I need a birth certificate for my parents who are born before independence.

Question

This is actually a tough situation to get a birth certificate of your parents who were born before 1957 (before independence) in Mumbai. Here are the steps that can help you obtain the certificate for them:
 

1. Visit the Municipal Corporation: Physically, you have to go to the office of the municipal corporation in your locality or the place where your parents were born. Request to search for their birth proof, which is a must to confirm that their original birth proof is not available. This will become a case of acquiring a non-availability of birth certificate. The search will go on, and the office will issue it.
 

2. Submit Necessary Documents: Now that you have to raise a request for NABC, compile papers in original to enclose with your application. These papers can be the following:
o Application form for NABC (available at the municipal office).
o Proof of your parents’ date and place of birth (e.g., school leaving certificates, old passports, or affidavits).
o Address proof of your parents.
o Government-issued ID proof of the applicant (you or your parents).
 

3. Affidavit: The documents to enclose will not be enough without an affidavit, which you may get from a sub-divisional magistrate or magistrate in your region. It's an oath that carries an authentic stamp of the gazette officer. So, it is accepted.
 

4. Attestation or Apostille: The affidavit without attestation or apostille stamp is invalid. So, it must be attested by the sub-divisional magistrate or district magistrate for validity. 
 

5. Follow Up: This process may be a few weeks long. So, you need to physically visit the municipal court for updates on the requisite date.
Consulting professional services like Services 2 NRI can make this process seamless by ensuring all documentation is in place and expediting the process.

Answer 1

If your parents were born in the U.S. before the country's independence (July 4, 1776), they likely wouldn't have a birth certificate in the modern sense, as record-keeping wasn't as standardized then. Instead, you might need to gather alternative documentation or seek assistance from the relevant authorities to establish their identity and date of birth.
Here's a breakdown of how to approach this:
1. Understand the Historical Context:

Pre-19th Century Birth Records:
Before the widespread adoption of formal birth registration systems, birth records were often kept in church records, family Bibles, or local community records.
Post-19th Century Birth Records:
Many states started implementing birth registration systems in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but the process and standards varied greatly.

2. Gather Potential Documentation:

Family Records:
Look for any family Bibles, letters, photos, or other documents that might contain information about your parents' birthdates or places of birth.
Church Records:

If your parents or their families were religious, check with the relevant church or religious organization for potential baptismal or other records.
Local Records:
Contact the local historical society or county clerk's office in the area where your parents were born to see if they have any relevant records.

3. Contact Relevant Authorities:

Vital Records Office:
Contact the vital records office in the state or territory where your parents were born to inquire about obtaining birth certificates or other documentation.
Social Security Administration:
If you need to prove your parents' identity for Social Security purposes, contact the Social Security Administration.
Immigration Authorities:
 If you need to prove your parents' identity for immigration purposes, contact the relevant immigration authorities