What is Required to Get a Passport With a Birth Certificate?
March 30, 2026 8:03 pm
What is Required to Get a Passport With a Birth Certificate? Once you understand the requirements, obtaining a passport in Bangladesh becomes more straightforward than most people think. The real challenge lies in understanding which documents apply to your specific situation, and that is precisely what this guide walks you through.
From birth registration certificates to biometric submissions, every step has a logic behind it. Whether you are applying for yourself, your child, or a family member abroad, having the right information upfront saves you time, money, and unnecessary trips to the passport office.
What is Required to Get a Passport With a Birth Certificate?
Most people are surprised to learn that the required documents do not adhere to a universal standard. Bangladesh has structured its requirements around age groups, and knowing which category you fall into saves you from carrying the wrong paperwork. At its core, the process demands either a 17-digit online verifiable birth registration certificate, commonly referred to as the “BRC,” or a national identity card, depending on your age and situation.
For any applicant, the starting point is always the epassport.gov.bd portal, where you submit your online application using English data. From there, you will need:
- A printed application summary
- An appointment slip generated through the E-Passport portal
- Proof of payment
- A recent passport-size photo
- For minors, parents must provide their own NID or passport copies as parental identification
The BRC must be digital and verifiable online, not a handwritten or scanned copy, which is a detail many applicants overlook.
The broader documentation framework also includes proof of fees, which can be submitted as the following:
- Money order
- Bank check
- Online payment receipt
When there are informational changes in the application, you may need to provide supporting documents, such as a school ID for students or other legal documents. What ties all of these elements together is that every document must reflect consistent information across your birth registration, NID, and application form, because even a minor mismatch can lead to rejection.
Applicants Below 18 Years of Age
For anyone under 18, the rules are actually quite straightforward once you know them. Since minors do not yet qualify for a National Identity Card, the 17-digit online birth registration certificate becomes the sole mandatory proof of identity and age. This certificate must be digitally registered, meaning a handwritten birth registration document will not be accepted under any circumstances.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Document | 17-digit Online Birth Registration Certificate (BRC) |
| NID Required | No |
| Parental Identification | Required for children under 15 (NID or passport copies of parents) |
| Certificate Type | Must be digitally registered and verifiable online |
What I always tell parents is to double-check the certificate before walking into any passport office. The birth certificate is sufficient for this age group, but only when it meets the digital and verifiable standards set by the Bangladesh government.
Applicants Aged 18 to 20 Years
This cohort is the age group where most confusion arises, and understandably so. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 20 sit in a transitional phase where they may or may not have received their national identity card yet. Fortunately, the system accounts for these challenges with two options for identity verification:
| Option | Document Required | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | National Identity Card (NID) | If NID has already been obtained |
| Option 2 | 17-digit Online Birth Registration Certificate | If NID has not yet been issued |
The Certificate Status Tracker can be used to verify the current status of your NID application, which is something I strongly recommend checking before your appointment to avoid last-minute surprises.
Applicants Above 20 Years of Age
Once you cross the 20-year threshold, the national identity card becomes the primary document for passport applications, and there is little flexibility at this point for applicants within Bangladesh.
| Applicant Type | Primary Document | Exception |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Applicants (Above 20) | National Identity Card (NID) | No alternative accepted |
| Bangladeshis Applying from Missions Abroad | NID or 17-digit BRC | BRC accepted under certain conditions |
It is always advisable to confirm the details directly with the respective Bangladesh Embassy or High Commission before making your trip, as conditions may vary by mission.
Importance of Birth Registration for Passport Application
Birth registration is not merely a bureaucratic formality. It is the fundamental requirement for establishing identity in Bangladesh, serving as proof of the following:
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Parentage
All of which are essential when applying for a passport. The Bangladesh government has made it mandatory to hold a digitally registered 17-digit birth certificate for all official documentation, a move aimed at improving accuracy and eliminating fraudulent activities across identity document systems.
From an administrative point of view, this requirement is directly related to the National ID application process and works well with identity document wallets and online legal consultation services that check your records. The application ID tracking system further ensures that every birth registration entry is linked to a verifiable digital record, making it nearly impossible to submit falsified documents. If your birth registration is not correct, no other document can make up for it.
How to Apply for a Passport with Birth Registration
The application process, when broken down step by step, is far more manageable than it appears.
