Yes, as long as you were born and registered in Jamaica you can obtain a birth certificate by simply applying to the OR-G, NIRA for copies of the document.

You can apply for a copy of your birth certificate online or by visiting any one of our offices listed on the website.

For ease of processing, ensure that you have the following information for the person/child you are applying for:

• Full and correct spelling of name
• Sex (male/female)
• Date of birth
• Place of birth (name of hospital or location of home)
• Parish of birth
• Birth Entry Number
• Full and correct spelling of Mother’s name
• Full and correct spelling of Father’s name
• Date of Registration
• Place of Registration

The birth entry number is an alphanumeric code which identifies the registration of a person’s birth.  This code is used to determine the Parish and District where the person was born.  It is normally located to the top left-hand section of a birth certificate.

It is recommended that a child be registered within 12 months of birth.  However, if this was not done, we recommend that you visit any one of the OR-G, NIRA offices and speak with one of our Customer Service Representatives who will guide you on the process involved to conduct a Late Registration.

If both parents are not married to each other, the father’s name can be added to the child’s birth certificate by a process called STATUS. See application tab for details. 

If however both parents got married to each other after the child’s birth, the father’s name can be added to the child’s birth certificate by a process called RE-REGISTRATION. See application tab for details.

There are different procedures that can be used to correct your birth certificate if there is an incorrect spelling of your name. A Correction of Error or Late Entry of Name are be applicable options, but we recommend that you speak with one of our Customer Service Representatives for guidance on the correct procedure.

Please note that once the correction is made to the spelling of your name, this will be noted at the bottom of the new certificate.

In the case of a death from natural causes the death must registered five days after the person has died. However, you may send the Local District Registrar a written notice that the person has died along with the medical certificate of the cause of death received from the attending doctor within fourteen days after the death.

In the case of sudden and/or violent death contact the nearest police station if the person was not under a doctor’s care or if foul play is suspected. A post mortem or autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. The police will issue an order burial (pink paper) this not a registration!!

Deaths are registered from:

• Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death
• Post Mortem Examination Report
• Coroners Certificate of finding of Jury
• Certificate of Coroner

• You should return all the certificates that were printed and issued to you.
• A receipt will be issued to validate that you have returned all copies.
• Internal checks will be done at our offices to determine whether or not the error was on the organisation’s part.
• If the error was a fault of the organisation your certificates will be corrected, reprinted and delivered within 10 days at no cost to you.
• If not, you will be required to do a Correction of Error. This corrects errors of fact such as place of birth, name and parents’ particulars.

The money paid at the hospital represents payment for the registration of the child’s birth. In order to access the Free First Copy of the birth certificate you will need to visit the OR-G, NIRA two months after the birth of the child and complete a Print on Demand form. If this was not done, please visit the office and complete the form. Carry your receipt and the red and white piece when coming in. You can also make a request via our website www.nira.gov.jm > APPLY NOW > Scroll and Select the option that says FIRST FREE BIRTH CERTIFICATE. > Ensure that you have the Certificate of Registry, a valid ID, and your receipt. Complete the required fields and upload photos of your documents.

Customers can complete applications for services on our website by visiting the application portal and selecting the necessary form. Once the form has been completed the customer should select MAKE PAYMENT ONLINE, in order to pay using a Debit/Credit Card. (N.B. Customers can apply online and also visit any office to pay at the cashier)

To apply for Registry Wedding you can visit our website www.nira.gov.jm and select Marriage Appointment. Ensure you have the required documents to upload before completing the application form and making online payment. You can also visit our office with your required documents to book your wedding.

Required documents:

A Minister’s License, Original or certified copies of birth, adoption or naturalization certificates. Certified copy of Valid Government identification, Original or certified Final Divorce / Judgment Papers/Decree Absolute or previous Marriage and Death certificate of spouse (if previously married). Two witnesses. MUST be 18 years or older. If documents are not in English, they should be translated by a certified translator whose certification of authenticity must be attached. Photocopies must be certified by J.P. or Notary Public (if overseas).

To apply for Same Day & Next Day service you are required to have a previous computer-generated certificate. You will be required to provide the person’s/child’s name, their mother’s name, their parish of birth, their date of birth and their birth entry number.

Same Day applications can be made at any office with the required pickup location being the Head Office in Twickenham Park, Spanish Town.

Next Day applications can be made at any office with the required pickup location being at the office of your choice.

The cost for a certificate (birth, death, marriage) is $7,500(same day) $6,000(next day). Any additional copies cost $500 at the time of application.

How long after a death can I apply for the certificate?Please allow for ten (10) days after the registration of a death before applying for copies of the death certificate.