Kerala Nativity Card: New Photo ID for Residents | Kerala News

Kerala to Introduce Legally Backed Nativity Cards, Replacing Birth Certificates for State Services

A new, photograph-bearing nativity Card will soon serve as an authoritative document for residents of kerala, streamlining access to government services adn addressing long-standing concerns about proof of residency.

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – In a significant move to simplify administrative processes and ensure ease of access for citizens, the Kerala state cabinet has granted in-principle approval for the issuance of permanent nativity cards with photographs. The cards, announced by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during a press conference on December 24, 2025, are intended to replace the current nativity certificates and, crucially, can be used in lieu of a birth certificate for various state government-related services and social needs.

Did you know? – Kerala’s move to introduce nativity cards is a response to citizen complaints about the cost and hassle of repeatedly obtaining birth certificates for various state services. The new cards aim to provide a single, permanent solution.

Addressing a Critical Need for Proof of Residency

The impetus for this change stems from the difficulties faced by residents in consistently proving their long-term connection to the state. As one official stated, “The plight of the people to prove their existence is worrisome. One should be able to easily prove to anyone that he is born and living in this country or is a permanent resident.” The current system, reliant on birth certificates, has been criticized for its limitations.A birth certificate, while confirming a person’s birth and residence, lacks the legal weight needed for certain applications and frequently enough requires repeated purchases for different purposes – a complaint frequently voiced by the public.

Key Features and functionality of the Nativity Card

The new nativity card is designed to overcome these shortcomings. It will function as a legally binding document, offering a secure and readily available means of verifying a resident’s origins and long-term connection to Kerala. Specifically, the card will:

• serve as a substitute for a birth certificate in many instances.
• Facilitate access to state government services.
• Be utilized for various social welfare programs.
• Provide a single, permanent document eliminating the need for repeated applications.

The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring no resident is excluded from accessing essential services and possessing a reliable proof of identity.

Pro tip – Residents should retain their existing birth certificates, even after receiving a nativity card, as some federal or out-of-state applications may still require them.

Legislative Framework and Implementation

To give the nativity card legal effect, a draft law is currently being prepared by the revenue department.This draft will be reviewed by the law department before being presented to the cabinet for final consideration. Once approved, the distribution of the cards will be overseen by tehsildars, local administrative officers responsible for land records and revenue collection.

The move comes as the state government continues to address citizen concerns and streamline bureaucratic processes. A related matter, concerning a separate incident, was also addressed by the Chief Minister during the same press conference

Reader question – How will the nativity card system handle residents who have recently moved to kerala and established residency? What documentation will be required for them?