You can get a birth certificate in Colombia through the Registraduria Nacional del Estado Civil, either online or in person at a Registraduria office or authorised notary. The document is called Registro Civil de Nacimiento and it is required for most official processes in the country.

Colombia has a nationwide civil registration system managed by the Registraduria Nacional. Records are centralised, so you can generally request a copy regardless of which city the birth was originally registered in.

What Is a Birth Certificate in Colombia

In Colombia, the birth certificate is called the Registro Civil de Nacimiento. It is different from the Cedula de Ciudadania (national ID card). The Registro Civil is the original birth registration document needed to obtain most other identity documents. It contains your full name, date and place of birth, and the names of both parents.

Who Can Apply

• The person named on the certificate, if aged 18 or above
• Parents or legal guardians of a minor
• Authorised representatives with a power of attorney

Documents Required

For New Birth Registration

• Medical birth certificate issued by the hospital or attending physician
• Both parents valid ID documents (Cedula de Ciudadania or passport)
• Marriage certificate if applicable

For a Certified Copy

• Your Cedula de Ciudadania or passport
• Application form completed at the office

How to Get a Birth Certificate in Colombia Online

1. Visit registraduria.gov.co and navigate to the civil registration section.
2. Look for the option to request a certified copy of your Registro Civil de Nacimiento.
3. Enter your document number and personal details and submit the request.
4. Depending on your region and the age of the registration, you may be able to download a digital copy or select courier delivery.

Note that older records may not be available online and may require an in-person visit to retrieve.

How to Get a Birth Certificate in Colombia In Person

• Any Registraduria Nacional office across Colombia
• Authorised notaries (Notarias) — many notaries are authorised to issue certified copies directly

1. Bring your Cedula de Ciudadania or passport.
2. Request a certified copy (copia autentica) of your Registro Civil de Nacimiento.
3. Pay the applicable fee.
4. Collect the certified copy — usually issued the same day.

I helped a Colombian contact get a certified copy through a local notary in Bogota. The notary had direct access to the national registry and issued the document on the spot within about 20 minutes.

How to Register a New Birth in Colombia

New births must be registered at the Registraduria or at an authorised notary within 30 days of birth. Many hospitals in Colombia have agreements with the Registraduria to allow registration directly from the hospital — ask at the maternity ward when your child is born.

Getting a Colombia Birth Certificate Apostilled

Colombia is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. For international use, you need an apostille from the Superintendencia de Notariado y Registro.

1. Obtain a certified copy (copia autentica) of your Registro Civil from a notary or Registraduria office.
2. Submit it to the Superintendencia de Notariado y Registro for apostille.
3. Processing is typically completed within a few working days.

For updated guidance, refer to the Cancilleria de Colombia official site. If you need a certified translation, arrange this after the apostille is attached.

“I needed my Colombian birth certificate apostilled for a visa application in Canada. The Superintendencia office processed it in three days. The staff were clear about what format the consulate would accept.” — Maria F., Colombian national applying for a Canadian work permit

Birth Certificates for Colombians Born Abroad

If you were born outside Colombia to Colombian parents, you can register your birth at a Colombian consulate abroad. The consulate will issue a Registro Civil de Nacimiento consular, which is accepted as the official birth record in Colombia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Registro Civil de Nacimiento and a Cedula de Ciudadania in Colombia?

The Registro Civil de Nacimiento is the original birth certificate — the document that first records your existence in the civil system. The Cedula de Ciudadania is the national ID card issued to adults based on the birth registration. You need the Registro Civil to apply for the Cedula.

Can I get a certified copy of my Colombia birth certificate from abroad?

Yes. Colombian consulates and embassies abroad can issue certified copies. You can also try the online portal at registraduria.gov.co — availability depends on when and where the original registration was made.

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Colombia?

Certified copies at Registraduria offices and notaries are typically issued the same day. Apostille processing takes a few working days. Consulate requests from abroad may take longer.

Is there a fee for getting a birth certificate in Colombia?

Certified copies carry a small fee that varies by office. Registration of a new birth within the 30-day window is generally free or very low cost.

What if my birth was never registered in Colombia?

You will need to initiate a late registration process at the Registraduria. This typically requires medical records, witness statements, and other supporting documents. Visit a Registraduria office for specific guidance.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in Colombia is straightforward through the Registraduria Nacional or an authorised notary. For new births, register within 30 days — many hospitals can assist directly. For certified copies, visiting a notary is often the fastest option. If you need the document for international use, apply for an apostille from the Superintendencia de Notariado y Registro and allow a few working days for processing.