How to Apply for Birth Certificate in Pakistan: Guide 2026
A birth certificate is the foundation of a child’s legal identity in Pakistan. It is the first official proof that a person exists in the eyes of the state. Without it, children face serious barriers in school admission, passport issuance, NADRA registration, inheritance matters, and access to government services. For parents, especially first-time parents, the process can seem confusing due to overlapping authorities, varying provincial procedures, and a mix of manual and digital systems.
In recent years, the Government of Pakistan, NADRA, and provincial administrations have introduced reforms to simplify birth registration. Digital portals, e-Khidmat Markaz facilities, and mobile applications have reduced dependence on lengthy manual procedures. However, understanding the correct sequence remains critical. A birth certificate in Pakistan is not a single document but a process that involves both local and federal authorities.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to apply for a birth certificate in Pakistan step by step. We clearly define the difference between Union Council registration and NADRA’s Child Registration Certificate (CRC or B-Form), explain online and offline options, outline fees, timelines, late registration rules, and answer common questions parents search for.
Understanding Birth Registration in Pakistan
Before starting the application, it is essential to understand how birth registration works in Pakistan and which authority issues which document.
Union Council Birth Certificate
The Union Council (UC), Village Council, Municipal Committee, or Cantonment Board is the primary authority responsible for recording births. This registration is mandatory under local government laws. When a birth is registered, the local authority issues a computerized birth certificate, confirming that the birth event has been officially recorded.
This document includes:
- Child’s name
- Date and place of birth
- Parents’ names and CNIC numbers
- Registration number and date
Without this registration, NADRA cannot issue a Child Registration Certificate.
NADRA Child Registration Certificate (CRC / B-Form)
The NADRA Child Registration Certificate is a federal identity document. It assigns a unique registration number to the child, which later converts into a Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) number at age 18.
The CRC is:
- linked to the NADRA family tree
- required for passports, visas, and immigration
- mandatory for many schools and government records
In practical terms, the Union Council certificate proves the birth, while the NADRA CRC establishes the child’s identity within the national database.
Legal Time Limit for Birth Registration
According to prevailing regulations, a birth should be registered within 60 days of the child’s birth. Registration within this period is considered normal entry and involves minimal documentation and lower fees.
Registrations after 60 days fall under late registration, which requires additional verification and approvals. The longer the delay, the more complex the process becomes.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Birth Certificate in Pakistan
Step 1: Register the Birth at the Union Council
The first and most important step is to register the birth with the Union Council of the area where the child was born.
Where to Apply
- Union Council Office
- Village Council or Municipal Committee
- Cantonment Board (for cantonment areas)
Parents usually visit the office of the Union Council Secretary.
Required Documents
- Hospital birth certificate or delivery slip
- Original and copies of parents’ CNICs
- CNIC of the child’s grandfather (often required for record linkage)
- Marriage registration certificate (in some areas)
Procedure
- Obtain the birth registration form (A) from the Union Council or download it if available online.
- Fill in the child’s details carefully and accurately.
- Attach copies of required documents.
- Submit the form to the designated officer.
- Pay the prescribed fee.
Union Council Fees
| Service Type | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Normal registration (within time) | PKR 100 |
| Late registration | Higher, varies by area |
Fees may vary slightly depending on province and local council policies.
Union Council Birth Registration Forms
Many local governments, particularly in Punjab, allow applicants to download the birth registration form in PDF format. Completing the form in advance reduces processing time and errors.
Applicants should ensure:
- Names match CNIC spellings exactly
- Dates are consistent with hospital records
- No overwriting or corrections are made
Errors at this stage can cause delays in NADRA registration later.
Also read: Also read: New Biometric Verification System by NADRA 2026 Guide
Applying Through e-Khidmat Markaz (Punjab)
Punjab residents benefit from the e-Khidmat Markaz, which centralizes multiple government services under one roof.
Benefits of e-Khidmat Markaz
- Professional data entry
- Reduced dependency on Union Council visits
- Transparent fee structure
- Online application tracking
Procedure
- Visit the nearest e-Khidmat Markaz.
