Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the convenience of users.
What do I need to do to obtain a certificate from the Public Registry?
Simply log onto the Government portal www.gov.mt and on its Home page, click on “Family Affairs” section. Then click on “Certificates online”, followed by “Order certificates online”. This web page describes how to order a certificate online by following five steps.
Which are these five steps?
- Choose the type of certificate you want to order
- Fill in the personal details
- Confirm that the details you inputted are correct
- Specify where the certificate will be mailed
- Enter the details of credit card for payment
What personal details do I need to input?
On the Application form, for example for a birth certificate, you need to fill in the Identity Card number (optional), name and surname, date of birth, and place of birth. Apart from these, details are requested of your father’s name, and mother’s maiden name. Then enter the type of certificate - whether a normal or a complete version, and the number of copies required.
The individual privacy of users, that is the personal details submitted on the application forms, is guaranteed. The information received online is protected by the Protection Act.
Do I pay on the Internet as well and how much do I pay?
Yes, one is able to pay online by means of a credit card. Once you complete the application/order form, click on ‘continue’ to fill in the credit card details for payment.
The extract certificate, which consists of the main details pertaining to the act in question, costs Lm0.50c. The complete certificate which includes all details, costs Lm2.00
Do I get a reference number?
Yes, an application reference number will be displayed on the screen after the transaction has been completed, and this should be kept for future use. If you type in your e-mail address, an e-mail notification will be sent as soon as the certificate has been dispatched from the Public Registry.
Is it safe to use my Credit Card on-line?
The payment system is based on the e-Government payment gateway and the payment will be transferred in a secure electronic form via Internet. The system is safe and free of any risk. The necessary precautions have been taken care of, so that confidentiality is maintained.
How long will it take for me to receive certificates at home?
Normally it takes between three or four days for the order to be processed before the certificate is dispatched by post.
Would it be possible to obtain a certificate for one who is born in another country?
Yes people who where born in another country and were registered in Malta and/or reside overseas can apply for a certificate though the web site.
From which year the Public Registry started recording birth, marriage and death certificates?
The certificates have been recorded since 1863.
What are the advantages of using an online service?
The Public Registry is one of the most sought departments. It receives thousands of requests for certificates during each year. In 2002, there were 113,000 requests.
Therefore, by means of the Internet, the individual saves time and money. Users are able to access the service at all times and on all days (24 hours x 7 days) One will be saving on the transport to the Public Registry in Valletta, time taken in the queues, and on the whole spends a couple of hours in order to acquire the desired certificates.
It is also a very convenient service for Maltese nationals living abroad, as now they are able to acquire certificates by ordering and paying online.
The service is easy to use and to access in terms of speed and entry points to be followed.
One must also include that the service is to satisfy the needs of the customer.
Quelle: di-ve
