The birth certificate is a fundamental document for every Filipino, serving as the primary proof of identity, citizenship, and civil status. However, for various reasons, some births are not registered within the prescribed period. In the Philippines, this process is known as Late Registration of Birth.
This article outlines the requirements, fees, and the step-by-step process for filing a late registration of birth with the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
1. What is Late Registration of Birth?
Under Philippine law, a birth must be registered within thirty (30) days from the time of birth at the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) of the city or municipality where the birth occurred.
Any registration made after this 30-day window is considered "delayed" or "late registration."
2. General Requirements for Late Registration
The requirements vary slightly depending on whether the person being registered is less than seven (7) years old or seven (7) years old and above.
A. Basic Documents (For all applicants):
- Four (4) copies of the Certificate of Live Birth (COLB), duly accomplished and signed by the parties concerned.
- Affidavit of Delayed Registration (at the back of the COLB), signed by the father, mother, or the person himself (if of age), and notarized.
- Affidavit of two (2) disinterested persons (witnesses) who have personal knowledge of the birth.
B. Supporting Documents (To prove the date and place of birth):
You must provide at least two (2) of the following documents:
- Baptismal Certificate
- School Records (Form 137 or 138)
- Income Tax Return (ITR) of the parents
- Insurance Policy
- Medical/Hospital Records
- Barangay Certification (stating the facts of birth)
- Voter’s Registration or Voter’s Certification
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable/married)
C. For Out-of-Wedlock Births:
- Affidavit of Admission of Paternity (AAP): If the father wishes to be named on the birth certificate.
- Affidavit to Use the Surname of the Father (AUSF): If the child will use the father’s surname (pursuant to R.A. 9255).
3. The Process: Step-by-Step
The process involves both the local government and the national statistics office.
Step 1: Secure a Negative Certification from the PSA
Before you can file for late registration, you must prove that there is no existing record of the birth in the PSA archives.
- Apply for a Certificate of No Record (Negative Certification) from any PSA outlet.
Step 2: File the Application at the LCRO
Go to the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) of the city or municipality where the person was born.
- Submit all requirements (COLB, Affidavits, and Supporting Documents).
- The LCRO will examine the documents for authenticity and consistency.
Step 3: Mandatory 10-Day Posting Period
Upon filing, the LCRO is required by law to post a notice of the pending application for ten (10) consecutive days on their bulletin board. This allows the public to contest the registration if there are any discrepancies.
Step 4: Approval and Registration
If no opposition is filed within the 10-day period, the City or Municipal Civil Registrar will approve the registration. The birth record will be recorded in the civil registry books.
Step 5: Transmission to PSA
The LCRO will transmit the registered birth record to the PSA Main Office for digital archiving. This process usually takes 2 to 4 months before the record becomes available for request on PSA security paper (SECPA).
4. Fees and Costs
While the exact fees may vary depending on the local ordinance of the specific municipality, the general costs include:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| PSA Negative Certification | ₱210.00 |
| Filing Fee (LCRO) | ₱200.00 – ₱500.00 |
| Notarial Fees (Affidavits) | ₱100.00 – ₱300.00 |
| Certified True Copy (LCRO) | ₱50.00 – ₱150.00 |
Note: Some LGUs may waive these fees during "Civil Registration Month" (February) or through special "Mobile Registration" programs.
5. Why is Late Registration Important?
Failure to have a registered birth certificate can lead to significant hurdles, including:
- Inability to enroll in schools.
- Inability to apply for a Philippine Passport (DFA).
- Difficulties in claiming social security benefits (SSS/GSIS/PhilHealth).
- Issues in processing marriage licenses or inheritance claims.
Legal Tip: Ensure that all names, dates, and places are consistent across all supporting documents. Any discrepancy (e.g., a misspelled name in a school record versus a baptismal certificate) may require further legal action, such as a Petition for Correction of Clerical Error (R.A. 9048).
Would you like me to help you draft the Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons required for this process?