Birth Certificate FAQs

Can I still get a birth certificate from the RGD, even though I lost the old one?

Yes, as long as you were born and registered in Jamaica you can obtain a birth certificate by simply applying to the NIRA for copies of the document.

How do I go about applying for a copy of my birth certificate?

You can apply for a copy of your birth certificate online or by visiting any one of our offices listed on the website. For ease of processing, ensure that you have the following information for the person/child you are applying for:

Full and correct spelling of name
Sex (male/female)
Date of birth
Place of birth (name of hospital or location of home)
Parish of birth
Birth Entry Number
Full and correct spelling of Mother’s name
Full and correct spelling of Father’s name
Date of Registration
Place of Registration

What is the birth entry number?

The birth entry number is an alphanumeric code which identifies the registration of a person’s birth. This code is used to determine the Parish and District where the person was born. It is normally located to the top left hand section of a birth certificate.

My child is almost two years old and is not registered how do I go about registering him?

It is recommended that a child be registered within 12 months of birth. However, if this was not done, we recommend that you visit any one of the RGD offices and speak with one of our Customer Service Representatives who will guide you on the process involved to conduct a Late Registration.

My child’s father ‘s name is not on her birth certificate, how do I go about adding it?

If both parents are not married to each other, the father’s name can be added to the child’s birth certificate by a process called STATUS. See application tab for details. If both parents got married to each other after the child’s birth, the father’s name can be added to the child’s birth certificate by a process called RE-REGISTRATION.

My name is spelt incorrectly on my birth certificate, how can I correct it?

There are different procedures that can be used to correct your birth certificate if there is an incorrect spelling of your name. A Correction of Error or Late Entry of Name are applicable options, but we recommend that you speak with one of our Customer Service Representatives for guidance on the correct procedure. Please note that once the correction is made to the spelling of your name, this will be noted at the bottom of the new certificate.

What do I do when in response to my application I receive the certificate and I suspect that the information on it is “incorrect?”

You should return all the certificates that were printed and delivered to you. A receipt will be issued to validate that you have returned all copies. Internal checks will be done at our offices to determine whether or not the error was on the RGD’s part. If the error was a fault of the RGD your certificates will be corrected, reprinted and delivered within 10 days at no cost to you. If not, you will be required to do a Correction of Error. This corrects errors of fact such as place of birth, name and parents’ particulars.

How do I collect the first free birth certificate?

The money paid at the hospital represents payment for the registration of the child’s birth. In order to access the Free First Copy of the birth certificate you will need to visit the NIRA two months after the birth of the child and complete a Print on Demand form. If this was not done please visit the office and complete the form. Carry your receipt and the red and white piece when coming in. You can also make a request via our website www.nira.gov.jm > APPLY NOW > Scroll and Select the option that says FIRST FREE BIRTH CERTIFICATE. Ensure that you have the Certificate of Registry, a valid ID, and your receipt. Complete the required fields and upload photos of your documents.

How do I make an online application?

Customers can complete applications for services on our website by visiting the application portal and selecting the necessary form. Once the form has been completed the customer should select MAKE PAYMENT ONLINE, in order to pay using a Debit/Credit Card. (N.B. Customers can apply online and also visit any office to pay at the cashier)

If you don’t find the answer to your question through the FAQs, please email us.

Birth Certificate FAQs

Birth Certificate FAQs

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