Step 1: Obtain Your Birth Registration Certificate
- Apply at your local Union Parishad, Municipality Office, or City Corporation
- Ensure the certificate carries the 17-digit number and is digitally registered
Step 2: Verify Your NID (For Applicants 18 and Above)
- Visit the Bangladesh Election Commission or your local NID office
- Confirm that your National Identity Card information matches your birth certificate exactly
- Any discrepancy is one of the most common reasons for rejection and is entirely avoidable
Step 3: Register Online and Schedule Your Appointment
- Fill out the passport application form on the E-Passport portal using English data
- Schedule an appointment for biometric submission at a designated passport office
Step 4: Attend Biometric Submission
- Appear in person for fingerprint scanning, iris scanning, and digital photo capture
- Bring all original documents, as photocopies will not substitute for originals at this stage
- Submit parental consent documentation for minors if applicable
Step 5: Make Payment
- Pay through approved methods at the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP)
- Choose between regular or express processing depending on urgency
Step 6: Track and Collect Your Passport
- Use the online tracking system to monitor your application progress
- Receive an SMS alert once your passport is ready
- Collect from the designated office or, for overseas applicants, from the nearest Bangladeshi embassy or high commission.
Key Requirements Checklist
Walking into a passport office prepared means having every item on this checklist ready before your appointment.
| # | Document / Item | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17-digit Online Birth Certificate (BRC) | Must be digital and verifiable online |
| 2 | Printed Online Application Summary | Generated from the E-Passport portal |
| 3 | Appointment Slip | Printed from the E-Passport portal |
| 4 | Recent Passport-Size Photos | Must meet official DIP specifications |
| 5 | Parental Identification | NID or passport copies of parents (for children under 15) |
| 6 | Proof of Fees | Money order, bank check, or online payment receipt |
| 7 | Supporting Documents | School ID for students or legal documents for information |
Every document must reflect consistent information, because even small discrepancies between your birth registration certificate, NID, and application form can trigger delays or outright rejection.
Common Issues and Solutions in Passport Application
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Information Mismatch | Birth registration details do not match NID | Review both documents side by side before submission |
| Expired or Invalid Documents | Submitting outdated birth certificate or NID | Please verify the validity of your documents well in advance of the appointment. |
| Delayed Processing | High application volume or incomplete submission | Opt for expedited passport service for urgent processing |
Planning ahead and applying well before your intended travel date remains the single most effective way to avoid these situations entirely.
Online Registration Process of E-Passport
To get an e-passport online, follow these steps:
Step 1: Register Online
Fill out the application on the E-Passport portal using English data.
Step 2: Schedule Appointment
Book a biometric submission date at your nearest passport office.
Step 3: Attend Biometrics
Appear in person for fingerprints, an iris scan, and a photo, and submit all original documents.
Step 4: Make Payment
Pay via approved methods and choose between regular or express processing.
Step 5: Track Application
Monitor the progress of your application through the online tracking system.
Step 6: Collect Passport
Receive your SMS alert and pick up your passport from the designated office or embassy.
Official Source
- E-Passport Online Registration Portal: https://www.epassport.gov.bd/
- Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP): https://www.dip.gov.bd/
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) – Bangladesh: https://www.mofa.gov.bd/
FAQs About Required to Get a Passport With a Birth Certificate
Can I apply for a passport with only a birth certificate in Bangladesh?
Yes, if you are under 18 years of age, a 17-digit, online, verifiable birth registration certificate is sufficient to apply for a passport. However, applicants over the age of 20 are generally required to present a National Identity Card (NID) as the primary document.
What should I do if my birth registration details do not match my NID?
You should resolve the discrepancy before submitting your passport application. Visit your local Union Parishad, municipality office, or city corporation to correct your birth registration details, and cross-check them against your NID to ensure both documents reflect identical information before proceeding.
How long does the passport application process take in Bangladesh?
The processing time depends on the type of service selected. Regular processing typically takes longer, while the expedited passport service prioritizes your application for urgent processing at an additional fee. You can monitor your application status through the online tracking system and will receive an SMS alert once your passport is ready for collection.
Conclusion
Applying for a passport in Bangladesh becomes significantly less stressful once you understand the document requirements tied to your age group and birth registration status. Whether you are a minor relying on a 17-digit BRC or an adult presenting your NID, preparation and consistency across all submitted documents is what ultimately determines a smooth, hassle-free approval.
Raba Khan 
Hi, I’m Raba Khan. I created bdbirthcertificatecheck.com to help people easily check birth certificates online. I share simple, clear guides so anyone can understand the process and avoid confusion. My goal is to make official tasks easier for everyone.
