Can a Passport be Issued With a Birth Certificate in Bangladesh?

Can a Passport be Issued With a Birth Certificate in Bangladesh? Navigating the passport application process in Bangladesh can feel confusing, especially when you are unsure which documents qualify. One of the most frequently asked questions, particularly among first-time applicants and parents of young children, is whether a birth certificate alone is enough to get a passport.
Having worked through this process with several families firsthand, I can confirm the answer is yes but with specific conditions that must be met. Here is everything you need to know to get it right the first time.
Who Can Apply for a Passport in Bangladesh?
Not everyone walking into a passport office has a national identity card in hand, and the system accounts for that. Any citizen, regardless of age, can apply for an e-passport or machine-readable passport (MRP), provided they can demonstrate their citizenship status through valid documents.
The Birth Registration Certificate (BRC) is accepted as a legitimate alternative to the NID for the following:
- Minors under 18
- First-time applicants without an NID
- Students and dependents whose NID is still under processing
- Special cases approved by the DGIP
Note: Anyone above 18 is strongly advised to obtain a National Identity Card first, as the BRC route is primarily intended for minors and those in rural areas awaiting their national ID.
Is a Birth Certificate Enough to Get a Passport?
Yes, but with conditions that matter. The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) accepts a Birth Registration Certificate as a substitute for the NID, but the BRC must meet all of the following standards:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | It must be exactly 17 digits |
| Format | Must be digitally generated |
| Verifiability | Must be verifiable online at everify.bdris.gov.bd |
| Language | Must contain data in English |
| Name Match | The name and parents’ names must match the application form and educational certificates |
Important: A handwritten or 16-digit birth certificate will not be accepted for passport issuance in Bangladesh.
For minor applicants:
- Under 18: BRC accepted alongside parents’ NID numbers
- Under 2: accepted in some cases depending on applicable guidance
For adults aged 20 and above:
- NID remains generally mandatory
- A verifiable BRC may be considered in select scenarios with special DGIP approval
- Relying on this without prior confirmation from the DGIP carries risk
If your birth certificate is not verifiable online, update it at your local municipal office or union parishad before attempting the passport application.
Mandatory Documents for Passport Application with Birth Certificate
| Required Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| 17-digit Birth Registration Certificate | Must be verifiable on everify.bdris.gov.bd |
| Passport-size photographs | Recent photos with white background |
| Guardian’s NID | Required if applicant is under 18 |
| Utility Bill or TIN Certificate | Optional for adults helps with address verification |
| Application Form | Must be filled accurately via epassport.gov.bd |
How to Verify Your Birth Certificate Online:
Before starting the passport application, verify that your BRC is confirmed through the official verification site. This single step prevents the most common rejection reason.
- Visit everify.bdris.gov.bd
- Enter your 17-digit birth registration number.
- Provide your date of birth
- Click “verify.“
Two possible outcomes:
- System confirms your birth record → proceed with the passport application
- The system does not confirm → visit your local Union Parishad or City Corporation office for correction or re-issuance
Do not skip this step and assume everything is in order; the online system is the only confirmation that counts.
How to Apply for an e-Passport with Birth Certificate
Step 1: Online Registration
- Go to the official portal at 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
- Scanned copy of your birth certificate
- Passport-size photo
- Guardian’s NID if applicable
Step 3: Appointment and Biometric Submission
- Visit the passport office on your scheduled appointment date
- Submit original documents
- Provide fingerprints, photograph, and signature for biometric submission
Step 4: Payment
| Processing Type | Speed |
|---|---|
| Regular | Standard processing |
| Express | Faster turnaround |
| Super Express | Fastest available option |
Make payment via bank or mobile wallet based on your preferred processing time.
Step 5: Collect Your Passport
- You will receive an SMS once your passport is ready
- Track your passport status anytime 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 the appointment date or arriving late
- Neglecting document authenticity checks before submission
- Failing to follow proper online procedures from the start
Can Adults Apply Using Birth Certificate?
Technically, adults are expected to present a national ID for passport applications in Bangladesh. However, if you are an adult without an NID for valid reasons, a verifiable BRC may be considered.
- Waiting for EC approval
- Going through NID correction process
- Subject to special approval from the relevant authority
Some scenarios discussed across Facebook and community platforms suggest this has been granted — but it is not a guaranteed pathway. The safer and faster route for anyone above 18 is to apply for a National Identity Card first before attempting a passport application.
Important Official Links
| Portal | Link |
|---|---|
| ePassport Portal | epassport.gov.bd |
| Birth Certificate Verification | everify.bdris.gov.bd |
| Bangladesh NID Application | services.nidw.gov.bd |
FAQs About Can a Passport be Issued With a Birth Certificate in Bangladesh?
Can a Passport be Issued With a Birth Certificate in Bangladesh?
Yes, a Bangladeshi e-passport can be issued using a birth registration certificate if you do not have a national ID. The BRC must be:
The 17-digit digital version
Verifiable online through the Bangladesh Register of Birth and Death Information System
Authentic and accurately matching all other submitted documents
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Passport with a Birth Certificate?
Minors below 18
First-time applicants without an NID
Students and dependents whose NID is under processing
Special cases approved by the DGIP
Anyone above 18 is strongly advised to obtain a national identity card first, as the BRC route is primarily designed for those under 18 or under 20, depending on applicable guidance.
What Are the Key Requirements for Using a Birth Certificate for a Passport?
BRC must be the 17-digit online version digital and verifiable
Data must be in English
The name and parents’ names must exactly match the application form and educational certificates
Minor applicants under 18 must provide parents’ NID numbers alongside the BRC
Adults aged 20 and above generally require an NID. Select scenarios may allow BRC use with special DGIP approval
Conclusion
In Bangladesh, a passport can absolutely be issued using a birth certificate, provided it is the 17-digit digital version and fully verifiable online. Whether you are applying for a minor or navigating special circumstances as an adult, having authentic, accurate, and properly verified documents is the key to a smooth, delay-free passport application process.








