Documents and procedures for the Baptism Celebration

Introduction

Preparing for a child's Catholic baptism is a moment filled with hope and spiritual significance, where faith and family commitment are intertwined in a sacred act. For this sacrament to be carried out harmoniously and in compliance with the requirements established by the Church, it is essential to arrange the necessary documentation in advance, as this guarantees both the validity of the procedure and the active participation of those involved in the sacramental life of the community.

This document seeks to provide clear guidance on the common requirements for baptism in Colombia, including civil certificates, church records, and other documents related to the godparents, parents, and the child. Although each parish may have its own unique characteristics, the purpose is to provide you with an organized path to avoid setbacks and focus on the joy of celebrating this sacrament.

It's important to note that, in a context where digital procedures offer convenience, some documents—such as the Civil Birth Certificate—require special attention, as their digital format may not include the space for necessary notes in certain cases. Therefore, we always recommend confirming directly with the parish of your choice the types of documents accepted, their validity, and any additional requirements.

Along with submitting forms and copies, the pre-baptism process also involves spiritual preparation, such as the pre-baptismal course, which reinforces the commitment to guiding the child in the faith. We are convinced that every effort invested in this stage will be rewarded with the grace of seeing your child enter the Christian family, surrounded by love and blessings.

We trust that this guide will help you navigate the process with ease, ensuring that nothing is missing so that the day of your baptism is not only a duty fulfilled, but also an unforgettable encounter with God's mercy.

Below is a table of commonly required documents. It's vital to confirm this list with your chosen parish, as variations may occur.

Table: Checklist of Documents Required for Baptism

Practical Guide: How and Where to Obtain a Civil Birth Certificate in Colombia

The Birth Certificate is the document that certifies a person's legal existence. For baptism, a recent original copy is required.

• In-person Process:

1. 1. Go to the correct office: If you are in the city where the birth was registered, you can go to that specific registry office (the Registry Office or Notary Office where the registration was made). If you are in another city, you can consult the list of authorized Registry Offices nationwide and go to the nearest one. There are numerous Auxiliary Registry Offices in Bogotá.
   2. Provide the necessary information: Full name and surname of the registrant, date of birth, and if possible, volume number, folio, serial number of the original registration.
   3. Cost: The cost of a copy of the civil registry is $10,300 COP (rate 2025). Payment can be made at authorized banks or collection points.

• Digital Process (Digital Civil Status Certificate): The National Civil Registry has implemented the option to request the "Digital Civil Status Certificate" online, which includes the birth certificate.

1. 1. Enter the portal: Access the website https://rcenlinea.registraduria.gov.co/ .
   2. Registration/Login: If you don't have a user account, you must register. If you already have one, log in.
   3. Request Certificate: Select the registration type (birth), enter the holder's information (NUIP, NIP or serial number) and verify the information.
   4. Payment: The cost of the Digital Civil Status Certificate is $17,850 COP (rate 2025). Payment can be made online through PSE (Spanish Social Security Administration) or by deposit at authorized locations such as Efecty or SuperGiros.
   5. Reception: Once payment is confirmed, the digital certificate is generated (usually within 24 hours if it's by deposit, faster with PSE) and can be downloaded from the platform or sent to the registered email address.

• Important Note: Some digital copies may not include space for notes, which may be required for certain procedures, such as applying for a passport for minors if the parish or entity specifically requires it for baptism. It's prudent to verify whether a simple digital copy is sufficient for the parish or if a physical copy with all notes is required.

The digitalization of these civil procedures is a great modern convenience, but it is always advisable to confirm with the parish the formats and specific validity they accept to avoid setbacks.

Practical Guide: How and Where to Request Baptism/Confirmation Certificates (for Godparents)

The godparents' baptism and confirmation certificates are required to certify their sacramental status.

1. Go to the Parish of Origin: The request is made at the secretary's office or office of the parish where the sacrament (Baptism or Confirmation) was celebrated.
2. Necessary Information: Provide the person's full name, approximate date of the sacrament, and, if possible, the parents' names. Having information such as a book, folio, or registry number will speed up the search.
3. Cost: Costs vary by parish. Some may charge between $12,000 and $25,000 COP or more for issuing the certificate. Some parishes may offer an online application option, but this isn't universal.
4. Validity and Authentication: For certain procedures (such as becoming a godparent or obtaining an apostille), certificates usually require a recent issue date (generally no more than 3 to 6 months old). If the certificate is needed for international procedures or if the destination parish requires it, authentication by the Diocese to which the parish of origin belongs may be necessary.
5. If the Parish is unknown or the Archives are Old:

• • You can try contacting the appropriate Diocese for guidance.
  • The 113 hotline in Colombia could offer help locating parishes.
  • Online resources such as these have digitized many old parish records and can be a useful tool for genealogical research and record location.

We hope we have helped dispel any doubts about the documents and requirements for Catholic baptism in Colombia.