Long form, extract or digital record
The acceptable version depends on the issuing registry and the programme. Some authorities want a recent long-form certificate showing both parents. Adoption, custody or sole parental responsibility can require separate court records. Each supporting document may have its own apostille and translation requirement.
- Child and parent names against passports
- Full registry details and issue date
- Custody or adoption records where relevant
- Destination language and certification rules
One check before the courier
A missing parent field cannot be repaired with a translation. Nor can an apostille cure an incorrect civil record. Our pre-check separates registry corrections from authentication work, so the right original enters the chain. For the broader family evidence, see marriage certificate attestation and our citizenship programme directory.
Questions clients ask before sending a document
Must a birth certificate be newly issued?
It depends on the programme and registry. Some authorities accept an older original; others request a recent certified extract. We confirm the receiving authority's rule first.
Can a short-form birth certificate be used?
Only if it contains the details required by the application. For dependent files, a long-form record showing both parents is often the safer document.
Are custody papers attested separately?
Usually they are treated as separate public documents. The route depends on the issuing court and country where the application will be filed.