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Disclaimer / Limitations
This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff in consultation with in-country lawyers and/or CRVS legal experts. All efforts were made to ensure the accuracy of the legal analysis, however, if you consider there to be any discrepancies or if there have been changes in the law of the country since our staff last updated the legal analysis, we welcome any additional information or insights. Please contact us via this form.
Birth Registration
Bolivia
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Bolivia
Birth Registration
Certificates and Related Services
Certificates and Related Services
Certified Copies
Is the first copy of birth certificate provided free of charge?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Legislation should require the registrar, upon completion of registration, to issue an original birth certificate to the parents of the child free of charge. Ideally, the local registrar has the power to issue a birth certificate, as this will shorten the time frame for certificate issuance.
Yes. According to Law No. 548 of July 17, 2014 (Children and Adolescents Code), Article 114-I, every child must be registered in the Civil Registry and is entitled to receive the first birth certificate free of charge.
Is a Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) assigned at birth?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
The UN guidance recommends that a unique personal identifier (UPI) is assigned and entered into the birth record for every child born within the territory of the country, regardless of citizenship, ethnicity, nationality, or residency status. This facilitates the linkage of records in the CR and ID systems.
Yes. Under Law No. 145 of June 27, 2011 (Law on the General Personal Identification Service), the General Personal Identification Service (SEGIP) assigns a Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) to every individual. According to Article 18(a), the UPI is issued when the national identity card is created for all Bolivians at birth, based on verification of the Civil Registry (SERECI) and the birth certificate. The UPI is thus linked to birth registration, although the law does not specify whether it is randomly generated.
Registration Linked to Access to Key Services and Other Incentives
Is proof of birth registration required in order to access any public services?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Birth certificate should be requested for child immunizations and wellness checks. Absence of a birth certificate should not prevent the child from accessing healthcare. However, if health workers (such as vaccination workers, doctors, nurses) see an unregistered infant, they can use the opportunity to register the child. Legislation should allow for health workers to act as informants in these circumstances.
A birth certificate is required to access the “Juana Azurduy” Bonus, a national cash transfer program promoting safe motherhood and the development of children from birth to two years old. The program provides 1,820 Bolivianos (approx. USD 261) over 33 months to mothers without short-term or social health insurance who comply with regular prenatal and child health check-ups.
Is proof of birth registration required by law to issue a national ID card?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
For those born in the country, birth registration should be required in order to register for a national ID. For refugees, migrants or stateless persons born outside the country and lacking proof of birth registration from country of origin, the law should provide alternative means to validate their identity and obtain identity credentials.
The General Personal Identification Service (SEGIP) is the sole authority in Bolivia authorized to issue national identity cards to all citizens by birth. The issuance of an identity card is based on the verification and comparison of data from the Civil Registry Service (SERECI) and the individual’s birth certificate.
