Registering a child’s birth is one of the first official steps every parent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa needs to take, and it’s required before you can later apply for a CNIC or passport. This guide explains how to apply for a birth certificate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the documents you need, and what happens after registration.
Who Issues Birth Certificates in KP?
Under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Amendment Act 2019, registering births, deaths, marriages, and divorces is the responsibility of the Village Council or Neighbourhood Council (commonly still referred to as the Union Council). Your birth certificate must be obtained from the Union Council covering the area where the child was born, specifically from the Secretary of that Union Council.
Birth certificate issuance is also a notified service under the KP Right to Public Services Act, 2014, which means it comes with an official time limit for processing.
Documents You Need
- A copy of both parents’ CNIC
- A completed birth registration form, available from the Union Council secretary’s office
- For an educated applicant: a relevant school certificate
- For an uneducated applicant: an affidavit on Rs. 30 stamp paper, duly attested by an Oath Commissioner
The birth form itself needs to clearly state the child’s name, both parents’ names, the place of birth, and the date of birth.
How to Apply for a Birth Certificate in KP: Step by Step
Step 1: Get the Birth Registration Form
Visit the Secretary’s office of the Union Council where the child was born, and obtain the birth registration form.
Step 2: Fill in the Required Details
Complete the form with the child’s full details, both parents’ names, the place of birth, and the date of birth, making sure the information is accurate and matches your supporting documents.
Step 3: Attach Your Supporting Documents
Attach a copy of both parents’ CNICs, along with either a school certificate (for educated applicants) or the attested affidavit on stamp paper (for uneducated applicants).
Step 4: Submit Your Application and Pay the Fee
Submit the completed form and documents to the Secretary of the concerned Union Council, along with the application fee of Rs. 100.
Step 5: Receive Your Certificate
Under the notified timeline, the Registration & Certificate of Birth is designated a 2-day service, with the Union Council Secretary as the responsible officer.
What If the Process Is Delayed?
Since this is a notified service under the KP Right to Public Services Act, you have a formal path for escalation if your application isn’t processed within the designated time. You can report delays to the Assistant Director (AD) Local Government, who serves as the appellate authority for this service, or raise the issue with the KP Right to Public Services Commission.
What Comes Next: Applying for a B-Form (CRC)
A Union Council birth certificate is not the same as a NADRA B-Form, officially called a Child Registration Certificate (CRC). Once you have your Union Council birth certificate, you can apply for your child’s B-Form through NADRA, either at a NADRA Registration Centre or through the PakID app, by selecting the CRC/B-Form service and uploading scans of both parents’ CNICs, the Union Council birth certificate, and the child’s photo. The B-Form is what’s typically required later for school admissions, travel, and eventually a CNIC once your child turns 18.
Applying for an Adult’s Birth Certificate
If you’re applying for a birth certificate for someone 18 or older, rather than a young child, the general process and required documents follow the same pattern, through the Union Council where the birth occurred, with the applicant’s own CNIC used instead of (or alongside) a parent’s.
Late Registration
If a birth wasn’t registered close to when it happened, Union Councils still generally accept late registration, though you may be asked for additional supporting evidence, such as an affidavit, hospital record, or other proof of birth, since the gap between the birth date and registration date can prompt extra scrutiny.
Tips for a Smoother Application
- Double-check that the spelling of names on the form matches CNICs exactly, since mismatches can cause problems later when applying for a B-Form or CNIC.
- Apply at the Union Council covering the actual place of birth, not just your current residence.
- Keep a few photocopies of the issued birth certificate, since you’ll need it again for the B-Form application.
- If an affidavit is required, get it attested by an Oath Commissioner before submitting your application, not after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I apply for a birth certificate in KP?
At the Union Council (Village or Neighbourhood Council) covering the area where the child was born, specifically through the Union Council Secretary’s office.
How much does it cost?
The application fee is Rs. 100, submitted to the Secretary of the concerned Union Council. An uneducated applicant also needs an affidavit on Rs. 30 stamp paper.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate?
It’s a notified service with a designated 2-day processing time under the KP Right to Public Services Act.
What if my application takes longer than expected?
You can report the delay to the Assistant Director Local Government, the designated appellate authority, or raise it with the KP Right to Public Services Commission.
Is a Union Council birth certificate the same as a NADRA B-Form?
No. The Union Council certificate is the first step. You’ll still need to apply separately to NADRA for a B-Form (Child Registration Certificate) using the Union Council certificate as supporting proof.
Getting a birth certificate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a straightforward visit to your local Union Council once you have the right documents ready. Register the birth promptly, and you’ll be set to apply for your child’s B-Form without delay.