- Submit required documents to the service counter.
- Staff enters data into the system.
- Pay the official fee.
- Receive a receipt with a tracking ID.
Also read: NADRA Advisory for CNIC Applicants in Pakistan: New Guide
How to Track Birth Certificate Application Online
If you applied through e-Khidmat in Punjab, you can track your application easily.
Online Tracking
- Visit the official e-Khidmat portal.
- Open the “Track Application” section.
- Enter your tracking ID.
Offline Tracking Options
- Call toll-free helpline 0800-09100
- Use SMS shortcode 1284
Tracking allows parents to monitor progress without repeated office visits.
Step 2: Apply for NADRA Child Registration Certificate (CRC / B-Form)
After Union Council registration, parents can apply for the NADRA Child Registration Certificate.
Why CRC Is Important
- Required for Pakistani passport
- Necessary for visas and foreign travel
- Mandatory for many schools
- Links child to NADRA family tree
Also read: How to Apply for Child Registration Certificate: Full Guide
How to Apply for CRC Using Pak Identity App
NADRA has digitized the CRC application through the Pak Identity App, making the process accessible from home.
Step-by-Step Process
- Download and log in to the Pak Identity App.
- Select the “Family Registration” category.
- Choose “Child Registration Certificate (CRC)”.
- Select the relationship option for your child.
- Enter details exactly as per Union Council certificate.
- Capture biometric verification using the phone camera.
- Upload scanned documents:
- Union Council birth certificate
- Parents’ CNICs
- Pay the fee online.
- Submit the application and wait for approval.
Once approved, a digital copy becomes available for download.
NADRA CRC Fees
| Processing Type | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Normal | PKR 50 |
| Urgent | PKR 500 |
| Executive | Higher, varies |
Fees are subject to change based on NADRA policies.
Also read: NADRA Regulatory Reforms: New Rules For Identity System
Late Birth Registration in Pakistan
If a birth was not registered within the prescribed period, it is treated as a late entry.
Requirements for Late Registration
- Affidavit on stamp paper
- Verification from local authority
- Approval by Assistant Commissioner or designated officer
- Additional supporting documents
Late registration may take longer and involves higher scrutiny.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Spelling differences between UC and NADRA records
- Incorrect dates of birth
- Missing grandfather details
- Delay in registration beyond 60 days
Consistency across all documents is critical.
Is Digital Birth Certificate Accepted?
Digital copies are useful for record-keeping and initial verification. However, for:
- Passports
- Visas
- Immigration cases
Authorities usually require:
- Original NADRA CRC
- Computerized UC certificate
- Attestation from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
Also read: NADRA-Integrated E-Registration App Launched in Punjab Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a birth certificate be issued without a hospital slip?
Yes, but it may require an affidavit and additional verification.
Can overseas Pakistanis apply for CRC?
Yes, through Pak Identity portal from abroad.
Is B-Form mandatory for school admission?
Many schools require it, especially for higher grades.
Can details be corrected later?
Corrections are possible but involve formal modification procedures with NADRA.
Importance of Timely Birth Registration
Birth registration protects a child’s legal rights and simplifies future documentation. Early registration prevents:
- School admission issues
- Passport delays
- NADRA family tree problems
With digital platforms now available, parents can complete most steps efficiently.
Also read: NADRA Easier Fee Payment System – New Payment Option 2026
Final Thoughts
Applying for a birth certificate in Pakistan is no longer as difficult as it once was. By understanding the difference between Union Council registration and NADRA CRC, following the correct sequence, and using digital services like e-Khidmat and Pak Identity, parents can complete the process smoothly.
We strongly recommend registering births within the legal timeframe to avoid unnecessary complications. A properly registered birth secures a child’s legal identity and ensures access to education, travel, and essential rights throughout life.
Also read: How To Pay Nadra Fee Online: Easypaisa, Jazzcash & Bank App