NABC-Non Availability of Birth Certificate in India

Non Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC) is a document which is issued by the municipal authorities or the registrar of births and deaths when the birth of any individual took place in their jurisdiction, however, no record of birth is found in their register.

Any person who does not have a birth certificate whether because it was never registered, has been lost, damaged, or misplaced over the years, can apply for a Non Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC). This certificate acts as an official confirmation from the government that no birth record exists in its register.

Often, people discover the absence of their birth certificate when applying for important documents like a passport, school or college admission, visa, or when trying to avail government schemes and benefits. In such situations, an NABC becomes essential to establish one’s birth details.

The application for an Certificate NABC can be made either by the individual themselves or, in the case of minors, by their parents or legal guardians. It needs to be submitted to the Municipal Corporation, local Panchayat Office, or the Registrar of Births and Deaths, depending on where the birth was supposed to have been registered. This process helps individuals obtain an official acknowledgment of their unregistered birth, ensuring they are not deprived of rights or opportunities due to missing documentation.

• When applying for a passport, visa, or OCI card
• For school admissions
• Migrating to another country
• Availing government schemes 
• To later register the birth or obtain a birth certificate by affidavit

Generally Required Documents

The following documents are generally required to be submitted while filling the NABC Certificate application-

1. Application Form for NABC Certificate  (available at the municipal office or online portal).
2. Affidavit stating that the birth was not registered.
3. ID Proof of the applicant (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.).
4. Proof of birth date and place, such as:
   1. Hospital discharge slip (if available)
   2. School leaving certificate
   3. Passport or any official record mentioning date of birth
5. Parents’ ID proofs.
6. Address proof (ration card, Aadhaar, voter ID, etc.).

To obtain a Non-Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC), the applicant is required to visit the concerned Municipal Corporation or Panchayat Office where the birth should have been registered. 

After duly filling out the form and attaching the required supporting documents, it must be submitted to the Registrar of Births and Deaths. The authorities will then verify the records in their birth registers, and if no record of birth is found, a Non-Availability of Birth Certificate is issued. The process generally takes around 2-4 weeks to complete.

• Obtain the Application Form:
  The applicant must procure the prescribed application form for issuance of a Non Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC) from the office of the concerned Registrar or through the designated online portal.
• Completion of Application:
  The application form should be duly filled with accurate and complete particulars, including the date and place of birth, names of parents, and current residential address of the applicant.
• Affidavit Preparation:
  The applicant is required to prepare a self-declaration affidavit affirming that the birth was not registered at the time of occurrence. In certain jurisdictions, such affidavit may be required to be attested by a Judicial Magistrate or a Notary Public, as applicable.
• Compilation of Supporting Documents:
  All relevant supporting documents must be collated and annexed with the application in accordance with the prescribed requirements of the concerned authority.
• Submission of Application:
  The duly completed application form, along with the affidavit and supporting documents, shall be submitted before the appropriate Municipal Authority or uploaded via the official online portal, where such facility is available.
• Verification and Record Search:
  Upon receipt of the application, the Registrar shall conduct a thorough search of the birth records for the relevant period to verify the non-registration of the birth.
• Issuance of Certificate:
  In the event that no record of birth is found, the Non-Availability of Birth Certificate shall be issued to the applicant. The processing time typically ranges from 7 to 15 working days; however, in certain cases, it may extend up to 2 to 4 weeks, depending on administrative procedures.

In conclusion, the Non-Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC) serves as an essential legal document for individuals whose birth records are missing or untraceable in the government register. It acts as official proof that no birth entry exists, enabling applicants to pursue critical procedures such as passport issuance, visa processing, or late birth registration. Given its legal significance, it is crucial to follow the correct application process and ensure all supporting documents are in order. Timely verification and issuance of an NABC Certificate not only uphold administrative transparency but also safeguard an individual’s right to identity and legal recognition.