West Bengal issues new birth, death certificate rules to curb fake documents: What’s new?

The West Bengal government has introduced a new set of rules for the registration of birth and death records, tightening the process to prevent the issuance of fake certificates. The Health Department issued a gazette notification after the state Cabinet approved the changes under the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Rules, 2026.

The move comes amid concerns over alleged irregularities in the registration of birth and death certificates in several districts. The revised rules introduce stricter documentation, verification and approval requirements, especially for delayed registrations.

Standard format for names becomes mandatory

Under the amended rules, names in all birth and death registration forms must be entered in the following order:

First Name

Middle Name

Last Name

Applicants will not be allowed to use initials or abbreviated versions of names in any form.

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Uniform date format required

All dates in birth and death registration documents must now follow the dd-mm-yyyy format, meaning day, month and year.

Address details must be complete

The notification also makes detailed address information compulsory. Every application must include:

State or Union Territory

District

City or village

Ward number, wherever applicable

Locality

House number

PIN code

Additional requirement for death certificates

For death registrations, the section titled “Certificate as to the cause of death” must also mention the patient’s medical history, wherever applicable.

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Delayed birth or death registration faces stricter rules

The amended rules introduce a more rigorous approval process for delayed registrations.

If an application is submitted after 30 days, applicants must obtain approval from the designated authority, submit a self-declaration and provide the required supporting documents.

Registration between 30 days and one year

If the birth or death is reported more than 30 days after the event but within one year, registration will be allowed only after:

Written approval from the District Registrar or the designated authority

Payment of a ₹50 late fee

Submission of Form 14

Self-attested supporting documents, either electronically or in physical form

Registration between one and two years

For applications filed after one year but within two years, applicants must obtain an order from:

The District Magistrate

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate

Or an Executive Magistrate authorised by the District Magistrate

A late fee of ₹100 will also be applicable.

Registration after two years

If the registration is sought more than two years after the birth or death, applicants must secure permission from a Judicial Magistrate First Class. A late fee of ₹100 will also have to be paid.

Authorities to verify every delayed application

Before granting approval for delayed registration, the issuing authority will examine all documents submitted by the applicant.

If necessary, officials may conduct a field inquiry to verify the facts. In cases where doubts remain, the authority can seek additional evidence or refer the matter to a higher authority for further verification.

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If any information is found to be false or misleading, the application may be rejected after recording the reasons in writing.

Applicants whose requests are rejected can file an appeal before the Chief Registrar within 30 days from the date of rejection.

Medical certificate mandatory for non-institutional deaths

The amended rules also make a medical certificate compulsory for all non-institutional deaths.

The certificate must be issued by:

An MBBS doctor recognised by the Medical Council of India and the West Bengal Medical Council, or

A recognised AYUSH practitioner.

Without this medical certificate, registration of a non-institutional death will not be processed under the new rules.

FAQs:

What are the new rules for getting a birth or death certificate in West Bengal?

The new rules mandate a standard name format, complete address details, stricter verification and additional approvals for delayed registrations.

What happens if I apply for a birth or death certificate after the deadline in West Bengal?

Delayed applications require approval from designated authorities, payment of a late fee and submission of supporting documents, with stricter checks based on the length of the delay.