Cover image via Perbadanan Labuan & Canva TeamsJust had a baby or counting down the days till your little one arrives?
The first few days and weeks of your child's birth can be a hectic whirlwind, but one important thing to tick off your to-do list is registering your child's birth and applying for a Malaysian birth certificate.
Image via Foden Nguyen/Pexels
Here's a complete step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Who can register a child's birth in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, the birth of a child can be registered by:
- Either parent (mother or father)
- Legal guardian
- An informant (a person who knows about the birth)
- Both parents, if the child is born out of wedlock
If your child is born out of wedlock, the father must be present during the registration process and sign the birth register along with the mother. Otherwise, the father's name will not appear on the birth certificate.
Image via Perbadanan Labuan
When do you need to register your child's birth?
In Peninsula Malaysia:
- Within 60 days: Normal registration (no fee)
- After 60 days: Late registration (RM50 fee, stricter requirements)
In Sabah and Sarawak:
- Within 14 days: Normal registration
- Day 15 to 42: Delayed registration (RM5 processing fee)
- After 42 days: Late registration (RM10 processing fee + more documents)
It's best to register your child as soon as possible to avoid late fees and extra paperwork.
Image via Canva Teams
Here are the required documents you'll need for birth registration:
For the baby:
- Birth registration form (JPN.LM01) – get it at the hospital, clinic, or the National Registration Department (JPN)
- Confirmation of birth form from the hospital (original copy)
- Prenatal card – maternity check-up book or gynaecologist appointment card (original + photocopy)
- If no prenatal card: AM80 declaration letter
- For home births: Certification from a licenced midwife or doctor, plus a police report (original copy)
For the parents:
- Identity cards (MyKad), entry permits, or passports (originals + photocopies)
- Marriage certificate or divorce certificate (original + photocopy)
- Death certificate of parent(s), if applicable
For the informer:
- Identity card or passport (original + photocopy)
Do note that in Sabah and Sarawak, the process is similar, but the forms are different. In Sabah, you will need to complete Forms A and N1 (extract); in Sarawak, you'll need to fill up Forms I and X (extract). These forms are available at JPN counters in Sabah and Sarawak.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Malaysian birth certificate at JPN:
STEP 1: Head to your nearest JPN branch.
STEP 2: Take a number at the counter and wait for your turn.
STEP 3: Submit all required documents when called.
STEP 4: Double-check all the birth cert details before confirming.
STEP 5: The birth certificate will be issued on the spot.
Your child will also be automatically registered for MyKid, the national identity card for children under 12. The MyKid number will appear on the birth cert, but the card itself will be issued later — the officer will inform you of the pickup date.
Can you register for your child's birth cert online?
Yes, you can technically register for your child's birth cert online via JPN's Online Birth Pre-Registration System. However, you will still need to bring your printed application slip to your nearest JPN counter for processing.
To register for your child's birth cert online, you will need to first sign up for a MyGovernment account. Next, log in to your account and fill out all the required information here.
Online birth registration needs to be made within 30 days after birth for Peninsular Malaysia, and seven days after birth for those in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan. Nevertheless, you'll have 60 days (Peninsular Malaysia) and 42 days (Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan) respectively to confirm your application at a physical JPN branch.
Image via JPN
What if you need to change your baby's name?
If you change your mind about your baby's name, you can still make changes within one year from the birth date. After that, the process becomes more complicated.
For more information regarding this topic, visit JPN's official website
This article was last updated on 5 May 2025. If you notice any discrepancies or outdated information, please let us know.
