Benin is offering free birth certificates for children under 14 years old as part of its 2026 Identity Day initiative. This operation, conducted by the Agence nationale d’identification des personnes (ANIP) with the support of UNICEF, aims to ensure all eligible children receive official documentation. The program will run from September 16 to September 30, providing a free service period for this vital document. Children under 14 years old can benefit from this free birth certificate offer in Benin until September 30, 2026. This free service period is a temporary measure, with the overall benefit extending until September 30, 2026, for those under the age of 14.
Eligibility and Requirements
The free birth certificate offer specifically targets children whose births were declared and registered but for whom no certificate was obtained. It also includes those enrolled in the National Identification of Natural Persons (RAVIP) system who have never collected their document from the National Agency for the Identification of Persons (ANIP). Parents, guardians, or legal representatives are required to provide the child's birth declaration form number or their RAVIP receipt to access the service. This ensures that the process is streamlined for those already within the national identification system. Additionally, Decree n°2025-679 permits the registration of children under 14 years old, under specific conditions, upon requisition by the public prosecutor and based on testimonies. This initiative builds on previous efforts, as the birth registration rate in pilot structures increased significantly from approximately 22% to over 76% within six months of its launch, demonstrating the potential for widespread impact.
How to Obtain Certificate
Families in Bénin have two primary options for obtaining the free birth certificates, designed to cater to varying levels of internet access. One method involves using the ANIP BJ mobile application or the agency's service portal to locate the child's Personal Identification Number (NPI) and subsequently download the birth certificate without charge. This digital approach offers convenience and speed for those with internet connectivity. For individuals who do not have internet access, an alternative process is available to ensure inclusivity. They can dial *151# on their mobile phone to retrieve the NPI. After receiving the NPI via SMS, applicants must then visit an ANIP decentralized unit, bringing their phone with the received message to complete the procedure. ANIP has urged all eligible families to finalize these necessary procedures before the deadline of September 30, 2026, emphasizing the importance of securing legal identity for their children.
Broader Identity Goals
A press release concerning the initiative was signed on September 18 by Aristide Guy Adjinacou Gnahoui, the agency's Director General. The campaign for free birth certificates follows the celebration of International Identity Day, which was observed on September 16 in Parakou, marking a significant national commitment. Bénin has set a national goal to achieve legal identity for all its citizens by the year 2028, making initiatives like this key steps toward that ambitious target. This long-term vision shows the government's dedication to ensuring every individual has official recognition.
Context and Impact
The Agence nationale d’identification des personnes (ANIP) is conducting the operation with support from UNICEF, noting the collaborative effort behind this critical social program. ANIP is also reforming birth registration through Single Windows installed directly in health facilities, aiming to integrate the registration process smoothly into healthcare services. The pilot phase of this Single Window mechanism was launched in August 2025 at the CHU de la mère et de l'enfant de la Lagune in Cotonou. During this pilot phase, over 13,000 children were registered out of 17,071 declared births, demonstrating the initiative's effectiveness in increasing registration rates and streamlining the process for new parents. These efforts are vital for ensuring that all children are recognized and can access their fundamental rights.
