TCN News
New Delhi: The government has set April 27, 2026, as the final deadline for citizens to register or renew their birth certificates. After the deadline, the birth certificate will become a mandatory document, and no further changes will be permitted.
This certificate will serve as the primary proof of citizenship, crucial for passports, healthcare, education and property rights. The initiative is supported by the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023, which came into effect nationwide on October 1, 2023.
The birth certificate will replace academic records, Aadhaar cards and other forms of identification for government-related procedures, including marriage licenses, passport applications and voter registration.
The goal, the government claims, is to address documentation gaps, particularly for marginalised groups. Surveys indicate that 75% of elderly individuals lack birth or marriage certificates, putting them at risk of being excluded from essential services.
To avoid legal complications, seniors and those without previous records are advised to apply before the deadline.
For individuals with unregistered births older than 15 years, the government has established streamlined procedures for late registration. Applications can be submitted at tehsil or municipal offices without court intervention, with school-leaving certificates, grade reports, passports, ration cards and Aadhaar cards serving as acceptable documentation.
Applicants must provide identification and proof of address, such as ration cards or Aadhaar, along with proof of birth, such as school records or grade sheets. Updates made within a year of registration are free, but those made after will incur a nominal fee.
Missing the deadline could lead to difficulties accessing critical services, like overseas travel, property rights and healthcare. The government is encouraging citizens to visit their local birth registration or municipal corporation office to complete the process.
With just over a year left, it is important to act promptly to ensure you one does not miss the opportunity to safeguard his/her rights and access essential services.