CIVIL REGISTRY DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATES
Full copy of the birth certificate
A full copy of the birth certificate is an essential official document for many administrative procedures. It contains all the information recorded in the civil register. It may also include any amendments made after the birth was registered.
The civil registry office that holds the certificate issues this document. In Morocco, this is usually the office in the place where the family registered the birth. Abroad, the relevant Moroccan consulate may hold the certificate if it registered or transcribed the birth.
Therefore, before you begin your application, always check the exact place of registration. This precaution helps to avoid errors and delays.
What is a full copy of a birth certificate used for?
A full copy of a birth certificate confirms a person’s identity, date of birth and parentage. It generally contains more information than a simple extract from a birth certificate.
Many government departments may require it. For example, it may be required to complete an application for marriage, citizenship or inheritance. It may also be required for certain legal, family or consular procedures.
Furthermore, the authority processing your application may specify a particular format. You should therefore check whether they require a full copy or an extract.
Who can request this document?
The person concerned may apply directly for a full copy of their birth certificate. Their ascendants, descendants and spouse may also make this application.
Furthermore, a legal guardian may submit the application when acting on behalf of the person concerned. An authorised representative may also act on their behalf with a valid power of attorney.
However, the authorities may require proof of the family relationship or of the power of attorney. For this reason, please ensure you have the necessary supporting documents ready before visiting the office or placing your order online.
Where can I request a full copy?
You can submit your application to the registry office where the certificate is held. If you know the exact reference details, the service can usually locate the document more easily.
For Moroccans living abroad, the consulate can also assist with the process. This applies in particular to births registered or recorded in consular registers.
In addition, the Watiqa.ma platform offers an online ordering service. However, not all civil registry offices and consulates necessarily offer this service.
How do I submit an application via Watiqa?
First, go to the Watiqa website and select the office that holds your certificate. Then enter the requested information, such as your place of birth and the year of registration.
Next, carefully enter the certificate number. This reference helps the registry office to locate your file quickly.
Then, fill in your personal details. Provide a valid email address so that you can receive information about your order.
You must also provide a full postal address. Clearly state the recipient’s name, street, town and postcode.
Before confirming, double-check all the information. An error in the name or certificate number may delay processing.
Finally, submit your request and follow the payment instructions. Once confirmed, keep the tracking reference provided by the platform.
What information should you check?
Firstly, check the place where the birth was registered. The place of birth and the place of registration may sometimes be different.
Also check the spelling of the surname and first name. The information entered must match that in the civil register.
Similarly, check the certificate number and the year of registration. You can find this information on an old civil status document or in the family record book.
Finally, ensure that your delivery address is correct. An incomplete address may prevent you from receiving the document.
Documents to be provided
Documents required for a full copy
To begin with, prepare a document setting out the reference details of the certificate. Ideally, it should include the place of registration, the certificate number and the year of registration.
You can use a family record book, an old extract or an old full copy. With these details, the registry office will be able to locate the certificate more quickly.
Next, present a valid form of identification. Depending on your circumstances, you can use a national identity card or a passport.
If the applicant is not the holder of the certificate, the authorities may request additional supporting documents. In that case, please have the following ready:
- Proof of a family relationship with the account holder;
- A power of attorney where the holder authorises another person;
- A guardianship document where the guardian is carrying out the procedure;
- A copy of the account holder’s identity document, if necessary;
- A valid email address for online tracking;
- A full postal address for delivery.
Furthermore, the registry office may request additional documentation. This requirement depends on the holder’s circumstances and the applicant’s status.
If in doubt, contact the registry office or consulate directly before submitting your application. This will save you an unnecessary trip.
Timeframes and receipt of the document
Processing times vary depending on the registry office and the method of application. An application submitted in person may take a different amount of time to process than an online application.
Furthermore, delivery abroad may take longer. Processing times depend, in particular, on the destination country and the postal service.
Upon receipt, check the contents of the document immediately. Ensure that the name, date of birth and family details are correct.
If you notice an error, contact the authority that issued the copy as soon as possible. They will advise you on the procedure to follow to request a correction.
Tip: keep a digital copy of the document for your personal records. However, some authorities still require a recent original copy.
