Many people get confused between the terms “CRC” (Child Registration Certificate) and “birth certificate.” It’s important to understand the difference between these two documents, as they serve different purposes.
What is a CRC?
A CRC is a document issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to register children under the age of 18. It is a mandatory document for all Pakistani citizens, and it is required for a variety of purposes, such as applying for a CNIC, passport, or school admission.
What is a birth certificate?
A birth certificate is a document issued by a Union Council or Cantonment Board to record the birth of a child. It is not mandatory, but it is often required for certain purposes, such as applying for a visa or enrolling in a school outside of Pakistan.
CRC vs Birth Certificate: Key Differences
CRC and birth certificates are two important documents for Pakistani citizens, but they have different purposes. Here is a quick guide to the key differences between the two:
CRC
- Issued by NADRA
- Mandatory for all Pakistani citizens under 18
- Used for a variety of purposes, such as applying for a CNIC, passport, or school admission
- Contains information about all the children in a family under 18
- Contains an identity number for each child, which is used to issue a CNIC at the age of 18
To apply for a CRC:
- You will need to provide the child’s birth certificate issued by a Union Council, Cantonment Board, or CDA, or an affidavit from a midwife if the child was born at home.
Birth Certificate
- Issued by a Union Council, Cantonment Board, or CDA
- Not mandatory, but often required for certain purposes, such as applying for a visa or enrolling in a school outside of Pakistan
- Contains information about only one child
- Does not contain an identity number
- Applied for before issuing a CRC
To apply for a birth certificate:
- You will need to provide a birth certificate/letter issued by the hospital where the child was born.