What Procedures Is The Birth Certificate Useful?

The birth certificate not only legally recognizes the birth of the child but is also necessary for various subsequent procedures. In fact, one of the main reasons why you should request a birth certificate is to obtain the child’s National Identity Document (DNI) and passport for the first time .

It is also an essential requirement to apply for paternity leave, to enroll the child in a municipal nursery and to enroll him in a school. In addition, you will need this document to request the economic benefit of help for birth or adoption, as well as in the case of large families, single parents or mothers with disabilities.

When the child grows up, they will also need the birth certificate if they decide to marry, work in an official body or abroad, access certain social benefits or collect an inheritance.

How to request a birth certificate?

The application for the birth certificate can only be made at the Civil Registry where the birth and registration took place. You can do it in person, by ordinary mail or through the Internet, with and without a digital certificate. For the application you must submit:

  • Family Book or Notebook
  • Full name and ID of the person requesting the certificate

In addition, you must specify the type of certificate that you require, be it an extract, a literal or a negative, and the purpose for which you request it, as well as the child’s full name and date and place of birth.

How long does the issuance of the birth certificate take?

The deadline for receiving the birth certificate will vary depending on the delivery method you have chosen:

  • In the case of referral by post, the period is about 15 days.
  • In the case of in-person delivery, the Civil Registry will indicate the date from which you can collect the document at its facilities.
  • In the case of the application with an electronic seal from the General Directorate of Registries and Notaries, the electronic birth certificate will be issued immediately.

It is worth clarifying that this procedure is completely free.