You can get a birth certificate in Guatemala through RENAP (Registro Nacional de las Personas), either online at renap.gob.gt or in person at any RENAP office across the country. RENAP is the sole authority for civil registration in Guatemala and holds all birth records in a centralised national database.

What Is a Birth Certificate in Guatemala

In Guatemala, the birth certificate is called Certificacion de Acta de Nacimiento. It is a certified copy of the birth registration record held by RENAP. The document contains the full name, date and place of birth, and the names of both parents. RENAP also issues the national identity document (DPI), for which the birth certificate is the required source document.

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 midwife
• Both parents DPI (national ID) or passport if foreign nationals
• Marriage certificate if parents are married

For a Certified Copy

• DPI or passport of the applicant
• Application submitted at the RENAP office or online
• Applicable fee

How to Get a Birth Certificate in Guatemala Online

1. Visit renap.gob.gt and navigate to the online services section.
2. Select the option for certified birth certificate copies.
3. Enter your CUI (Codigo Unico de Identificacion) number.
4. Pay the applicable fee online.
5. Download the certified digital document or select collection at a RENAP office.

I assisted a contact in Guatemala City with an online request through the RENAP portal. The system located the record immediately using the CUI number and the certified copy was ready for download after payment within 20 minutes.

How to Get a Birth Certificate in Guatemala In Person

1. Visit the nearest RENAP office — located in Guatemala City and in all departmental capitals.
2. Go to the civil records counter and request a Certificacion de Acta de Nacimiento.
3. Pay the applicable fee at the cashier window.
4. Collect your certified copy — processing is usually completed the same day.

How to Register a New Birth in Guatemala

New births in Guatemala must be registered at the nearest RENAP office within 30 days of birth. Some hospitals have RENAP representatives on-site. Bring the hospital birth certificate and both parents DPI documents.

Getting a Guatemala Birth Certificate Apostilled

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

1. Obtain a certified physical copy of your birth certificate from RENAP.
2. Submit it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille department in Guatemala City.
3. Pay the apostille fee and collect the authenticated document, typically within 3 to 7 working days.

Check the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores official site for current fees and submission procedures.

“I needed my Guatemalan birth certificate apostilled for a US visa application. The RENAP copy was ready the same day I visited their office in Guatemala City, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille was processed in five days.” — Jose A., Guatemalan national applying for a US visa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CUI number used for RENAP requests in Guatemala?

The CUI (Codigo Unico de Identificacion) is the unique identification number assigned to every person registered in Guatemala. It is the same number shown on your DPI card and is needed to locate your record in the RENAP system.

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

In-person requests at RENAP offices are usually processed the same day. Online requests are typically completed within a few hours to one working day. Apostille processing takes approximately 3 to 7 working days.

Can I get my Guatemala birth certificate from abroad?

Yes. Guatemalan consulates and embassies abroad can assist with certified copies. You can also try the RENAP online portal if you have your CUI number.

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

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

What if my birth was never registered in Guatemala?

Late registration is possible through RENAP with supporting documents such as a hospital birth record or school enrolment records. Visit the nearest RENAP office or check renap.gob.gt for guidance.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in Guatemala is efficient through RENAP, whether online or in person. The centralised national database means you can request a copy from any RENAP office regardless of where the birth was originally registered. For international use, apply for an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after obtaining a certified copy from RENAP.