharge of the local police station if he/she was found deserted in a public place
• A letter issued by the authorized medical officer of the hospital/ nursing home/maternity ward where the petitioner was born
• School records like school leaving certificate, mark sheets, matriculation certificate, degree certificate, schooling certificate having the name & date of birth of the applicant
• State of federal census record like ration card, with the name of the child and ward(s)
• Church record where he/she took baptism, stating the date of birth, date of religious ceremony and the name of his/her ward (s)
• An affidavit of parents of the applicant
• Adoption decree if the applicant is an adopted child
• Voter Card/ Unique ID Card
• Driving licence
• Bank details
• Passport (current and surrendered)

 Who can apply for Non-Availability of Birth Certificate?

Every country comes with different eligibility criteria for the issuance of NABC. Here is an example of an Indian, who has to meet these conditions before applying for it:

• He/ she must be the citizen of India or an NRI, born within the territorial jurisdiction of NCT of Delhi.
• Individual shouldn’t have any BC issued from any government agency anywhere in India.
• There should be a gap of minimum one year between the date of birth of the individual and the date of issuance.

How can you get it?

For applying an NABC, you need to search for the birth registrar office in your birth place because it is where you have to apply.

• If you’re applying through the embassy, raise a request before and fix an appointment.
• Fill up the form while stating all related details correctly.
• Visit the office in-person or send the attorney like Services 2 NRI to the office of the local civil authority with a letter of authority. 
• Enclose supporting documents to get them verified.
• The registrar will verify the details, as DoB and place or parents’ details using supporting documents.
• The application procedure will take time as all local offices will be notified about the birth record to check if it’s present. 
• Once assured that there is no record present & all supporting docs are valid, your application will be verified.
• The notification will be routed on your registered number or email id.
• The document will be sent to you by post or you may have to collect it.

This is how you may get your birth proof.