The first and foremost document that can actually prove one’s identity and citizenship with exact age is a birth certificate. However, some people may not have this vital record. The reasons can be an unregistered birth or a misplaced birth record. In both cases, a non-availability of birth certificate (NABC) can serve the similar benefit. This document serves as an alternative to a traditional document of birth.
So, what it is and how it can save your day—let’s learn about it.
What is a non-availability birth certificate (NABC)?
A non-availability of a birth certificate certifies that the applicant does not have a record of birth as it was unregistered. In another case, it can be useful if you accidentally misplace your original birth proof. This official document proves that the government has no registered proof of the birth of a particular person, and now, this paper will serve the purpose.
Simply put, it is an acknowledgement that the individual’s birth records are not available. Hence, it is considered unregistered.
Why Might Someone Need an NABC?
A non-availability of a birth certificate might be required because of multiple reasons, which are given below:
1. Legal Identification of Age: Many legal processes require a birth proof to verify the age and country. If it was not issued or missed because of any reason, an NABC can fill this gap.
2. Simplifies Immigration and Visa Applications: Countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia often request proof of birth to complete immigration and visa purposes. It is considered a recognised alternative to the birth proof.
3. Effortless Marriage Registration: This document is also mandatory to register a marriage. It proves the exact age of the individual and proves the eligibility of individuals.
4. Swift Passport Applications: Likewise, a birth certificate is often required to verify your date and place of birth. In case of an unregistered birth, this document serves as a substitute.
5. Bring Educational and Employment Opportunities: Certain educational institutions or employers won’t accept applications for admissions or job placements unless candidates present their birth proof. Here, this document can be helpful.
- How Can a Non-Availability Birth Certificate Help?
1. Establishes Birth Details
An NABC consists of critical details, encompassing the name of the bearer, date of birth, place of birth, and some other details. It verifies your identity in official processes.
2. Flawless Legal Procedures
If the original birth proof is unavailable, many legal procedures, like claiming government schemes or verifying other details, get hampered. With this birth proof, streamlining processes such as inheriting property, claiming benefits, or filing affidavits can be a piece of cake.
3. Facilitates International Applications
Those who are willing to emigrate or acquire a green card or foreign citizenship, this alternative of an original birth proof is worldwide accepted. But this is valid in the case of a missing or unregistered birth certificate.
4. Bridges Gaps in Documentation
In the case of the theft or misplaced document, this certificate fills the gap. It actually acknowledges that the original record of birth is missing. And hence, undue delays and rejection in your applications won’t happen.
5. Supports Compliance with Regulations
However, many countries strictly follow rules and regulations for identity verification. This birth proof ensures that you have an alternative proof of your birth, which ensures compliance with regulations.
How to Obtain a Non-Availability Birth Certificate
Well, you can get it by following some simple steps. Actually, its process is straightforward, but it slightly depends on the local authority also. So, here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a non-availability of birth certificate in India.
1. Visit the Municipal Authority or its website
For inquiry into civil documentation matters, the municipal corporation is the right authority to request. Visit there and request the registrar to provide your birth proof. In villages, the gram panchayat does it. Or, you can access its website and fill the form -10 for the online application procedure of obtaining an NABC.
2. Submit an Application
For a formal request, you need to fill out an application form to request an NABC. But you need to provide the concrete reason of why you need it. For instance, if you have misplaced it, you must have its FIR, which can be lodged online.
3. Provide Supporting Documents
The next thing the registrar will ask for is supporting documents. Here is the checklist of those documents:
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card, passport, etc.)
- Proof of residence
- Affidavit stating your birth details
- Any available proof of birth, such as hospital records or school certificates
- Pay the Requisite Fee
Now that you have completed all formalities, simply pay the service charge. The fee is nominal, and anyone can conveniently pay it (because it’s affordable). However, the exact amount cannot be stated here because each state of India has a different service fee structure.
5. Verification Process
After receiving an application with all supporting documents, the competent authority will run a verification process into the details and documents provided. Once it’s confirmed that the original birth certificate is actually not in their records, it issues the NABC.
6. Receive the Certificate
The verification process may be a few days or weeks long, depending on the authority. As it completes, the certificate is finally issued in the name of the applicant.
Important Considerations
- Affidavits and Witness Statements: In a few cases, parents, relatives, or witnesses have to enclose affidavits so that it can be confirmed that the particulars of the birth are accurate.
- Regional Variations: Since India’s authority is divided into multiple states, the process may slightly vary. So, you may enquire or check with the local authority for guidelines.
- Validity and Acceptance: However, NABC is globally acceptable. But sometimes, immigration authority or some other one may require additional pieces of information. So, you may have to enclose a school leaving certificate or medical records.
Conclusion
A non-availability of a birth certificate is an alternative document for a birth certificate. It has many times proven a lifeline for people who face challenges due to missing birth certificates. This paper simplifies legal procedure while supporting international documentation requirements. Simply put, you can easily pass through the specific processes of immigration, marriage registration, or other purposes.
