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Get Birth Certificates in Iran – Tehran and Mashhad
In Iran, the equivalent of a birth certificate is the shenasnameh (شناسنامه), a booklet-style identity document that records an individual’s personal and family information including birth date, place of birth, and parents’ details. The shenasnameh is issued by the National Organization for Civil Registration (NOCR). Tehran, the capital, and Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city, are the primary centers for civil registration services.
Birth Registration in Iran
Under Iranian civil law, every birth must be registered within 15 days at the local civil registration office (edāre-ye sabt-e ahvāl). The hospital or maternity clinic issues a birth notification that parents use to register at the civil registration office. The NOCR maintains offices throughout Iran, including in all major cities. Once registered, a shenasnameh is issued for the newborn.
Documents Required
- Hospital birth notification
- Shenasnameh (national booklet) of both parents
- National identity card (kart-e melli) of both parents
- Marriage certificate of parents
- Completed birth registration form
How to Get a Birth Certificate (Shenasnameh) in Tehran
Tehran has multiple civil registration offices across its 22 municipal districts. To register a birth and obtain a shenasnameh in Tehran:
- Visit the nearest civil registration office (edāre-ye sabt-e ahvāl) in your district
- Submit the hospital birth notification
- Present the parents’ shenasnameh booklets, kart-e melli, and marriage certificate
- Complete the birth registration form
- Receive the newborn’s shenasnameh — typically issued within a few working days
How to Get a Birth Certificate (Shenasnameh) in Mashhad
Mashhad, the capital of Razavi Khorasan Province, has its own civil registration offices serving the city. The process mirrors Tehran:
- Go to the civil registration office in your district of Mashhad
- Submit the hospital birth notification and parents’ documents
- Complete the birth registration form
- Receive the shenasnameh for the newborn
Late Birth Registration in Iran
If a birth was not registered within 15 days, a late registration process applies. This may require a certificate from the hospital or midwife, a medical certificate, and in some cases a court order. Contact the nearest civil registration office for guidance on the specific requirements for late registration.
Tips for Getting a Birth Certificate in Iran
- Register within 15 days to avoid late registration complications
- Bring both the shenasnameh booklets and kart-e melli for both parents
- Keep the hospital birth notification in a safe place — it is required for registration
- For Iranians abroad, the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate can assist with civil registration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shenasnameh in Iran?
The shenasnameh (شناسنامه) is Iran’s official civil identity booklet. It records the holder’s full name, birth date, birthplace, parents’ names, and major life events (marriage, divorce). It serves as both a birth record and an ongoing identity document throughout a person’s life.
Is the shenasnameh the same as a national ID card in Iran?
No. The shenasnameh is a booklet-form document, while the kart-e melli (national identity card) is a separate card. Both are issued by the NOCR. Iranians typically need both for official transactions.
Can Iranians abroad get a shenasnameh for their newborn?
Yes. Iranians living abroad can register the birth at the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate, which will process the shenasnameh application through the NOCR.
Conclusion
Birth registration in Iran through the civil registration offices in Tehran or Mashhad results in the issuance of the shenasnameh — Iran’s lifelong civil identity document. Registering within 15 days with the hospital birth notification and both parents’ documents ensures a smooth process. The NOCR’s nationwide office network makes registration accessible across Iran.