- A lost birth certificate can still be replaced, but you only get a certified copy, because the original is issued only once.
- If you hold the original or a copy of the birth certificate, an online replacement application takes about 7 working days and costs HK$140 per copy (HK$275 per copy for applications from overseas), plus ordinary airmail postage.
- If you cannot show the original or a copy, you must first have the records searched. Replacement takes about 10 working days; the records search costs HK$140 and each replacement copy costs HK$140.
- When you apply, keep copies of everything you submit, check that the details you enter are accurate, and take care to protect your privacy and personal data.
If you have lost your birth certificate, you can still get a replacement, but only a certified copy, because the original is issued only once.
The sections below explain the booking, application and registration steps for replacing a lost Hong Kong birth certificate.
Replacing a Lost Birth Certificate in Hong Kong: Booking, Application and Registration (If You Hold a Copy or the Original)
If you hold a copy or the original, you apply for the replacement online. It takes about 7 working days.
Even if you did not apply for a birth certificate when the birth was registered, you can get one at any time later.
Whether you need one replacement or several, you must provide the original or a copy of a birth certificate you received before.
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Apply online
Apply for the replacement online and fill in the required details.
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Receive the confirmation
When you finish, the system gives you an application confirmation showing the application file number, the collection date and the registry where you collect it.
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Collect your new birth certificate
On the collection day, take the confirmation, or note down the file number, to the Birth Registry to collect your new birth certificate.
Documents needed
- Hong Kong identity card or a valid travel document
- Printed copy of the application confirmation
- The original or a copy of the birth certificate
The fee is HK$140 per copy, or HK$275 per copy for applications from overseas, plus ordinary airmail postage.
Please note
- When replacing a certified copy of a birth registration entry, you must show your original certified copy of the birth registration or a photocopy of it, or the result of an earlier birth records search.
- If the original birth certificate is lost, you must first have the records searched.
- If you cannot provide these documents, or the birth registration number on them is unclear, you must first have the birth registration records searched.
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Replacing a Lost Birth Certificate in Hong Kong: Booking, Application and Registration (If You Cannot Show a Copy or the Original)
If you cannot show a copy or the original, you apply online for the replacement and receive the records search result and the replacement certificate. It takes about 10 working days.
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Choose “No” when applying online
If you cannot provide “a certified copy of the birth registration entry, or the original or a photocopy of the result of a past birth records search”, choose “No”.
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Fill in the details
Then follow the system’s instructions. When the application is complete, you will receive an application confirmation.
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Collect the search result and the birth certificate
On the collection date shown, take the confirmation to the Birth Registry to collect the search result and the replacement birth certificate.
Documents needed
- Hong Kong identity card or a valid travel document
- Printed copy of the online application confirmation
| Fees | |
|---|---|
| Records search fee | HK$140 |
| Replacement birth certificate fee | HK$140 (per copy) |
Things to Note When Replacing a Lost Birth Certificate in Hong Kong
When you replace a lost birth certificate in Hong Kong, note the following:
- Keep copies of everything you submit, in case you need them later.
- Check that the details you enter are accurate, to avoid delaying the application.
- When replacing a birth certificate, take care to protect your privacy and personal data.
Struggling with marriage problems?
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How can you make your marriage happier and prevent divorce?
Unhappiness in a marriage is sometimes down to both sides. To make your marriage happier, you can try the following:
- Communicate more: keep an open, honest line of communication with your partner and share your feelings, thoughts and needs. Understand what the other person needs, and look for ways to solve problems together.
- Support each other: support your partner when they are having a hard time, and congratulate them on their achievements. This builds trust and closeness.
- Make good memories together: spend good time together and build shared memories. You could plan a trip, join activities or hold a family gathering.
- Show respect and gratitude: respect your partner’s views and choices, and show appreciation for what they do. This helps protect each other’s dignity and self-respect.
- Keep a balanced pace of life: arrange work and life sensibly so that you both have enough time for each other. Proper rest and relaxation also matter for a healthy marriage.
- Bring back romance and closeness: have regular dates or create romantic moments to grow closer. You could give gifts, write a love letter or plan a special dinner.
If you both find it hard to resolve your marriage problems, consider asking for help from a psychotherapist, a marriage counsellor or a legal professional.
If the person you married can no longer live with you, or you are facing domestic violence and feel you cannot cope, Sun Mood Divorce Consultancy can help you change your situation.
- Domestic violence in Hong Kong: definition, effects and where to get help
- Apply for divorce
- How do I apply for a divorce?
- Divorce mediation in Hong Kong: the process and its benefits
- Spot the common mistakes in the divorce process, and do not let emotion take over
- What to know about affairs and infidelity in divorce in Hong Kong
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