Summary
If you wish to have an extract or a copy of a civil status document, please visit the municipality in which you live.
Since 31 March 2019, civil status documents have been authenticated by the electronic seal of the civil status document database (Banque de données des Actes de l'État Civil, BAEC). The BAEC is an authentic source for all documents drawn up after 31 March 2019, and its task is to ensure simultaneous updates of the national register data on the basis of the data listed in the BAEC.
A copy contains the original details of the document and the status history of the person to whom the document relates. Where appropriate, the copies mention the basis on which the document was drawn up.
An extract shows the current details of the document without the status history of the person to whom the document relates. You can also request it in the form of a multilingual extract, also known as an ‘extract from an international civil status document' (extrait d'acte d'État civil international). This model is mainly issued for countries bound by a convention on the issue of multilingual documents.
In detail
You can download the civil status documents that concern you directly and free of charge via the ‘Just on Web’ application of the Federal Public Service Justice (Service public fédéral Justice).
You can log in using your electronic identity card and its PIN code or via ‘itsme’ at the following address: justonweb.be/extracts
Civil status documents available via this application have the electronic stamp of the civil status document database (BAEC). They are therefore authentic and identical to civil status documents issued by municipal authorities.
Document drawn up on the basis of a foreign document
All Belgians or their legal representatives may ask the civil registrar in the municipality in which they live to draw up a civil status document on the basis of a foreign civil status document concerning them.
This must be done by the relevant departments (births, marriages or deaths). Take with you a full copy of the document and, where applicable, authentication and translation by a sworn translator.
How to get a certificate
Documents issued less than 100 years ago (50 years for death certificates and 75 years for marriage certificates) may be issued only to:
- the person concerned by the document,
- their husband/wife / legal cohabitant,
- their legal representative,
- their ascendants or descendants,
- their notary and lawyer,
- their heirs.
These persons may be represented by a proxy, who must carry a special power of attorney and the identity card of the principal (the person giving the power of attorney).
Costs
- Free of charge, by downloading them directly via the ‘Just-on-Web’ application. Only the documents that concern you are available: your birth certificate and that of your children, where applicable, your marriage certificate, nationality certificate, etc.
- A municipal fee (EUR 1 to 5) may be payable to any municipality in Belgium, regardless of your home address or municipality.