Q: My birth certificate from Kolkata in 1972 is quite old and slightly damaged. Will this affect its validity for official documents?
A: A slightly damaged birth certificate does not lose its legal validity as long as the essential details—such as your name, date of birth, parents' names, and registration number—are clearly visible and legible.
However, if the document is:
Torn, faded, or stained to the point where information is unclear
Missing important sections or illegible content
Rejected by authorities during verification due to poor condition
…it is strongly recommended to apply for a reissued or digital copy of the certificate.
In today's digital-first systems, especially for passport, visa, or NRI-related services, a digitally verifiable and updated version is often required. Reissuing your birth certificate will ensure it’s recognized, scan-friendly, and ready for global use.
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