How to Obtain NABC (Non-Availability of Birth Certificate) in India?

Have you ever tried applying for a passport, visa, or even immigration and hit a dead end because your birth certificate was never issued?

If you were born before 1989 or in a place where birth registration wasn’t standard practice, there’s a good chance your name is missing from the municipal records. That’s where the Non-Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC) comes in.

Let me guide you through the complete process of obtaining an NABC in India, what it is, who’s eligible, how to apply for NABC from different modes, the documents required, and of course, the issuing charges for NABC. If you’re navigating this for the first time, don’t worry—by the end of this blog, you’ll have a crystal-clear roadmap.

Let’s dive in.

What is NABC?

Let’s start with the basics. What is NABC, exactly?

The Non-Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC) is a government-issued document that officially states that no birth certificate exists for an individual in the local civic authority’s records. It acts as a substitute proof of birth, primarily used when:

• A birth was never officially registered.
• Birth records have been lost or damaged.
• The birth took place in a village, small town, or home where formal birth registration was not mandatory at the time.
  

The NABC is issued under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, and is accepted by authorities for a wide range of legal and official purposes, including passport issuance, visa and immigration applications, and OCI card processing.

NABC Eligibility

So, who needs an NABC?

If you fall under any of the following categories, you’re eligible for an NABC in India:

• Born before 1989, when birth registration wasn’t strictly enforced.
• No trace of your birth record in the municipal or gram panchayat database.
• You were born at home or in a rural area where birth registration wasn’t common.
• The original birth certificate was lost, damaged, or never issued.

You do not qualify for an NABC if your birth certificate is already on file. In such cases, a duplicate certificate is issued instead.

Pro tip: NABC doesn’t replace a birth certificate permanently. It’s a legal alternative used primarily for immigration or government documentation needs.

How to Apply for NABC from Different Modes

The process of obtaining an NABC can vary depending on whether you apply offline, online, or through a representative. Let’s break down each method.

Offline Mode (In-Person Application)

This is the traditional and widely used method. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Visit the Local Municipal Corporation Office or Panchayat Office (depending on your place of birth).
2. Collect the NABC application form from the registrar of births and deaths.
3. Fill in the required details: name, parents’ names, date of birth, and place of birth.
4. Attach supporting documents (we’ll cover these shortly).
5. Submit the form and pay the applicable NABC issuing charges.
6. Collect the acknowledgment receipt.
7. After processing and verification, the NABC will be issued—typically within 15–30 working days, although timelines may vary.

Note: Some urban municipal bodies now issue NABC only through appointment-based systems, so call ahead before you visit.

Online Mode (Digital Application)

In recent years, many states and cities in India have adopted online systems for birth-related services. Some states allow you to apply for NABC online through their official municipal or birth registration websites.

Example Platforms:

• Delhi Municipal Corporation
• Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC)
• Tamil Nadu e-Governance

Online Process:

1. Visit the official municipal or state website.
2. Locate the Birth & Death Registration services.
3. Choose the option for Non-Availability of Birth Certificate.
4. Fill in the application with accurate details.
5. Upload scanned copies of the necessary documents.
6. Pay the required fee via online payment gateways.
7. Download acknowledgment and wait for NABC issuance, usually delivered via email or physical mail.
   

Applying Through Legal Experts or Agents

If you’re abroad or can’t travel to your place of birth, you can authorize a legal representative or agent in India to apply on your behalf. This is especially helpful for NRIs or individuals applying for OCI, green cards, or foreign PR.

You’ll typically need to send:

• An authorisation letter or Power of Attorney.
• Copies of your passport and ID proof.

They’ll complete the process locally and either courier the NABC to you or submit it to the required authority.

Documents Required for NABC

Here comes the part where people often get confused. The exact list of documents required for NABC may vary from state to state, but these are the most commonly asked:

Mandatory Documents:

• Affidavit stating that no birth certificate is available and that birth was never registered.
• Identity proof: Passport, Aadhar card, PAN card, or voter ID.
• Proof of place of birth: Ration card, school leaving certificate, hospital discharge records (if any), or immunisation card.
• Parents’ documents: Voter ID, Aadhar, marriage certificate (if available).
• Proof of relationship (if a relative is applying).
• Proof of address: Utility bill, rental agreement, etc.
• Passport-size photographs (usually 2).

Remember: All documents should be self-attested and translated into English if originally in regional languages.

Issuing Charges for NABC

The issuing charges for NABC can vary depending on the location and urgency of the request. Here’s a general idea:

Urgent or fast-track applications, where available, may incur higher charges.

Some states charge differently based on the number of years after birth for which the NABC is requested. The older the date of birth, the more paperwork, which might affect the cost.

Processing Time

While there’s no uniform timeline across India, here’s what you can generally expect:

• Normal process: 15–30 working days.
• Online processing: 10–20 working days.
• Delayed registrations (birth before 1989): 30–60 days depending on complexity.

Why NABC is Crucial for Legal Documentation

Still wondering why an NABC in India holds so much importance? Here’s where it comes into play:

• OCI/PIO Card Applications: The Indian government mandates birth proof. NABC with school/ID records often suffices for individuals born before 1989.
• Immigration/Green Card/PR: Foreign embassies (especially the US, Canada, UK) require official birth proof or NABC.
• Passport Issuance or Renewal: If you don’t have a birth certificate, NABC helps as a supporting document.
• Aadhaar or PAN Card: Some applications need DOB proof.
  

In A Nutshell

Getting an NABC in India might sound complicated, especially if you’re dealing with decades-old data and outdated systems.

But with a clear understanding of what is NABC, how to apply for NABC from different modes, and the documents required for NABC, you can navigate the process with confidence.

As someone who has helped document countless immigration and legal processes, I can assure you—being proactive with your paperwork saves you from enormous stress later.

Whether you’re planning to apply for an OCI card, foreign PR, or simply need it for your personal records, the Non-Availability of Birth Certificate can open important doors.

If you’re still unsure about your eligibility or need help applying, consider reaching out to a legal expert who can guide you through the state-specific process.

At the Chambers of Ashwarya Sinha, we bring a wealth of experience in handling legal complexities surrounding such matters. For more information, please contact us at: info@ashwaryasinha.com and office@ashwaryasinha.com