Can a Passport be Issued With a Birth Certificate in Bangladesh?
Can a Passport be Issued With a Birth Certificate in Bangladesh? In Bangladesh, the process of obtaining a passport has become more streamlined and digitized over the years. One of the most commonly asked questions by citizens, especially first-time applicants and those living in rural areas, is, “Can a passport be issued with a birth certificate in Bangladesh?” The short answer is yes, but there are specific conditions and documents required to make this possible.
This article provides a detailed explanation of how a birth certificate can be used for passport application purposes in Bangladesh and what you need to know to avoid delays or rejections. This information is especially important for applicants who do not yet have a National Identity Card (NID).
Who Can Apply for a Passport in Bangladesh?
In Bangladesh, any citizen, regardless of age, can apply for an e-passport or Machine Readable Passport (MRP), provided they can prove their citizenship status through valid documents. Previously, an NID was mandatory, but newer policies have allowed the use of a verifiable Birth Registration Certificate (BRC) as an alternative for those under 18 or those who do not yet possess a national ID.
Is a Birth Certificate Enough to Get a Passport?
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) accepts a 17-digit Birth Registration Certificate (BRC) as a substitute for the NID in specific cases. However, the BRC must be:
- 17 digits long
- Digitally generated
- Verifiable online at everify.bdris.gov.bd
If your birth certificate lacks digital registration or verifiability, you must update it at your local municipal office or union parishad. Bangladesh does not accept older handwritten or 16-digit birth certificates for passport issuance.
Mandatory Documents for Passport Application with Birth Certificate
If you’re planning to apply for a passport in Bangladesh using a birth certificate, here is a list of documents you will need:
| Required Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| 17-digit Birth Registration Certificate | Must be verifiable on everify.bdris.gov.bd |
| Photographs | Recent passport-size photos with white background |
| Guardian’s NID (for minors) | Required if the applicant is under 18 years of age |
| Utility Bill / TIN Certificate (if adult) | Optional but helps with address verification |
| Application Form | Must be filled accurately through www.epassport.gov.bd |
Who Can Apply with a Birth Certificate?
Generally, the following categories of applicants in Bangladesh are eligible to apply for a passport using a Birth Registration Certificate:
- Minors below 18 years
- First-time applicants without NID
- Students or dependents whose NID is under processing
- Special cases approved by the DGIP
If you’re a student above 18, you are strongly advised to apply for a National Identity Card first, as the birth certificate option is primarily intended for minors.
How to Verify Your Birth Certificate Online?
Before beginning the passport application process, you must ensure that your BRC is verifiable. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official verification site: https://everify.bdris.gov.bd
- Enter your 17-digit Birth Registration Number
- Provide date of birth
- Click verify
If the system shows your birth record, then you can proceed confidently with your passport application. If it doesn’t, contact your local Union Parishad or City Corporation office for correction or re-issuance.
How to Apply for an e-Passport with Birth Certificate
Here is a step-by-step guide to apply for an e-passport in Bangladesh using a birth certificate:
Step 1: Online Registration
Go to the official portal: www.epassport.gov.bd
- Create a new account
- Fill out the application form accurately
- Choose your passport office and appointment date
Step 2: Upload Required Documents
- Upload a scanned copy of your birth certificate
- Upload a passport-size photo
- Upload guardian’s NID (if applicable)
Step 3: Appointment and Biometric Submission
- Visit the passport office on your scheduled date
- Submit original documents
- Provide fingerprints, photograph, and signature
Step 4: Payment
Make the payment via bank or mobile wallet depending on your processing time preference (e.g., Regular, Express, or Super Express).
Step 5: Collect Your Passport
You’ll receive an SMS when your passport is ready. You can also track it through the portal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a non-verifiable or handwritten birth certificate
- Using someone else’s birth certificate or NID
- Entering incorrect data during online registration
- Missing appointment date or arriving late
Can Adults Apply Using Birth Certificate?
Technically, adults are expected to apply using their National ID. However, if you’re an adult and do not yet have an NID due to valid reasons (e.g., waiting for EC approval or NID correction), you may be allowed to use a verifiable BRC, subject to special approval. It is always safer and faster to first apply for a National ID card before attempting to apply for a passport.
Important Official Links
Here are some official links that will help you in the passport application process:
- ePassport Portal: www.epassport.gov.bd
- Birth Certificate Verification: everify.bdris.gov.bd
- Bangladesh NID Application: services.nidw.gov.bd
Conclusion
So, is it possible to issue a passport in Bangladesh using a birth certificate? The answer is yes—but only if the birth certificate is digitally registered, 17 digits long, and verifiable online. The process is fairly simple, but applicants must be cautious about document authenticity and follow proper online procedures.
