The birth certificate is an official document issued by the Civil Registry that certifies the fact of birth, the date, place, and other essential data. To obtain it without administrative complications, it is recommended to use the services of a specialised agency, which manages the process efficiently and remotely.

• Registrant's details: Full name, date of birth, place of birth (municipality and province), parents names.
• Applicant's identification: DNI, NIE or passport if applicable.
• Delivery address: To receive the certificate by registered post.

• Select the type of certificate: Determine if you need a literal certificate (full copy of the entry) or an extract (summary). The agency offers options for both.
• Access the online service: Ingrese al portal de la gestoría para iniciar el trámite de forma digital -> https://www.registrocivil.es/en/application-for-birth-certificate/
• Complete the form: Provide the required birth and applicant details. Make sure to verify the information to avoid errors.
• Make the payment: Pay the processing fees, which cover professional processing by registered agents. The process is secure and transparent.
• Await delivery: The agency will process the request with the relevant Civil Registry and send the certificate to your address by registered post, with tracking available via email and a tracking code.

costs vary depending on the selected options, but include a base professional management fee:

• base fee: €55.00 (VAT included), which covers processing by a registered agent.
• additional copies: €5 for the second copy, €10 for the third.
• Hague apostille: €25, if required for international use.
• maximum priority: €35, to expedite the process.
• shipping: calculated in the final step, depending on the destination (national or international).

the total is shown before confirming payment, ensuring transparency. there are no hidden costs, and the service is managed by a private entity independent of the Ministry of Justice.

Other ways to obtain the certificate

If you prefer not to use a private agency, the Spanish Ministry of Justice offers several ways to obtain a birth certificate free of charge. Depending on the age of the record and your location, you can choose from the following options:

1. Online application (electronic headquarters)

This is the most common method for procedures from anywhere in Spain or abroad. It is carried out through the official portal of the Ministry of Justice's Electronic Headquarters.

• With digital identification: If you have a digital certificate, electronic DNI, or Cl@ve, and the birth is registered in a digitised civil registry, you can obtain the certificate immediately. The system generates a PDF file with a secure verification code (CSV) that grants it full legal validity.
• Without digital identification: You can complete a form with the registration details (municipality, province, volume, and folio). The relevant civil registry will process the application and send the document by ordinary postal mail to your address. This process usually takes between one and three weeks depending on the registry's workload.

2. In-person application

You can go directly to the civil registry, peace court, or town hall where the birth registration is recorded.

• Prior appointment: In most provincial capitals and main registries, it is mandatory to request a prior appointment through the official website of the autonomous community or the Ministry of Justice.
• Procedure: You must present your DNI or passport. If the records are not digitised, the registry staff will locate the physical volume and provide you with the certificate, usually at the same time or within a few days.

3. Application by postal mail

This involves sending a letter addressed to the civil registry where the registration was made. In the submission, you must include:

• A written request stating your name, address, and a contact telephone number.
• The registrant's details: name, surnames, date and place of birth.
• The type of certificate requested (literal, extract, or multilingual).
• A photocopy of your official identification.

4. Spanish Consulates (for births abroad)

If the birth occurred outside Spain and was registered at a consulate, you can request the certificate directly at the office relevant consulate or through the Central Civil Registry in Madrid. Many consulates now allow online applications if the user has an electronic signature.

are there refunds if there are errors? the agency guarantees a professional service; in case of issues, contact them for corrections without unnecessary extra costs. To carry out the process quickly and securely, visit the agency's website at https://www.registrocivil.es/contacto/

who can request a birth certificate? anyone can request a birth certificate for registrations recorded in civil registries, peace courts, town halls, or Spanish consulates in Spain or abroad, from 1870 onwards. no kinship restrictions are specified, provided the necessary data is supplied (for example, from the family book or previous certificates). the applicant must identify themselves appropriately.

how long does the process take? the process usually completes within a few business days, depending on the civil registry involved. with the maximum priority option, processing is expedited.

what if I dont know all the details? the agency offers personalised assistance to resolve queries. contact them via the portal for guidance before completing the form.

is the certificate valid for international procedures? yes, but for countries adhering to the Hague Convention, it is recommended to add the apostille, available as an additional option in the application.