How to Get a Birth Certificate from the National Statistics Office

written on August 30th, 2013 by Jean Del Mar

*Editor’s Note: If you have any questions about getting a birth certificate, please contact us directly. We try to answer all the comments in the comments section, but sometimes it takes time. Please bear with us.

National Statistics Office (NSO) is the Philippine government agency with the responsibility of acquiring and sorting through general purpose statistics. This is where you can get a copy of your marriage, death and birth certificates.

The birth certificate is the most common requirement needed by many companies for various reasons. For example, when I was applying for a passport, the main requirement was the NSO Birth Certificate.

Here’s what you need to do to get one.

First, fill-up the application form. You need to input your personal details including your parents’ information. You need to indicate in the form how many copies you wish to have and the purpose for acquiring it.

Don’t make the mistake of getting the other forms. Be sure you are filling out the birth certificate request form. There are other forms for Marriage and Death certificates. They all are identified by different colors.

Fill it up correctly, legibly and fast in order to get the nearest priority number. Avoid erasures and if possible bring your own pen.

Second step is form screening. Proceed to the step 1 area for screening. The screener will check all the necessary details. You need to submit a valid ID together with the form to justify that you are the owner and the requester (This is to secure confidentiality of the document).When it is approved, you will be given a priority number.

Note: If you are requesting for your siblings, parents or spouse’s birth certificate, you will have to provide your valid ID and their valid ID along with an Authorization Letter signed by the owner.

Third is payment. There are seats available while you wait for your number. Once your number is flashed on the screen/monitor, head to the counter. You will need to give the accountant your priority number, application form and the money amounting to Php 140.00. Get the Official Receipt. Don’t lose it. The staff will advise estimated time to claim the document.

Last is releasing. Proceed directly to the claiming area once you have the Official Receipt. Just place it inside the tray in front of the window. Be attentive and wait (about 30 minutes to 2 hours) for your name to be called. That’s when you can claim your birth certificate. Make sure to go through the document and check for any errors.

If you don’t mind waiting and process, the steps are simple. But if you don’t have the time to go and line up, there are other ways to do it.

You could apply online or go through a travel agency.

If applying through a travel agency, no need for you to queue. This option usually takes about a week. Contact us for more details on applying via a travel agency, click here.

But if you need the document right on that day, I suggest to personally apply for it. I hope this helps.

National Statistics Office Cebu

Address: 450-542 JIF Building (NSO), M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Cebu City, 6000, Cebu (Across Lite Shipping Office.)