You can get a birth certificate in Bolivia through the civil registry (Servicio de Registro Civil) under SERECI (Servicio de Registro Civico), either in person at a SERECI office or through the OEP (Organo Electoral Plurinacional) service centres. Bolivia has been modernising its civil registration system and online services are expanding.

What Is a Birth Certificate in Bolivia

In Bolivia, the birth certificate is called Certificado de Nacimiento. It is issued by SERECI and contains the full name, date and place of birth, and the names of both parents. Bolivia has been digitising older records, though some remote areas may still have paper-only archives.

Who Can Apply

• The person named on the certificate, if of legal age
• Parents or legal guardians of a minor child
• Authorised representatives with a notarised power of attorney

Documents Required

For New Birth Registration

• Medical birth certificate issued by the hospital or attending health professional
• Both parents identity documents (Cedula de Identidad Paraguaya or passport)
• Marriage certificate if parents are married

For a Certified Copy

• Cedula de Identidad or passport
• Application completed at the SERECI office

How to Get a Birth Certificate in Bolivia In Person

1. Visit the nearest SERECI office — located in all departmental capitals including La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and Sucre, as well as provincial offices.
2. Present your Cedula de Identidad or passport at the civil records counter.
3. Request a certified copy of your Certificado de Nacimiento.
4. Pay the applicable fee and collect the document — same-day service is available at most offices.

I assisted a contact in Santa Cruz who needed a certified copy of their birth certificate for a passport renewal. The SERECI office there processed the request within about 30 minutes on a regular weekday morning.

Online Services

SERECI has been expanding digital access through the OEP portal. Visit oep.org.bo to check current online availability for your department. Online services vary by region and record age.

How to Register a New Birth in Bolivia

New births must be registered at a SERECI office within 1 year of birth, though registration within the first few months is strongly recommended. Many hospitals have SERECI representatives available for same-day registration. Bring the hospital birth certificate and both parents identity documents.

Getting a Bolivia Birth Certificate Apostilled

Bolivia is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Apostilles are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores).

1. Obtain a certified copy from SERECI.
2. Submit it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille office in La Paz or a regional office.
3. Processing typically takes 3 to 7 working days.

Check the Cancilleria de Bolivia official site for current fees and submission requirements.

“I needed my Bolivian birth certificate apostilled for a work permit application in Argentina. The SERECI copy was ready the same day, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in La Paz processed the apostille in four working days.” — Carlos M., Bolivian national applying for residency in Argentina

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In-person requests at SERECI offices are usually processed the same day. Apostille processing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes approximately 3 to 7 working days.

Can I get my Bolivia birth certificate from abroad?

Yes. Bolivian consulates abroad can assist with certified copy requests. Contact the nearest Bolivian consulate for current procedures and processing times.

What if my birth was never registered in Bolivia?

Late registration is possible through SERECI. Required documents vary depending on the circumstances — visit the nearest SERECI office or check oep.org.bo for guidance.

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

Yes. SERECI charges a small fee for certified copies. Apostille fees at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are charged separately.

Can I get a birth certificate from a different department in Bolivia?

Records are increasingly centralised through SERECI, but for older records you may need to contact the specific departmental office where the birth was registered.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in Bolivia is straightforward at any SERECI office. For new births, register early — many hospitals offer on-site assistance. For international use, apply for an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and allow up to one week for processing.