How to Obtain a Birth Certificate Notarization in China

A birth certificate notarization involves the notary office, which, with the authority to handle foreign-related notarization, certifies the legal facts of an individual's birth upon application. Most county-level notary offices in China have this qualification. In the context of immigration applications, a notarized birth certificate is a crucial document and a necessary certification for individuals planning to go abroad. This article provides guidance on how to obtain a birth certificate notarization in China.

The required application materials vary depending on whether the applicant was born before or after the nationwide promotion of the "Birth Medical Certificate" in January 1996. 

For Applicants Born Before 1996: 

Applicant's identification documents such as ID card, household registration book, or passport, along with proof of residence in the current country. 

Copies of the parents' ID cards, household registration book, and marriage certificate. 

Applicant's birth certificate materials, such as a birth certificate issued by the household registration department or the "Only Child Certificate." Three to four recent, passport-sized, front-facing, bareheaded photos. If there is no birth certificate or "Only Child Certificate," and the applicant has moved from another location without household registration information, a birth certificate can be replaced by: A certificate issued by the village committee or neighborhood committee in the original registered residence, confirmed by the local police station. Retrieval of the original registered residence file. Personnel files of the applicant and parents. 

For Applicants Born After 1996: Applicant's original ID card; for collective household registration, provide the original "Permanent Resident Registration Card" and a copy of the first page stamped by the registration unit. Applicant's "Birth Medical Certificate." Parents' ID cards, household registration book, and marriage certificate. If someone else is handling the process on behalf of the applicant, provide an authorization letter and the agent's ID card. If the evidence provided is insufficient to prove the notarization, additional materials may be required as requested by the notary.

Application Process

The applicant needs to bring all required documents to the local notary office, apply for the notarization of the birth certificate, and make the necessary payment. The notary office will verify the provided materials. Once confirmed, the certification process will commence, taking approximately 7 days. After completion, the notary officer will notify the applicant to come to the notary office to verify the original documents and collect the certificate. It is essential to bring all mentioned documents to avoid processing delays.