Millions of Indians born before the widespread adoption of the Civil Registration System (CRS) in the 1990s—specifically those born between 1950 and 1987—do not possess a birth certificate[citation:2].
This lack of documentation often blocks access to pensions, passports, and property inheritance.
The solution is the Non-Availability of Birth Certificate (NABC), a legal document issued under Section 17 of the RBD Act, 1969, that serves as an official statement that the government has no record of your birth[citation:5].
What is NABC?
An NABC is legally considered 'as good as a birth certificate' when the original is unavailable.
It certifies that the Registrar has searched the official birth registers thoroughly and found no entry for the applicant[citation:5].
It is not an error; it is proof of an unregistered birth.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must have been born in India (Citizenship renunciation does not matter)[citation:5].
- The applicant must never have been issued a birth certificate by any government agency in India[citation:3].
- A gap of at least one year must have passed since the date of birth (NABC is generally for adults or older children)[citation:3].
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain NABC
Step 1: Verification of Absence (Crucial) Before applying, you must physically visit the local Municipal Corporation or District Registrar where you were born and request a search of the old registers.
You will likely need to pay a search fee (₹100-₹500). Once confirmed missing, request them to note this.
Step 2: Prepare the Application Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or the state e-District portal[citation:2].
Download the 'Issuance of Delayed Birth Order' or 'NABC Application Form'[citation:5].
Step 3: Draft the Affidavit You must execute an affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper (minimum ₹10, preferably ₹100).
The affidavit must state:
- Date and place of birth.
- Parents' names.
- Why the birth was never registered (lack of awareness, rural area, etc.).
- That you have never held a birth certificate.
- This must be attested by a Notary or Executive Magistrate[citation:5].
Step 4: Submit Documents Submit the application packet to the Registrar. Required documents include:
- Aadhaar Card (Identity & Address)[citation:2][citation:5].
- Voter ID / Passport (Citizenship)[citation:5].
- School Leaving Certificate / Mark sheets (to prove Date of Birth)[citation:2].
- Parents' ID proof (if available).
- Two passport-size photographs.
Step 5: Fee Payment Pay the prescribed fee. While standard birth certificates are free within 21 days, NABC incurs charges (varies by state, approx ₹200-₹1,000)[citation:5].
Step 6: Police Verification (Sometimes) For applicants born before 1987, the registrar may ask the local police to verify the address mentioned in the affidavit.
This takes 2-3 weeks[citation:5].
Pro Tip: The Central Government has eased rules specifically for senior citizens born between January 26, 1950, and December 31, 1987. They can obtain NABC specifically to access social security benefits without intense scrutiny[citation:2].
Why Do You Need an NABC?
- Passport: If you have no birth certificate, PSK (Passport Seva Kendra) accepts NABC + School Certificate as proof of date of birth.
- Marriage Registration: Needed to prove age.
- Court Cases: Required for inheritance or age disputes.
Timeframe
The total process takes 30 to 60 days depending on verification speed[citation:5]. For senior citizens, some states offer a 'tatkal' (express) service.