The certificate of non-availability is related to the birth. However, a birth certificate is primarily assigned at the time of birth. Certain reasons made it mandatory to issue this document.

It’s evident that a birth certificate is a legal document stating the particulars of an individual’s birth. These particulars are mainly the name, date of birth, place of birth, parental details, mother’s and father’s education, date and maturity of the pregnancy period, etc.

What is a Non-Availability of Birth Certificate?

A non-availability certificate is also called a non-availability birth certificate. It states that there is no specific record of a person’s birth in a specific jurisdiction. Put simply, this is a formal statement stating that the applicant has no proof of his or her birth, and the civil authority has also not found it in its records.

This is an official document that a local civil authority (registrar or sub-registrar) in your jurisdiction issues. This civil authority is the Municipal Corporation, or Gram Panchayat, in India. Sometimes, paramedical staff issue it if both authorities are inaccessible. Any of these competent authorities issue it once they confirm that it does not have any record of one’s birth in its book.

Why is a non-availability of birth certificates issued?

Several reasons make it necessary for the civil authority to issue it in the name of the applicant. This applicant is the person who requests his or her birth proof issuance. In some cases, this proof is available in the records of the government. But the non-availability certificate is provided to those whose records are not available or whose birth is unregistered.

Let’s discover them specifically.

• Incomplete Records: This is the case for those whose parents might not have registered their child’s birth. And if registered, there may be a name or crucial details missing.
• Lost Documents

Sometimes, natural disasters, fires, or administrative issues can lead to missing records. They might be destroyed because of these reasons.

• Late Registrations

These cases are generally people who were born before the 1980s. At that time, people were not aware of registering it. The unregistered births of non-residents of India (NRIs and OCIs) are also included in it because they stay away from India. So, it becomes difficult to record the birth of their children here. Such children can acquire citizenship in India by registering their birth here.

• Regional Conflicts or Displacement

This can be an outcome of shifting offices. The migration of records may lead to missing records. It can create conflicts due to the displacement of documents.

When is an NABC needed?

Multiple situations can arise that require the non-availability of a birth certificate. Such situations can be legal and administrative. Let’s find the most obvious ones when a person may require this alternative to a birth certificate.

• Passport Applications

Not only in India, but in all countries where an emigrant can be requested to present his or her birth certificate for a passport. And if that person does not have it, an NABC can emerge as his savior.

• Visa Applications

A visa is, of course, required for permission to fly abroad. This document won’t be approved unless proof of his or her birth is enclosed. If, in that case, the birth certificate is unavailable, NABC can be helpful.

• Educational Enrollment

Schools and universities won’t accept admissions unless they have proof of the candidate’s birth. This is where a non-availability certificate can become proof if he or she does not have an original birth certificate.

• Marriage Registration

In marriages as well,  birth proof is accepted as primary evidence of one’s age. And as a substitute, NABC can be accepted.

• Inheritance and property transfers

Claiming the right to inherit or buy a property won’t be complete unless you enclose your birth proof. In its absence, an NABC can help complete the entire legal process.

 

How Do I Obtain a Non-Availability of Birth Certificate?

The process to apply for an NABC depends on the state, region, or country. Generally, this process is split into these steps:

1. Identify the issuing authority.

Discover the authority that can issue it. In India, it’s a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), a municipal corporation, and an embassy. And gram panchayat can issue in the villages.

      2. Submit a request.

You may reach out to the issuing authority and provide details of the applicant’s birth, which can be name, date and place of birth, parental details, etc. Download this government-issued form to fill it out. Thoroughly read and follow the instructions given in it. Enclose the requested documents.

     3. Await the search results.

This will enable the registrar or a sub-divisional magistrate to intimate the authority. This intimation guides the office to search its records for a birth certificate. If no record is found, it can issue a non-availability certificate.

     4. Collect the NABC

As soon as your request is approved, the NABC will be dispatched. Or, you can directly collect from the office of the competent authority. Once received, you must check the accuracy of all the details in the document. Also, check the official stamp or seal of the concerned authority.

Checklist of All Documents to Enclose

• Ration Card or Any Other Residence Proof
• School-Bonofied Certificate
• Secondary School Marks Sheet
• Notarized Affidavit
• Any other supporting documents, if any, please specify.
• A photograph of the applicant
• Notarized first five pages and last two pages of photocopies of the passport that are also notarized
• For NRIs, a notarized photocopy of the document with a valid visa status
• For NRIs, a notarized photocopy of proof of current residence in a foreign
• For NRIs, a self-addressed mailing envelope that is prepaid.

A certain fee can be charged, which is difficult to mention here. Every state and administration charges it accordingly. Even the embassy can take $25 or more. So, always inquire before applying. You may hire a consultant to get through all the challenges without any difficulty. Eventually, it will be delivered. Embassies provide it on the very same day. But other authorities take time. It can be as long as a month. So, apply for it accordingly.

Conclusion

The non-availability of a birth certificate is a significant paper with its legal value. It is an alternative to the birth certificate. The registrar can issue it once he has checked all supporting documents. Finally, the document is issued in the name of the candidate.