Have you ever found yourself in a frantic search for your birth certificate just before a crucial legal procedure? This scenario is all too familiar for many, particularly those born before the digital age. The Ministry of Health and Prevention provides a straightforward service for both nationals and expatriates to obtain a replacement for a lost birth certificate in the UAE. This service is accessible via the ministry's website and mobile app.

In 2023, the ministry introduced a digital service enabling all residents to apply for a new birth certificate online with ease, with certificates issued within a single working day. Here's how residents can apply for a replacement, including the requirements and fees.

To apply for a replacement, ensure the following conditions are met: The application must be made in person by the father, mother, or an authorized delegate. All submitted documents must be originals, including the passports of the parents or the individual concerned. If the applicant resides abroad, a power of attorney for a representative and copies of original documents are required.

In the absence of relatives in the UAE, consulate staff can receive the certificate. The applicant must provide a letter of authorization for the designated person to collect the replacement, along with an embassy stamp. Additionally, a review of the original certificate's status is necessary for issuing a new one.

Required documents include a copy of the existing birth certificate, if available, and originals or copies of the parents' and individual's passports. UAE nationals must also provide a copy and the original of the family book. Non-citizen mothers must submit their passports and valid residency permits.

Applications can be submitted through the e-system or public health centers, with fees payable online or at the centers. Upon document review, the birth certificate will be issued and must be collected by the father or the applicant's representative from a public health center. An electronic copy can also be sent via email.

The fee for issuing a replacement certificate in both Arabic and English is Dh65.