Birth Certificate in Punjab Now Free for 7 Years: New Rules Explained
Birth certificate in Punjab is now free within seven years of birth. Court decree removed, online registration through union councils, and who approves.
A birth certificate in Punjab is now free to register and obtain within seven years of the birth. Under the Punjab Local Government (Registration of Births and Deaths) Rules, which came into full effect on 1 August 2026, registration of births and deaths and the issue of computerised certificates cost nothing for cases up to seven years old, and the old requirement of a court decree for late registration has been removed. The process now runs on an online platform through union councils.
What changed for a birth certificate in Punjab
| Before | Now (from 1 August 2026) |
|---|---|
| Registration and certificate fees | Free for births and deaths up to 7 years from the date of the event |
| Court decree needed for delayed registration | Requirement withdrawn |
| Largely paper-based process | Digitised; runs through an online platform |
Source: Punjab Local Government and Community Development Department notification, as reported by The Express Tribune. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also announced that computerised birth and death certificates would be issued free of cost (Pakistan Observer).
Who approves your registration
| Age of child at registration | Approving officer |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 year | Secretary of the union council |
| Over 1 year and up to 7 years | Assistant Director |
| Over 7 years | Deputy Director concerned |
In short, the earlier you register, the simpler it is: a birth registered within the first year can be approved at the union council itself.
September amendment on late registration
An amendment notified by the Local Government Department on 28 August 2026 and published in the Punjab Gazette on 2 September extended the permissible period for late registration of births and deaths from one year to four years, according to Minute Mirror. Because this sits alongside the seven-year free window, confirm with your union council which conditions apply to your case before applying.
How to get a birth certificate in Punjab
- Go to your local union council (or municipal committee in urban areas) where the birth took place.
- Take the parents’ CNICs and any proof of birth, such as a hospital birth slip, and ask the union council for its exact document list.
- Fill in the registration form; the data is entered into the online system.
- Once approved by the relevant officer, collect the computerised birth certificate, which is free for births within seven years.
A computerised birth certificate in Punjab is needed for the child’s B-Form from NADRA, school admission and passports. Adults renewing their identity card can see our NADRA CNIC renewal guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a birth certificate free in Punjab?
Yes. Registration and the computerised certificate are free for births registered within seven years.
Do I still need a court order for late registration?
No. The new rules withdrew the court decree requirement for delayed registration.
Where do I apply?
At the union council or municipal committee where the birth took place.
