How to Digitize Old Birth Certificates in West Bengal Online

Is your family’s birth certificate a faded, handwritten paper tucked away carefully in a folder? Do you worry about it getting damaged or rejected when you need it for your child’s school admission, Aadhaar card, or a government scheme?

You’re not alone. Many families in West Bengal have these precious old certificates. But in today’s digital world, a computerized birth certificate is required for almost everything. The great news is that the Government of West Bengal has a process to convert your old certificate into a secure, digital format. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, in simple language.

Why is a Digital Birth Certificate So Important Today?

Think of a digital birth certificate as a super-smart, unforgeable version of your old paper one. It’s not just a scanned copy; it’s an official record in the government’s online database. Here’s why making the switch is crucial:

1. Universal Acceptance: Whether you’re applying for your child’s Baal Aadhaar, school or college admission, a passport, or a driving license, a digital certificate is mandatory. Handwritten certificates are often not accepted anymore.
2. Safety and Permanence: Paper can be lost, torn, or fade over time. Once your certificate is digitized, it is safely stored online forever. You can download a fresh, official copy anytime, from anywhere.
3. Instant Verification: Digital certificates come with a QR code. Anyone (like a school official) can scan this code with their phone to instantly verify the certificate’s authenticity, preventing fraud.
4. Convenience: You can apply for jobs, schemes, and services online without needing to submit physical copies or worry about losing the original.
5. How to Digitize Old Birth Certificates in West Bengal Online
   

How to Digitize Old Birth Certificates in West Bengal Online

Step 1: First, Check if Your Certificate is Already Digital!

Before you make a trip to any government office, it’s wise to check online. The government has been digitizing old records, and yours might already be available!

Here’s how to check in 2 minutes:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Open your web browser and go to janmamrityutathya.wb.gov.in. This is the official “Janma Mrityu Tathya” (Birth and Death Information) portal for West Bengal.
2. Navigate to Birth Certificate Search: On the homepage, look for a menu called “Citizen Services” or “Birth Certificate.” Click on it.
3. Search for Your Record: You will see search options. You can try two ways:
   • Search by Registration Number: If your old handwritten certificate has a number, enter it here.
   • Search by Details: If you don’t have the number, enter the person’s full name, date of birth, and father’s/mother’s name.
4. Check the Result: If a digital certificate appears on the screen with a “Download” button, then your work is done! Your certificate is already digital. If no record is found, don’t worry. Just follow the next steps.

Step 2: The Simple Offline Process to Convert Your Certificate

Currently, there is no way to apply for this conversion online. You need to apply offline, but the process is designed to be simple.

A) Where Do You Need to Go?

This is the most important step. You must go to the exact same office that issued the original handwritten certificate.

• If you were born in a village (Rural Area): Go to your local Gram Panchayat Office.
• If you were born in a town or city (Urban Area): Go to the Municipality or Municipal Corporation Office of your area.
• If you were born in a hospital or nursing home: Contact the administration office of that hospital. They usually have a department that handles birth registrations.

Pro Tip: If you are unsure about the correct office, you can ask at your local civic body (municipality or panchayat), and they will guide you.

B) What Documents Should You Carry?

Prepare a folder with the following documents. It’s always good to carry both originals and self-attested photocopies.

• The Original Handwritten Birth Certificate: This is your key document.
• Photocopy of the Certificate: Make a clear copy.
• Identity Proof of Both Parents: Carry original and photocopy of Aadhaar Card or Voter ID card.
• Identity Proof of the Applicant: If the person applying is an adult, carry their own Aadhaar Card or Voter ID.
• An Active Mobile Number: This is crucial because all updates and the final confirmation SMS will be sent to this number.
• Passport-sized Photographs: Carry 2-4 recent photographs, just in case they are required.

C) What Happens at the Office?

1. Get the Form: When you visit the office, tell the officer that you want to “digitize” or “computerize” an old handwritten birth certificate. They will give you an application form.
2. Fill the Form: Fill out the form carefully with all the details exactly as they appear on the old certificate.
3. Submit Documents: Submit the filled-out form along with the original documents for verification and the photocopies.
4. Verification: The official will cross-check the information you provided with their old ledger books or records. This is to ensure everything is correct.
5. Acknowledgement: You might receive an acknowledgement slip with a reference number. Keep this safe, as it can help you track the application status.

Step 3: After You Apply – What’s Next?

• Wait for the SMS: Once the office verifies your documents and updates the information in the online system, you will receive a confirmation SMS on the mobile number you provided.
• Download Your Certificate: After receiving the SMS, go back to the Janma Mrityu Tathya website (janmamrityutathya.wb.gov.in).
• Search for the certificate again using the name or registration number. This time, you should see the option to view and download the new digital birth certificate.
• Print and Use: You can now print multiple copies on plain A4 paper. Each copy with the QR code is as valid as the original.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

By following this detailed guide, you can easily bridge the gap between your old paper records and the new digital requirements. Share this information with your friends and family to help them secure their important documents too