You can get a birth certificate in Chile online for free through the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificacion (SRCeI) at registrocivil.cl. Chile has one of the most digitalised civil registration systems in Latin America, and most people can download a valid certificate in minutes without visiting any office.

Types of Birth Certificates in Chile

• Certificado de Nacimiento para Todo Tramite — the standard certified certificate accepted for all official and legal purposes, including passport applications and overseas use.
• Extracto de Inscripcion de Nacimiento — a summary version for general administrative use.
• Certificado de Nacimiento con Anotaciones Vigentes — includes all legal annotations such as adoptions or name changes.

For international use, always request the Certificado de Nacimiento para Todo Tramite.

Who Can Apply

• Any person can request their own birth certificate
• Parents or legal guardians requesting a certificate for a minor child
• Authorised third parties with written consent or power of attorney

How to Get a Birth Certificate in Chile Online — Free

1. Visit registrocivil.cl and go to the certificates section.
2. Select Certificado de Nacimiento and choose the certificate type you need.
3. Enter the RUN (Rol Unico Nacional) of the person named on the certificate.
4. Download the PDF certificate — it includes a verification code and is legally valid for most purposes.

The online certificate is free of charge and issued instantly. I used this exact process to help a contact in Santiago get their birth certificate for a visa application. The downloaded PDF was accepted by the consulate without any issues.

How to Get a Birth Certificate in Chile In Person

1. Go to the nearest SRCeI office or ChileAtiende centre with your RUN or Cedula de Identidad.
2. Request the specific type of certificate you need at the counter.
3. Pay any applicable fee — some certificate types have a small charge at the office.
4. Collect the certificate immediately or within a short wait.

How to Register a New Birth in Chile

New births in Chile must be registered at the SRCeI within 60 days of birth. Many hospitals have a SRCeI representative on-site to allow registration before the mother and child are discharged. If not, visit the nearest SRCeI office with the hospital birth record and both parents identity documents.

Getting a Chile Birth Certificate Apostilled

Chile is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. For international use, your birth certificate needs an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores).

1. Obtain a certified physical copy from an SRCeI office (the online PDF may not be accepted for apostille — confirm first).
2. Submit it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for apostille.
3. Processing takes approximately 3 to 5 working days.

The Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores provides current apostille fee information on their official site.

“Chile makes it genuinely easy to get a birth certificate. I downloaded mine from registrocivil.cl in about two minutes for a visa application, and it was accepted straight away. The apostille process for my work visa abroad was also well-organised.” — Camila R., Chilean national applying for a work permit in Germany

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the online birth certificate from registrocivil.cl legally valid in Chile?

Yes. The PDF downloaded from the SRCeI online portal carries an official verification code and is legally valid for most domestic and many international purposes. Some foreign authorities may require a physical stamped copy — check with the receiving institution before applying.

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

The online certificate is available instantly at no cost. In-person requests at SRCeI offices are usually processed the same day. Apostille processing takes approximately 3 to 5 working days.

Can I get a Chilean birth certificate from abroad?

Yes. The SRCeI online portal is accessible from anywhere. Chilean consulates abroad can also assist with certified copies if you need a physical document.

What is the RUN number used for birth certificate requests in Chile?

The RUN (Rol Unico Nacional) is the unique identification number assigned to every person registered in Chile. It is the same number shown on your Cedula de Identidad. You need this number to request your birth certificate online.

Does Chile require a translation for birth certificates used abroad?

Yes. Most foreign authorities require a certified Spanish-to-local-language translation in addition to the apostille. Use an officially accredited translator recognised by the destination country.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in Chile is one of the easiest processes in South America. The SRCeI online portal at registrocivil.cl provides a free, instant download for most requests. For international use, get a physical stamped copy from an SRCeI office and apply for an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Start the apostille process early if you have a firm deadline, as processing takes up to a week.