If your Birth Certificate is missing or was never registered, you can still prove your birth legally.
For that, the government issues a document called a Non-Availability Certificate (NAC) - a formal confirmation that no birth record exists in the registrar’s records for you.
It’s the first and most essential step before you apply for Delayed Birth Registration or Apostille, especially for visa, immigration, or citizenship purposes abroad.
What Is a Non-Availability Certificate (NAC)?
A Non-Availability Certificate (NAC) is an official statement issued by the Registrar of Births & Deaths under Section 17 of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.
It certifies that, after verifying the registers, no record of your birth could be found.
In simpler terms, it’s a “no-record-found” document issued by a competent government authority.
The NAC is recognised by Indian and international authorities as a valid supporting proof while:
- Registering a delayed birth
- Re-issuing a lost Birth Certificate
- Submitting documents for Apostille or embassy attestation
⚖️ Legal Reference:
Rule 8(1) of the Registration of Births and Deaths Rules, 1999 authorises registrars to issue a “certificate of non-availability of record” when a birth event is not found in official registers.
When Is NAC Required?
Here are the most common situations where an NAC becomes mandatory:
| Situation | Why NAC Is Needed |
|---|---|
| Birth not registered at all | To confirm officially that no record exists |
| Lost or damaged certificate | To apply for a re-issue from the registrar |
| Birth outside hospital / home delivery | Registrar needs NAC + Affidavit for delayed registration |
| Old records destroyed / missing | NAC serves as legal proof for fresh entry |
| For Apostille or visa | MEA requires a government-issued document (NAC + Affidavit accepted if record missing) |
Documents Required for NAC Application
Before you apply, keep these ready:
- Aadhaar card or passport copy of applicant
- Parents’ ID proofs
- Proof of place and date of birth — hospital discharge summary, vaccination card, school record, or affidavit
- Application form for NAC (available at local Registrar’s office)
- Affidavit stating the birth was not previously registered
- Proof of address (ration card, electricity bill, or Aadhaar)
Tip
The more supporting documents you attach, the quicker your NAC is verified and issued.
How to Apply for a Non-Availability Certificate
1. Offline Method (Most Common)
- Visit your local Municipal Corporation, Nagar Palika, or Gram Panchayat Office where the birth took place.
- Fill the NAC Application Form and attach supporting documents.
- The registrar searches the birth records manually.
- If no record is found, a certificate is issued stating: “No record of the birth of [Name] was found for the year [Year].”
- Collect the signed and sealed NAC after 7–15 working days.
2. Online Method (Available in Select States)
Some states such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu allow online requests through their civil registration portals.
Steps:
- Visit your state’s birth-registration portal.
- Select “Apply for Non-Availability Certificate.”
- Upload scanned documents and pay nominal fee (₹10–₹50).
- Download the digitally signed NAC once approved.
⚠️ Not all states support online NACs yet. Always check availability with your local registrar.
Fees and Timeline
| Parameter | Typical Duration | Government Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Manual NAC | 7–15 working days | ₹10 – ₹50 |
| Online NAC (where available) | 3–10 working days | ₹20 – ₹100 |
Time may vary by district, state, and local registrar workload.
Validity and Legal Use of NAC
- The NAC has no expiry date - it remains valid unless the birth is later registered.
- It does not prove your birth; it only confirms that no record exists.
- NAC is generally used for:
- Applying for Delayed Birth Registration
- Supporting proof for court affidavits or visa documentation
- Apostille or Embassy Attestation, when the original record is missing
Once you obtain your NAC, you can:
👉 Apply for Delayed Birth Registration (recommended), or
👉 Proceed for Apostille if the destination authority accepts NAC + Affidavit.
How to Get NAC Apostilled?
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) can Apostille an NAC if:
- It’s issued by a government registrar,
- Properly signed and sealed, and
- Verified by Home Department or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).
Process
- State / SDM verification of NAC.
- Submission to MEA for Apostille.
- Apostille sticker affixed on back of NAC (with unique ID + QR code).
If your NAC is in a regional language, get a certified English translation first.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
| Issue | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Registrar refuses to issue NAC | Wrong jurisdiction or incomplete proof | Apply at the place of birth with full documentation |
| Application delayed | Manual search of old registers | Provide additional identifiers (parents’ names, hospital name) |
| Apostille rejected | Unsigned or photocopy NAC | Submit original with seal/signature only |
| NAC in local language | Not accepted abroad | Translate into English before Apostille |
eSahayak’s Role
At eSahayak, we help you Apostille an NAC that has already been issued.
We do not obtain new NACs on your behalf, but we guide you on:
- How to verify the registrar’s seal and signature
- How to prepare documents for Apostille submission
- How to ensure the Apostille is accepted internationally
Processing Time:
- Regular: 5 working days + 1–3 days courier
- Express: 3 working days + 1–3 days courier
Price:
- Regular ₹ 999 / document
- Express ₹ 1,499 / document