Registering a birth or death late just got harder. The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2026 — Act No. 12 of 2026 — comes into force today, October 1, introducing a formal approval process for delayed registrations.

Under the new rules, registrations delayed by one to two years will require an order from the District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate or an authorised Executive Magistrate. Delays of more than two years will need an order from a Judicial Magistrate First Class. Applicants will also face verification checks and a prescribed fee before the registration is accepted.

The amendments were passed by Parliament during the 2026 Monsoon Session and received the President’s assent in August. The government says the tighter process will improve the accuracy of vital records and curb fraudulent or duplicate entries.

For families, the message is simple: register births and deaths promptly. Anyone with a long-pending registration should approach the designated magistrate’s office with supporting documents and be prepared for the verification process and the applicable fee.