Birth Certificate in India: How to Apply Online & Offline: A Quick Guide

From newborns to adults, here’s how to get your birth certificate hassle-free.

Whether you’re welcoming a new baby or realizing you need your own birth certificate as an adult, here’s everything you need to know, simplified!

For people living in urban areas, you can get it at Municipal Corporations or Councils. Whereas, the authority to give birth certificate at the village level is with the Gram Panchayat office.

If Your Baby Is Born in a Private Hospital:

You must apply for the birth certificate yourself (within 21 days of birth).

Online Process:

1. Go to your state’s official portal
2. Register/login and fill out the form with child’s details.
3. Upload required documents (see below).
4. Submit and wait about 7–8 days for the certificate to be ready.

Documents Needed:

• Hospital-issued birth letter
• Aadhaar cards of both parents
• Marriage certificate (optional but helps)
• Proof of residence 

If applied within 21 days, you can apply online. After that, only offline method is allowed.

Offline Process (for babies or adults):

1. Visit your local Municipal Corporation, Municipality, or Gram Panchayat office.
2. Get the birth certificate form and fill it out.
3. Attach required documents:
   • Birth letter from hospital (for babies)
   • Aadhaar card
   • Address proof (e.g., electricity/gas bill)
   • School certificate or other valid ID (for adults)
4. Submit to the Registrar of Births.
5. Certificate is usually issued within 1 week.

Already an Adult But Don’t Have a Birth Certificate?

Here’s what to do:

• Visit the Municipal office or Panchayat of your birth location.
• Provide:
  • Date, place & time of birth
  • Proofs: Aadhaar card, school certificate, address proof
• Pay a small fee (varies by state).
• Post verification, your birth certificate will be issued.