How to Get and Check a Birth Certificate in Pakistan
How to get a birth certificate in Pakistan from your union council, check it online with NADRA, what documents you need, how long it takes and how to fix mistakes.
A birth certificate is a child's first legal document in Pakistan. You need it to get a B-Form, a passport, school admission and, later, a CNIC. It is issued by your local union council and recorded in NADRA's computerised system.
Where to get a birth certificate
| Where you live | Who issues it |
|---|---|
| Most cities and villages | Your union council (UC) office |
| Cantonment areas | The cantonment board |
| Born abroad | Register the birth with the Pakistani embassy or consulate, or through NADRA's Pak-ID for overseas Pakistanis |
Some provinces also let you start the request at e-Khidmat centres or through provincial e-services. The certificate itself still comes from the union council.
Documents you need
- Hospital birth slip, or a certificate from the doctor, Lady Health Worker or midwife
- CNICs of both parents (copies, and originals to show)
- CNIC of the applicant, usually the father or mother
- For late registration: extra proof such as school records, a vaccination card or an affidavit
Step by step
- Collect the documents above.
- Visit your union council office and ask for the birth registration form.
- Fill it in carefully: the child's name, date and place of birth, and the parents' names exactly as on their CNICs.
- Attach the copies and pay the fee.
- The union council enters the birth in NADRA's Civil Registration Management System (CRMS).
- Collect the computerised birth certificate. Check every spelling before you leave.
How to check a birth certificate
- A computerised certificate shows a registration number. The issuing union council can confirm it.
- Once the child's B-Form is made, the child appears in your family record on NADRA's Pak-ID app.
- Searches for "NADRA birth certificate online check" or "check by CNIC" lead to the same answer: the record sits with your union council and NADRA, and there is no public lookup by CNIC alone.
Common problems and how to fix them
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Spelling mistake in a name | Apply for correction at the same union council with proof of the right spelling |
| Birth never registered | Apply for late registration: expect an affidavit and extra documents |
| Old handwritten certificate | Ask the union council to issue a computerised one from NADRA's system |
| Parents' names don't match CNICs | Fix the certificate before applying for the B-Form, or the B-Form will be refused |
Why register early
Registering soon after birth is quicker and needs fewer documents. Late registration means more paperwork, and you'll need the certificate for the B-Form, school and travel anyway.
What comes next
After the birth certificate, apply for the child's B-Form with NADRA. The B-Form number later becomes the child's CNIC number.
Frequently asked questions
How can I get my Pakistani birth certificate online?
In most areas you start at your union council, which enters the birth in NADRA's computerised system. Some provinces let you begin the request through their e-services or e-Khidmat centres, but the certificate is still issued by the union council.
What is the fee for a birth certificate in Pakistan?
Fees are set locally, so they differ by province and union council, and late registration usually costs more. Ask your union council office for the current fee.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate from NADRA?
Timely registrations with complete documents are usually processed quickly, often within days. Late registrations and corrections take longer because extra checks are needed.
Can I check a union council birth certificate online?
A NADRA-computerised certificate carries a registration number. To confirm one, ask the issuing union council, or check that the child appears in your family record on NADRA's Pak-ID app once the B-Form is made.
Can I get a birth certificate using only a CNIC?
No. The CNICs of the parents are required, but the birth itself must be proven with a hospital slip, a doctor's or midwife's certificate, or extra evidence for late registration.