Birth Certificate Fee 2026 — Complete Guide
A birth certificate is the very first identity document a child in Pakistan needs — and one of the most common points of confusion is who actually issues it and what it costs. This guide explains the fee, the issuing authority, and how it connects to your child's B-Form (CRC) application.
Who Issues the Birth Certificate — NADRA or Union Council?
A common misconception is that NADRA directly issues birth certificates. It does not. Birth registration in Pakistan is handled by local government bodies — Union Councils, Municipal Committees, or Cantonment Boards, depending on where the birth took place. In Karachi specifically, registration is handled through the relevant Union Committee.
NADRA's role comes in afterward: your Union Council-issued birth certificate is what NADRA uses to generate your child's B-Form (Child Registration Certificate). Most Union Councils have now moved to an online system, generating certificates only after approval is confirmed through NADRA's central database — but the certificate itself is a local government document, not a NADRA one.
Birth Certificate Fee
| Service | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate (Normal) | Approx. PKR 200 | ~7 working days |
Documents Required
- Hospital birth record or discharge slip (where available)
- CNIC of both parents
- Parents' marriage certificate (Nikah Nama), if requested
- Completed birth registration form from the relevant Union Council
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the Union Council, Municipal Committee, or Cantonment Board office covering the area where the child was born
- Submit the birth registration form along with the required documents
- Pay the applicable fee at the counter
- Officials verify the submitted details against parental records
- Once approved, the certificate is generated — many Union Councils now issue it online through NADRA's verification system
Why Registering Early Matters
Registering a birth immediately is one of the most important administrative steps a parent can take. Without a birth certificate, a child cannot be issued a B-Form, which in turn is required for school admission, a future passport, and eventually their own CNIC at age 18. Delayed registration tends to compound — the longer it's left, the more documentation is typically required to prove the child's details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NADRA issue birth certificates?
No. Birth certificates are issued by local Union Councils, Municipal Committees, or Cantonment Boards — not directly by NADRA. NADRA uses this certificate to generate the B-Form (CRC) afterward.
How much does a birth certificate cost in Pakistan?
The standard fee is approximately PKR 200 for normal processing, though it can vary slightly depending on the specific Union Council.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate?
Typically around 7 working days after submission and verification of documents, though this can vary by location.
Can I apply for a birth certificate online?
Online registration is available in some cities through local government digitization initiatives, but availability depends on your specific area — check with your local Union Council.