You can get a birth certificate in Peru through RENIEC (Registro Nacional de Identificacion y Estado Civil), either online at the RENIEC portal or in person at any RENIEC office nationwide. Peru has a well-managed digital civil registration system, and certified copies are available quickly for most applicants.

RENIEC is the government body responsible for all civil identification records in Peru, including birth, marriage, and death records. This guide covers how to get a certified copy of your birth certificate, how to register a new birth, and how to get the document apostilled for international use.

What Is a Birth Certificate in Peru

In Peru, the birth certificate is called Acta de Nacimiento. RENIEC issues two types of certified copies:

• Copia Literal — an exact certified copy of the original birth record, including all annotations and any later changes. This is usually required for international use and official legal processes.
• Extracto de Acta de Nacimiento — a summary version that shows the key details. Accepted for most domestic administrative purposes.

For overseas visa applications, passport requests, and apostille purposes, always request the Copia Literal.

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 notarised power of attorney

Documents Required

For New Birth Registration

• Medical birth certificate (Certificado de Nacido Vivo) issued by the hospital
• Both parents national ID (DNI) or passport if foreign nationals
• Marriage certificate if parents are married

For a Certified Copy

• DNI or passport of the applicant
• Application form completed at the RENIEC office or online
• Applicable fee

How to Get a Birth Certificate in Peru Online

1. Visit gob.pe/reniec and go to the online services section.
2. Select the option for certified copies of civil records (Copias Certificadas de Actas).
3. Enter your DNI number and the type of document you need.
4. Pay the applicable fee online using a bank or payment platform.
5. Choose delivery — either collection at a RENIEC office or delivery by courier to your address.

I assisted a Peruvian contact living in Lima with an online request for a Copia Literal. The request was submitted and the document was ready for collection at the nearest RENIEC office within two working days. It was then accepted for an apostille application without any issues.

How to Get a Birth Certificate in Peru In Person

RENIEC has offices in Lima and in all regional capitals across Peru. Walk-in service is available at most offices.

1. Go to the nearest RENIEC office and take a queue number at the civil records counter.
2. Present your DNI or passport and request a Copia Literal or Extracto of your birth record.
3. Pay the fee at the cashier window.
4. Collect your certified copy — same-day service is available at most offices.

How to Register a New Birth in Peru

New births in Peru must be registered at a RENIEC office within 30 days of birth, though late registration is possible up to 90 days at no extra charge. After 90 days, administrative fees may apply. Bring the hospital birth certificate and both parents DNI documents to complete the registration.

Getting a Peru Birth Certificate Apostilled

Peru is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. To use your birth certificate in another country, you need an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores).

1. Obtain a Copia Literal of your birth certificate from RENIEC.
2. Submit it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille counter in Lima or at regional offices.
3. Pay the apostille fee and collect the document — typically processed within 1 to 3 working days.

For updated procedures and fees, visit the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores official site. If you also need a certified translation, arrange it after the apostille is in place.

“Getting my Peruvian birth certificate apostilled for a European visa took less time than I expected. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Lima processed the apostille the next business day and the Copia Literal from RENIEC was accepted without question.” — Claudia T., Peruvian national applying for a Schengen visa

Birth Certificates for Peruvians Born Abroad

If you were born outside Peru to Peruvian parents, you can register your birth at a Peruvian consulate abroad. The consulate will issue an Acta de Nacimiento consular, which is then registered with RENIEC upon return to Peru. Contact your nearest Peruvian consulate for requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Copia Literal and an Extracto in Peru?

A Copia Literal is an exact copy of the full birth record, including all marginal notes. An Extracto is a summary version. Most foreign authorities and legal processes require the Copia Literal.

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

In-person requests at RENIEC offices are usually processed the same day. Online requests take 1 to 3 working days depending on delivery method. Apostille processing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs typically takes 1 to 3 working days.

Can I get my Peru birth certificate from abroad?

Yes. Peruvian consulates abroad can assist with certified copies. You can also use the RENIEC online portal and select courier delivery if the service is available to your location.

How much does a birth certificate cost in Peru?

RENIEC charges a small fee for certified copies. Apostille fees at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are charged separately. Check the current fee schedule on the RENIEC or Ministry website before applying.

What if my birth was never registered in Peru?

Late registration is possible through RENIEC. You will need a medical birth record or other supporting documentation. RENIEC has programmes to assist people whose births were never formally registered — visit the nearest RENIEC office for guidance.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in Peru is straightforward through RENIEC, whether online or in person. Always request a Copia Literal if you need the document for international or legal use. For overseas use, apply for an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs promptly — the process is efficient and usually completed within a few working days.