The Indian government has announced April 27, 2026, as the final deadline for citizens to register or update their birth certificates. After this date, no further modifications will be permitted, making the birth certificate a compulsory document for accessing government services, education, travel, and employment.
With this move, birth certificates will replace school documents, Aadhaar cards, and other proofs for government-related processes, including passport applications, voter registration, and marriage certificates. Senior citizens and individuals without existing records are urged to apply before the deadline to avoid legal complications.
To simplify late registrations, the government has made provisions for those with unregistered births older than 15 years. Applications can now be submitted at municipal or tehsil offices without requiring court intervention. Accepted documents for proof include school-leaving certificates, 10th or 12th mark sheets, passports, ration cards, or Aadhaar cards.
Surveys indicate that 75% of elderly Muslims lack birth or marriage records, and the new policy aims to bridge this gap by easing documentation requirements. The initiative is backed by the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023, which has been in force nationwide since October 1, 2023. The act empowers district collectors and sub-divisional magistrates to oversee registrations.
Authorities have emphasized the urgency of the process, as school certificates will no longer be considered valid proof of birth. Missing the deadline could result in difficulties in accessing essential services such as healthcare, property rights, and international travel. Citizens are advised to visit their local municipal corporation office or birth registration authority to complete the process.
To apply, individuals must submit proof of birth, such as school records or mark sheets, along with address and identity proofs, including Aadhaar or ration cards. Corrections made within 12 months of registration will be free, while nominal charges will apply for older updates.
The government’s decision aims to streamline identity verification and curb fraudulent documentation. Officials have urged citizens to spread awareness about the deadline to prevent future administrative and legal challenges. Delay in registration could lead to exclusion from vital services and complications in proving citizenship.
