Birth Certificate
Birth registration is free within the first 60 days at designated centres; a formal birth certificate can also be obtained later for older children and adults who need one for school, passport or NIN purposes.
- Processing time
- Same-day for hospital registration; a few days for late registration depending on the state office.
- Starting cost
- Free
- Steps
- 4 to complete
- Last verified
- August 2026
Who can apply
- Parents/guardians registering a newborn (ideally within 60 days of birth)
- Adults or older children needing a first-time certificate or a certified true copy
Documents you'll need
What it costs
| Registration within 60 daysAt designated NPopC registration centres | Free |
| Late registration / certified copyVaries by state office and circumstances | ₦1,000 – ₦5,000 |
Where to apply
- Hospital-based registration desks for births in hospital
- Local Government Registration Centres nationwide
- NPopC State/Local Government offices for late registration or replacement certificates
Application steps
- 1
Register at the point of birth where possible
Many hospitals have an on-site NPopC desk that registers the birth immediately, which is the fastest route.
- 2
Visit your Local Government Registration Centre
If not registered at the hospital, take the child (or your documents, for adults) to the LG centre nearest your residence.
- 3
Provide supporting documents
Hospital card for recent births, or an affidavit and secondary evidence for late/adult registration.
- 4
Collect your certificate
A printed certificate is issued on the spot or within a few days depending on the office.
How to pay
- Cash at the registration centre for the small statutory fee (late registration only)
Checking your status
Follow up in person or by phone with the Local Government Registration Centre where you applied.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Delaying registration past 60 days, which then requires an affidavit and extra steps
- ✕Losing the original certificate with no certified copy on file
- ✕Name spelling mismatches between the birth certificate and later documents like NIN or passport
Ready to start your birth certificate application?
You'll complete the actual transaction on the official National Population Commission (NPopC) site — we just made sure you arrive knowing exactly what to do.
Go to National Population Commission — nationalpopulation.gov.ng ↗