The birth certificate is an official document certifying a person’s birth and civil identity.
It is essential for many administrative procedures: applying for a national ID card, passport, school enrollment, civil marriage, or notarial procedures.
This article explains how to obtain a birth certificate in Madagascar, whether for an initial issuance or a copy.
Documents Required
Before submitting a birth certificate request, certain documents must be gathered. Exact requirements may slightly vary depending on the municipality, but generally you need:
- Certificate number or year of birth (if known)
- Full name of the person concerned
- Parents’ names (father and mother)
- Requester’s ID (CIN, passport, or other official document)
- Fiscal stamp or administrative fee (varies by municipality)
If the request is made for another person, add a written authorization or a proof of relationship.
Steps to Follow
1. Go to the town hall or municipality
Go to the municipality of birth. It is the only place authorized to issue the original certificate or official copies. Some municipalities now allow requests via local administrative offices.
2. Fill out the application form
Request and complete the birth certificate application form at the civil service.
Include:
- the full name of the person,
- the date and place of birth,
- and the parents’ names.
3. Submit supporting documents
Submit your form along with the required documents.
The officer will check the registration in the civil register.
4. Pay the issuance fees
Fees may be required depending on the municipality for a full copy or extract of the certificate.
Payment is made directly at the counter or municipal cash office.
5. Collect the birth certificate
Issuance usually takes a few hours to a few days.
Bring the receipt to collect your document.
Check carefully that all information is correct before leaving the office.
In Case of Lost Register or Non-Registration
If the certificate no longer exists (register destroyed or not registered), a request for reconstitution must be submitted to the local tribunal of first instance of the place of birth.
The procedure requires:
- a certificate of non-registration issued by the municipality,
- written testimonies or attestations from parents or relatives,
- and sometimes a hearing for validation.
Useful Tips
- Always make several certified copies of your birth certificate to avoid repeated requests.
- Keep a digital scan of the document.
- Verify that the certificate is legible and complete before leaving the civil office.
- If traveling abroad, have your certificate legalized or apostilled according to the destination country’s requirements.
Informative article for reference purposes. Procedures may vary depending on municipalities or administrative updates.