Your child’s birth certificate is a crucial document that will be needed at various points in their life, whether it’s for school admissions, applying for a residence visa, or obtaining health insurance. But what should you do if changes need to be made to the birth certificate?
Perhaps your child’s name was changed later in life, or maybe there was a typographical error that needs correction. In the UAE, birth certificates are issued by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), and any necessary changes can be requested through the relevant health center. Even if you no longer reside in the UAE, procedures can be followed to make modifications to the birth certificate.
This guide will outline the process for modifying your child’s birth certificate, including any differences that may apply if you are a former UAE expatriate.
Modification of birth certificate
To request changes to your child’s birth certificate, you can visit a public health center in the Emirate where your child was born. Alternatively, you can apply online through the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) website at mohap.gov.ae. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Visit mohap.gov.ae and log in using UAE Pass. If you are using the desktop version, you will need to authenticate yourself through the web authenticator code.
- Select ‘individual services’ under ‘services’ and then choose ‘Modification of birth certificate details’.
- Click on ‘start service’.
- You will be directed to your dashboard, where you should click ‘Modification of birth certificate details’.
- Enter the Qaid number, and the birth registration number at the top of the birth certificate.
- Input the mother’s or father’s date of birth and click ‘search’.
- The system will display the file matching these details. Click ‘create’ under the file listing. Once the system refreshes, click on the ‘edit’ button to submit a request to modify details such as the parent’s name (in Arabic or English), nationality, religion, or the child’s name, date of birth, or gender.
- Provide supporting documents for the requested changes.
- Make the payment of Dh65 or Dh130 (for English and Arabic), which includes courier charges.
- Your modified birth certificate will be delivered within two working days, as per MOHAP guidelines.
By following these steps, you can easily apply for changes to your child’s birth certificate conveniently and efficiently.
Documents required
If you prefer to make your request in person at a health center rather than applying online, please ensure you have the following documents with you:
– Original passports, Emirates ID, and residence cards for expatriates, along with copies of each.
– Original marriage certificate, properly attested if the marriage took place outside the UAE.
– Original birth certificate (or a police statement if the certificate is lost).
– If requesting a name change, letters from the Consulate and the relevant court must be provided.
No longer living in the UAE – can one make changes to the birth certificate?
According to the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), individuals seeking to obtain a birth certificate must visit the public health center in the Emirate where the birth took place.
If the applicant is not currently in the country, they must provide a Power of Attorney to a representative in the UAE to apply on their behalf. Another option is to contact their embassy in the UAE for assistance with the application process.
Documents required
– Power of attorney letter
– Photocopy of the old birth certificate
How can one find a MOHAP health center near them?
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and Emirates Health Services (EHS) jointly manage multiple health centers across each Emirate in the UAE. To locate the nearest health center, you can contact the MOHAP call center at 800 111 11.
Alternatively, you can access the locations of public health centers online by visiting the following webpage: https://www.ehs.gov.ae/en/services/health-care-facilities.
Also Read: How to apply for a birth certificate on WhatsApp in the UAE
