Certificates of birth, marriage and death are issued by the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) through District / Divisional Registrars. Certified copies can be requested, including via the e-BMD online system.
How to apply
- 1Register the event at the relevant District / Divisional Registrar within the time limit.
- 2For a certified copy, apply at the local registrar or through the RGD e-BMD portal.
- 3Provide details to locate the record (names, date, place).
- 4Pay the copy fee; a faster (expeditious) service is available for more.
- 5Collect the certified copy from the registrar.
Documents required
- Details of the person / event (name, date, place)
- Applicant’s NIC
- For late registration: letter of explanation
- Hospital record (recent births), where applicable
Fees & time
| Service | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy | Normal | Copy fee applies |
| Expeditious copy | Faster | Higher fee |
| Late registration (over 12 months) | Needs RG approval | Extra fee per lapsed year |
Fees can change — confirm on the official site or call 1919 before paying.
Good to know
Births registered more than a year late need Registrar-General approval before issue. Overseas Sri Lankans can request copies through their nearest mission via e-BMD.
Frequently asked questions
Last updated: 2026-07-25