Spanish Birth Certificate

The Birth Certificate is an official document that verifies a person's birth, recording fundamental details such as the full name, date, place of birth, and parents' identities. This document is essential for many procedures throughout life, such as issuing the DNI (National ID), passport, and enrolment in educational institutions, among others.

The Birth Certificate is a document issued by the Civil Registry that confirms and details a person's birth as recorded in said registry. The original birth record is filed in the Civil Registry corresponding to the place where the birth occurred, and anyone needing a copy can request it in the form of a certificate.

This certificate is essential for many legal and administrative procedures, such as obtaining a National ID, enrolment in Social Security, or accessing educational services, among others.

Types of Birth Certificates

There are various types of Birth Certificates depending on the intended use. Here are the most common types:

1. Literal Birth Certificate
   This is the most comprehensive type of certificate, containing a complete copy of all the information about the birth recorded in the Civil Registry. It includes the name, date and place of birth, as well as the parents' identities. This type of certificate is usually required for most official procedures.
2. Extract Birth Certificate
   This is a summary of the birth information. It can be requested in the following formats:
   • Ordinary: Written in Spanish.
   • Bilingual: Issued in Spanish and the official language of the respective autonomous community.
   • International or Multilingual: Valid in the countries that have signed the Vienna Convention, written in multiple languages.
3. Negative Birth Certificate
   This document confirms that there is no birth record for a person in the relevant Civil Registry.

What Is the Purpose of a Birth Certificate?

The Birth Certificate is a fundamental document in a person’s civil life and is required for a variety of legal and administrative processes, including:

• Obtaining a National ID or passport: The Birth Certificate is one of the key documents for obtaining a National ID and passport in Spain, especially for newborns or minors.
• School or university enrolment: In many cases, educational institutions require the Birth Certificate to enrol students.
• Nationality procedures: Foreign nationals who acquire Spanish nationality must present their Birth Certificate to complete the process.
• Applications for social benefits or subsidies: Some Social Security or government aid programmes may require the Birth Certificate as proof of identity or relationship.
• Adoption or filiation recognition procedures: This certificate is essential in adoption processes or legal recognition of children.

How to Request a Birth Certificate

There are several ways to request a Birth Certificate in Spain, depending on your situation and the facilities of each method. Here are the main options:

Online Request

You can request the certificate through the Ministry of Justice, either on their website or by visiting one of their offices directly. For greater convenience and security, it is recommended to carry out the process through a specialised company. In that case, follow these instructions:

1. Access the following form on the registrycivil.es website (www.registrocivil.es).
2. Fill in the form with the requested information, such as full name, date of birth, place of registration, and type of certificate required.
3. Specify whether you prefer to receive the certificate in electronic format or by postal mail.

Once the request has been submitted, you will receive the certificate within approximately 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the delivery method.

Who Can Request a Birth Certificate?

Any adult with a legitimate interest may request someone else's Birth Certificate. However, in some cases, such as when the certificate includes sensitive information (for example, parentage), the applicant may be required to prove their family relationship or interest in obtaining the document.

Cost of the Birth Certificate

The Birth Certificate is inexpensive in most cases. However, additional fees may apply for special procedures or urgent deliveries. It is recommended to check with the relevant Civil Registry to confirm if there is a cost associated with your request.

Delivery Time

The delivery time for a Birth Certificate depends on the method used to request it:

• In-person: It is generally delivered on the same day or within 1 to 3 business days.
• Online or by Mail: The delivery time is usually 1 to 2 weeks, although it may take longer during high-demand periods or if postal delivery is selected.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it necessary to book an appointment to request a Birth Certificate?
In many civil registries, especially in large cities, it may be necessary to book an appointment to avoid long waits. It is recommended to check the requirements of the relevant Civil Registry.

2. Can I request a Birth Certificate for a deceased person?
Yes, anyone may request a Birth Certificate for a deceased person, although it may be necessary to prove the relationship or legal connection in some cases.

3. Can I request a Birth Certificate if I was born abroad?
Yes, if you were born abroad and your birth was registered in the Civil Registry or the corresponding Spanish consulate, you can request your Birth Certificate in Spain through the Civil Registry, or through an independent agency like www.registrocivil.es, which specialises in this type of service.

Conclusion

The Birth Certificate is an essential document used in various legal and administrative procedures throughout life. There are different types of certificates depending on the intended use, and they can be requested in person, online, or by mail. With this guide, you now know the steps to obtain it quickly and easily, ensuring you have all the necessary documentation to complete your procedures efficiently.