How To Apply For Birth, Death Certificates Online In Nigeria

The Federal Government has rolled out a new digital platform enabling Nigerians to register births and deaths, apply for birth attestation, correct civil registration records, and verify certificates over the internet.

The initiative was introduced by the National Population Commission (NPC) and made public by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Tuesday as part of broader efforts to digitize civil registration operations across the country.

According to the NOA, the self-service web system is built to eliminate the long queues and cumbersome paperwork traditionally associated with acquiring birth and death documents.

Highlighting the ease of the new system, the agency stated: Getting a birth or death certificate in Nigeria just got easier! You can also visit any NPC registration centre nationwide for assistance,

The agency also emphasized that proper documentation grants citizens a recognized legal identity while enhancing access to healthcare, education, international passports, financial services, and various government interventions.

How to Apply for a Birth Certificate

Applicants can initiate the process by navigating to the official NPC self-service portal. While birth registration for children under the age of five remains free at physical NPC registration centers, online self-service applications carry a fee of N5,000.

To qualify for an online birth certificate application:

• The child must have been born within Nigeria.

• The child must possess a National Identification Number (NIN).

• At least one parent must hold Nigerian citizenship.

• One parent must provide a valid birth certificate.

• The digital certificate can only be downloaded a single time following successful processing.

• Any subsequent copies require a separate certificate reprint application via the NPC portal.

• All online payments are strictly non-refundable.

Applicants can access the portal here: Birth Certificate Application Portal

How to Register a Death

Death registration services provided by the NPC remain free of charge.

During the process, applicants must supply the National Identification Number of the informant before moving forward.

In instances where the deceased does not possess a NIN, the applicant is required to explicitly state the reason for its absence.

Required information for a death registration includes the deceased’s personal details, location and cause of death, usual place of residence, occupation, date of death, marital status, literacy level, and whether a medical doctor certified the death.

Applicants must also designate their registration state, local government area, and preferred NPC registration centre. The commission stated that a confirmation email will be dispatched once registration is completed successfully.

The application portal can be accessed here: Death Certificate Application Portal

For individuals who require hands-on support or technical assistance, the self-service platform is hosted on the main NPC website, and physical service points remain open at all National Population Commission registration centres nationwide.