A birth certificate presents the identity of a person. It states one’s birth date, place of birth, blood relationship, etc. These details are considered crucial for various administrative, educational, and legal purposes. In the absence of this valid identity proof, it won’t be easy to obtain a passport, school admissions, employment, or even government benefits.
Some adverse conditions can arise when this proof is lost. It can be a flood, fire, theft, or any other reason that leads to losing the birth certificate. The non-availability of this paper can be a big concern. Your documentation for passports, visas, or schemes would be stuck. This is where you need to think about applying for the non-availability of a birth certificate (NABC). In other words, Form 10 can help you re-attempt or reapply your birth proof.
It is also vital to understand that the birth must be registered within 21 days of this event. This registration costs a minimal amount. And later, you have to pay a penalty as well. This birth registration opportunity can be availed of for one year. Afterwards, it won’t be easy.
Understanding the Importance of a Birth Certificate
A birth proof is like your identity card, a primary document that states official records of one’s birth, place of birth, and a lot more. That’s why it is considered the standard legal document to prove your age, nationality, and correspondence address.
It is significant to have this proof because of these critical functions:
- Proof of Identity and Age: As aforementioned, it is often required to prove your identity and age for different purposes like school admissions, marriage registration, immigration, and employment.
- Legal Document: Some legal matters, like litigation, inheritance, and property claims, may require you to present your identity proof.
- Government Services: If you want to be a part of various government schemes and services, this proof will be necessarily required.
- Travel and Immigration: You cannot travel abroad without a passport and other travel documents. These documents will be issued and verified once you present your registered birth proof.
These are some of the most common conditions that generate the need for the non-availability of a birth certificate, or NABC.
What is a Non-Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC)?
A non-availability of birth certificate (NABC) is a document stating that the birth is unregistered. Though it might have been documented before, any of the aforementioned reasons can lead to a lost or misplaced birth certificate. And if you haven’t registered yet, the condition will be counted as similar. Simply put, your birth will be considered unregistered in this case.
Now, you need to visit the Municipal Corporation if you’re in India to apply for the NABC. It is an alternative, documented proof of your birth. In rural areas, the Surpanch issues it. And in rare cases, paramedical staff can also issue it.
Once applied for, the registrar or registering authority will sign an order to check previous records of its registration in its main office. If the applicant has already registered it, the birth proof will be reissued.
What if the proof is not available? These steps are going to help you.
Steps to Obtain a Non-Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC)
For sure, the process of obtaining an NABC is lengthy. The processing can depend on the state or municipal corporation. Generally, the applicant follows this process.
Step 1: Identify the registration office.
The first step is to find out the office of the municipal corporation in your location (where the birth occurred). The chief registrar in the office is responsible for the registration of births and deaths.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
In order to apply, you need to provide several supporting documents. Here is the checklist of these papers, which will be verified by the registrar:
- Affidavit: An affidavit is a sworn statement describing the valid reason for the absence of a birth certificate. It states all the essential details of the person’s birth.
- Proof of Birth: Documents confirming the proof of birth, such as hospital records, school leaving certificates, or any other relevant document.
- Identity Proof: A government-issued identity card, such as an Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, etc.
- Address Proof: For correspondence, a utility bill, ration card, or rental agreement can help.
Step 3: Fill out Form 10
This is a government-prescribed form, which is an application form for an NABC. This form is available at the local registration office as well as online. It can be downloaded from this link as well.
Considering the details to be filled out in this form, you must have authentic records, including
- Applicant’s name
- Date and place of applicant’s birth
- Parents’ names of the applicant
- Reasons for why you need the non-availability of the birth certificate
- Details of supporting documents provided (originals and photocopies)
Step 4: Submit the application.
As soon as the form and supporting documents are duly filled out, submit them to the competent authority. It requires an in-person visit to the registrar office. Alternatively, you can submit the application online. You can check the specific state government or municipal corporation websites. Some states and municipalities have introduced this application process online for public convenience.
Step 5: Verification Process
The very next step is to submit the application form. The registration office will go through the documents and verify their authenticity. This process may include verifying the authenticity of the affidavit and supporting papers. The hospital records are also cross-verified with other relevant sources. The verification officer may visit the residence of the applicant for further examination of the provided proofs.
Step 6: Issuance of NABC
As the verification goes on smoothly, the registrar will issue the non-availability of the birth certificate. It will be a proof of registered birth. You may receive a notification at the registered phone number and email ID.
Complementary Links to Government Websites
Here are some important links to government websites that can be referred to for accessing important information and downloading necessary forms.
- Ministry of Home Affairs (Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India): https://censusindia.gov.in/
- E-District Portal (for various states): https://services.india.gov.in/service/listing?cat_id=7&ln=en
- Delhi Government Portal (for birth and death registration): https://www.edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in/
- Maharashtra Government (Birth and Death Registration): https://aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in/en
- Karnataka Government (Online Services for Birth and Death Registration): https://sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in/Sevasindhu/English
- Tamil Nadu Government (Civil Registration System): https://www.crstn.org/
- Uttar Pradesh (e-Sathi Portal): http://e-nagarsewaup.gov.in/ulbapps/
Conclusion
People may misplace or lose birth proof, which is considered the case of unregistered birth. This will be similar to the cases of unregistered births, wherein the birth has never been registered. In both cases, the non-availability of a birth certificate can be the only option to register it.
While the absence of a birth certificate can be an obstacle in many administrative and legal processes, obtaining a Non-Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC) provides a viable solution. By following the outlined steps, individuals can successfully apply for and receive an NABC, which serves as an official statement that the birth record is not available. This document is crucial for accessing various services and completing the necessary legal procedures.
It is advisable to keep all necessary documents ready and to follow the specific instructions provided by the local registration office or relevant government website. With the increasing digitization of government services, many states offer online application processes, making it easier and more convenient for individuals to obtain the necessary documentation.
