How to Register a Birth and Get a Birth Certificate

Registering a child's birth is a critical legal requirement for every parent. A birth certificate is essential for a child to access services like education, healthcare, and eventually to get their own National ID and passport.

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

Before going to the registry office, ensure you have the following:

• Birth Confirmation Record: The official, stamped record of live birth from the hospital, clinic, or midwife.
• Parents' National IDs: Original ID cards for both the mother and the father.
• Marriage Certificate: If the parents are married.
• Witness (if applicable): In some cases, such as a home birth, a witness may be required.

Step 2: Visit a Registration Centre

You can register a birth at several locations.

1. Registrar's Office: The most common place is a District or Provincial Registrar General's office.
2. Hospitals: Many major hospitals have a resident registrar, allowing you to register the birth before you are even discharged.
3. Mobile Registration: The government often runs mobile registration outreach programs in rural areas.

Step 3: The Registration Process

1. Submit Documents: Present your documents to the registrar.
2. Complete Forms: The registrar will help you complete the official birth registration form. You will need to provide the child's full name.
3. Verification: The registrar will verify the parents' details against the national database.
4. Issuance of Certificate: Once the process is complete, a birth certificate will be printed and issued to you. For initial registrations, this is often a shorter, abridged version. You can apply for the full "unabridged" certificate later.