Short answer
Yes. If you were born and live in Nepal and your father's identity can't be established, the District Administration Office issues citizenship by descent in your mother's name. You need your mother's citizenship, your birth and school certificates, a local verification report (सर्जमिन मुचुल्का) from your local level, your mother to verify you in person and a signed self-declaration. The fee is a Rs 10 stamp and it's issued the same day with complete documents.
The details
What to bring
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Application on Schedule 1, with photo | Certified by the ward |
| Your mother's citizenship certificate | Original and copy |
| Your birth registration and school certificates | Showing your date of birth |
| Local verification report (सर्जमिन मुचुल्का) | From your local level. It must confirm you were born in Nepal, that she is your mother and that your father couldn't be identified |
| Self-declaration on Schedules 4(a) and 4(b) | Signed at the office |
| Two passport-size photos | Full face, both ears visible |
| Your mother, in person | To verify you (सनाखत) |
Where and how long
The citizenship section of the District Administration Office of your permanent district. DAO Ilam's charter says it's issued the same day once all documents are in.
Why the verification report matters
The local verification report is what separates this route from a normal application. Ask your ward or municipality early, because it involves local witnesses and can take a few days to arrange.
Common problems
My father is known but abroad, absent or dead.
Then you apply by descent in the normal way. This route is for when the father can't be identified. See the main citizenship guide, where your mother or a close relative verifies you.
My mother has passed away.
You can still apply. DAO Ilam lists her death certificate as an extra document, to go with her citizenship copy. Ask the office who can verify you in her place.
My mother isn't able to verify me because of a mental illness.
DAO Ilam lists a doctor's recommendation for this case, to be submitted in place of her in-person verification.
My father is a foreign citizen.
That's a different situation. Under the Constitution, a child born in Nepal to a Nepali mother and a foreign father can apply for naturalised citizenship rather than citizenship by descent. The rules for that are stricter.
What happens if the self-declaration turns out to be false?
The 2023 amendment to the Citizenship Act made a false declaration that the father can't be identified a punishable offence, with prison. Only sign it if it's true.
Where to go
Find the nearest DAO
Straight-line distance. Directions open in Google Maps.
Real experiences
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Related
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