In the Philippines, a birth must be registered within thirty (30) days of the event. When this window is missed, the process transitions from a routine administrative task to Late Registration. This procedure is governed by the rules set by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Office of the Civil Registrar General.
Securing a birth certificate is not merely a formality; it is a fundamental right that establishes an individual’s legal identity, filiation, and citizenship.
I. Requirements for Late Registration
The requirements vary slightly depending on whether the person is an infant, a minor, or an adult. However, the core documents remain consistent:
1. Mandatory Documents (For All)
- Four (4) copies of Certificate of Live Birth (COLB): Duly accomplished and signed by the parties involved (attendant at birth, parents, etc.).
- Affidavit of Late Registration: Located on the back of the COLB. This must be signed by the father, mother, or the person himself (if of age) and notarized. It must state the reasons for the delay.
- Negative Certification of Birth: A document issued by the PSA certifying that there is no record of the birth in their national database.
2. Supporting Documents (At least two of the following)
To prove the facts of birth (date, place, and parentage), the applicant must submit at least two (2) of these:
- Baptismal Certificate
- School Records (Form 137 or Transcript of Records)
- Medical Records (Immunization card or hospital records)
- Voter’s Registration or Voter's Certification
- GSIS/SSS Records
- Barangay Certification (stating residency and the facts of birth)
3. For Illegitimate Children
- Affidavit of Admission of Paternity (AAP): If the father wishes to be named on the certificate and the parents are not married.
- Authority to Use the Surname of the Father (AUSF): Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9255, if the child will use the father’s surname.
II. The Step-by-Step Process
The process is generally conducted at the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) of the city or municipality where the birth occurred.
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verification | Visit the LCRO to verify if there is truly no record. If none, request a "Negative Result" from the PSA. |
| 2 | Form Filing | Accomplish the Certificate of Live Birth (COLB) and the Affidavit of Late Registration. |
| 3 | Submission | Submit all supporting documents (Baptismal, School records, etc.) to the LCRO for evaluation. |
| 4 | Posting Period | The LCRO is required by law to post a notice of the pending registration for ten (10) consecutive days to allow for any objections. |
| 5 | Approval | If no opposition is filed after 10 days, the City/Municipal Civil Registrar will approve the registration. |
| 6 | Transmission | The LCRO will transmit the record to the PSA for digital encoding and inclusion in the national database. |
III. Fees and Costs
While the actual forms are often free or low-cost, there are several administrative fees involved. These vary by municipality but generally include:
- Filing Fee: For the late registration process (approx. ₱200 - ₱500).
- Notarial Fee: For the Affidavit of Late Registration.
- Certified True Copy Fee: For your initial copies from the LCRO.
- PSA Negative Certification Fee: Currently ₱155 (subject to change).
Note: Some local government units (LGUs) waive these fees during "Civil Registration Month" (February) or through special mobile registration programs for indigent residents.
IV. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register my birth in Manila if I was born in Cebu? No. Registration must always be filed with the Local Civil Registrar of the place where the birth actually occurred.
What if the hospital where I was born has already closed? You may use other supporting documents, such as a Barangay Certification or school records, to substitute for hospital records.
How long does it take for the PSA to have a copy? After the LCRO process (which takes about 2-3 weeks), it usually takes 2 to 4 months for the record to be transmitted, encoded, and available for request on PSA security paper (SECPA).
Would you like me to draft a sample Affidavit of Late Registration or a checklist of documents specifically for an adult applicant?