How To Get a Clear Copy of a PSA Birth Certificate

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PSA certificates such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, and death certificate are required for certain transactions with government agencies and private establishments. The information written on these documents are the basis upon which the owner can establish his or her nationality, lineage, marital status, and other important details of a life event.

There are instances, however, when the entries in a person's PSA birth certificate are blurry and unreadable. These copies may be considered unacceptable by most (if not all) government agencies, banks, schools, and other establishments. When this happens, the owner of the certificate, the legal spouse, his or her children, and next of kin, may request for a clearer copy at the Local Civil Registrar's office (LCR) where the life event was registered. 

What do I do if my PSA birth certificate is blurry?

It may be important to know that a blurry birth certificate (or any other type of civil registry document) is not the fault of the PSA outlet or the PSA online application site where the birth certificate was requested or applied for. There is a way to get a clearer copy of a birth certificate so do not think that you must live with a blurry birth certificate for the rest of your life. Do not attempt to write over the unreadable portions of the birth certificate as well as this may affect the validity of the document. Let the experts work on the concern.

Visit your LCR

Birth certificate correction or administrative correction is not always the answer to a blurred copy of a PSA certificate. Before you begin thinking about filing a petition to get a clear copy, visit your LCR first and ask if they have a clear copy of your PSA birth certificate on file. Remember to bring a copy of the birth certificate with blurry entries. 

If they have a clear copy of your PSA birth certificate, have this endorsed to the PSA so you can get a clear PSA-certified copy of your birth certificate. 

When to file a Petition for Correction of Clerical Error

If the LCR's copy is also blurred, you need to file a Petition for Correction of Clerical Error under the provisions of RA 9048. This act authorizes the LCR to correct typographical errors and change the first name of the owner on his birth certificate without going to court (changing the first name is allowed under certain grounds specified under the law through administrative process).

This must be filed at the LCR where the birth certificate was registered.

What should be written on the petition?

The petition should be drafted as an affidavit, as prescribed in Section 5 of RA 9048. It must be notarized and must contain the following information:

  • Merits of the petition
  • Competency of the petitioner
  • Erroneous entry to be corrected and proposed correction
These are best discussed with the LCR or a lawyer.

Where to file the petition

Ideally, a petition for correction must be filed at the LCR where the civil registry document was registered. However, if the petitioner has migrated to a different city or province, the petition may be filed at the nearest LCR office of his place of residence. These types of petitions are tagged as migrant petition.

Documentary requirements when filing a Petition for Correction

The following documents will be required of you when filing the said petition:

  1. Certified photocopy of the birth certificate with blurry entries
  2. At least two private or public documents that can be used as basis for the correct entries such as:
    • Baptismal certificate
    • Voter's affidavit
    • Employment records
    • GSIS/SSS records
    • Medical records
    • Driver's license
    • Insurance policies
    • Land titles
    • Bank passbook
    • NBI or Police Clearance
    • Civil registry records of ascendants
  3. Notice and Certificate of Posting
  4. Certified machine copy of the OR of the filing fee
The LCR may require additional documents and IDs as necessary. Coordinate with your LCR before submitting the requirements.

Who may file the petition if the owner is unable to?

Apart from the owner of the birth certificate, the following may also file the petition for a blurry birth certificate (especially if the owner is a minor, or is physically or mentally incapacitated)

  1. Any authorized representative
  2. PSA
  3. Legal spouse
  4. Children who are of legal age
  5. Siblings
  6. Grandparents
  7. Legal guardians
  8. Any person duly authorized by law or the owner of the document
The key to solving the problem of a blurry PSA certificate is to communicate closely with the LCR. Get all the information you need and prepare the complete set of requirements to avoid delays. After you have filed the petition, make consistent follow-ups to know when you may possibly request for a clear copy of the birth certificate.

Never transact with a fixer and only pay at the city or municipal hall's cashier. Ask for an official receipt of all your payments and photocopy all your documents for your reference.


Reference:

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