Obtaining a Birth Certificate has become more convenient. The online system allows eligible applicants to submit their information, complete identity verification, make payment, and receive their certificate electronically after successful processing.

However, before beginning your application, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements, required documents, payment conditions, and the rules governing the birth attestation process. Missing or incorrect information can delay your application or require additional steps before approval.

This guide explains everything you need to know before applying for a Certificate of Birth (Attestation) through the self-service portal.

Certificate of Birth (Attestation)

A Certificate of Birth (Attestation) is an official document issued after an applicant provides the necessary evidence and completes the required verification process. It serves as proof of birth information for individuals who qualify under the birth attestation procedure.

The self-service platform simplifies the application by allowing eligible applicants to complete most of the process online without visiting a registration center immediately, although some applicants may still need to visit designated offices depending on their identity verification status.

Who Can Apply?

The Birth Attestation Self-Service is only available to individuals who meet the following eligibility requirement:

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

Individuals below the age of 18 are not eligible to use the self-service birth attestation platform.

Application Fee

Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable convenience fee of NGN15,000.

Because the fee is non-refundable, applicants should carefully review all information before proceeding with payment and submission.

Documents and Information Required

Before starting your application, ensure you have the following:

• A valid court affidavit.
• A working email address.
• An active mobile phone number.

The email address is particularly important because important notifications, including your payment reference and application updates, will be sent electronically.

National Identification Number (NIN) Verification

Applicants who already have a National Identification Number (NIN) must complete NIN verification during the application process.

If the verification fails because of incorrect personal information or inconsistencies in your NIN record, you should resolve those issues before continuing with your birth attestation application.

Successful NIN verification helps confirm your identity and supports the processing of your application.

Temporary Birth Attestation for Applicants Without an NIN

Individuals who do not yet have a National Identification Number can still begin the application process.

Instead of permanent verification, they will receive a temporary birth attestation arrangement.

As part of this process:

• A temporary Birth ID will be generated.
• The applicant must later visit a National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) office to complete the required identity registration process.

This ensures that applicants without an NIN are still able to initiate their birth attestation while working toward obtaining their national identity record.

Face Capture Requirements

The self-service application includes facial capture as part of the identity verification process.

For successful face capture, applicants should ensure:

• A stable internet connection.
• Good lighting.
• A plain background.
• Clear visibility of the face without interruptions.

Poor lighting, unstable internet, or cluttered backgrounds may cause the facial verification to fail.

Registration Details You Must Provide

During the application, you will be asked to provide specific location information, including:

• Your registration state.
• Your current Local Government Area (LGA).
• Your preferred or nearest registration center.

Providing accurate location details helps facilitate processing if physical verification becomes necessary.

Updating Your Date of Birth

Applicants who need to correct or update their date of birth can make the adjustment manually after successful NIN validation.

However, there is an important restriction:

The updated date of birth must not differ by more than five years earlier or later than the original date of birth.

If the requested change exceeds this limit, additional resolution may be required before the application can proceed.

One-Time Application Rule

Applicants are permitted to apply for birth attestation only once.

Because duplicate applications are not allowed, every detail entered during the application should be carefully reviewed before final submission.

Errors in personal information can create unnecessary complications and may not be easily corrected after submission.

Payment Reference and Application Updates

After completing payment, the system sends important information to the email address provided during registration.

This includes:

• Your payment reference.
• Other important application details.

Applicants should keep the payment reference safe, as it will be needed to monitor application progress and access the completed certificate.

Downloading Your Certificate

Once your application has been successfully processed and approved, your Certificate of Birth (Attestation) becomes available for download.

Applicants should note that:

• The certificate can only be downloaded once through the initial download process.
• If another copy is needed later, the reprint service should be used.

Saving both digital and printed copies immediately after download is advisable.

How to Check Your Application Status

Applicants can monitor the progress of their application using the payment reference received after payment.

The payment reference allows you to:

• Track your application status.
• Confirm successful processing.
• Download your certificate once it becomes available.

Keeping this reference secure ensures you can easily access your application whenever necessary.

Tips for a Successful Birth Attestation Application

To improve your chances of a smooth application process:

• Confirm that you are at least 18 years old.
• Prepare your court affidavit before starting.
• Use an active email address and phone number.
• Verify your NIN information in advance if you already have one.
• Ensure you have a reliable internet connection for face capture.
• Enter your personal details carefully to avoid mistakes.
• Double-check all information before submitting, since only one application is allowed.
• Save your payment reference immediately after payment.
• Download and securely store your certificate as soon as it becomes available.

The Certificate of Birth (Attestation) Self-Service platform offers a streamlined way for eligible adults to apply for a birth attestation online. While the process is designed for convenience, applicants must pay close attention to the eligibility requirements, identity verification procedures, document requirements, and submission guidelines.

Preparing the necessary documents beforehand, ensuring accurate personal information, and following each application step carefully can help reduce delays and increase the likelihood of a successful application. By understanding the process and complying with all requirements, applicants can complete their birth attestation efficiently and obtain their certificate with minimal complications.