In the United States, original birth certificates are kept secure by various city, county, and state agencies. In most states, this is the Department of Health. As a result, most people never see their original birth certificate but rather a certified copy of the original.
Why do you need a real birth certificate?
You need an official certified copy of your original birth certificate. Since it is a valid form of identification, you will need it to:
- Apply for a Social Security Number
- Get a Learner’s Permit and Driver’s License
- Attend School
- Enlist in the Military
- Get a State-Issued ID Card
- Apply for a United States Passport
- Get a Replacement Social Security Card
- Apply for a Marriage Certificate
Additionally, you can use your birth certificate with other forms of identification like your state-issued driver’s license to prove your identity. For example, these two documents are used to complete an I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form when starting a new job.
Certified vs. Uncertified Birth Certificates
A certified birth certificate is the official birth certificate validated by the Department of Health. On the certificate, you will notice the following information:
- Your Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Time of Birth
- Location of Birth
- Your Parents’ Full Names
- Your Mother’s Maiden Name
- The Birthplace of Your Parents
- A Filing Date
There is an official government seal on the birth certificate, which could be an embossed, raised, or stamped seal. A government official also signs the certificate.
Uncertified birth certificates are novelty certificates often issued by hospitals for a keepsake for the new parents. The birth certificate could have the newborns’ footprints or handprints on it. It will show the newborn’s name, the date and time of birth, and the hospital’s name.
There is often a gold embossed seal placed on the informational birth certificate. It is usually signed by the attending physician who delivered the baby.
Signs a Birth Certificate Is Real
There are specific things to look for when determining whether your birth certificate is real and a certified copy, including the information we mentioned above. The most important ones are the official government seal and signature on the birth certificate. If the birth certificate does not have the official government seal and signature, it is an uncertified copy.
Is a Photocopy of Your Birth Certificate Valid?
Making a photocopy of your certified birth certificate copy is not illegal. For example, sometimes employers will ask you to provide proof of identity by providing a copy of your birth certificate and driver’s license. However, from a legal perspective, copies of your certified copy are not valid for official purposes.
How Do I Easily Obtain a Replacement Birth Certificate?
Suppose you have lost or misplaced your certified copy of your original birth certificate. In that case, you can request a replacement certified copy by ordering it online at FastFilings using our simple process.
- Step 1: Fill out a secure online form and provide the requested information.
- Step 2: We use this information to complete the official application and submit it to the department of health.
- Step 3: Receive a new certified copy of your birth certificate in the mail.
You can also order multiple certified copies of your official birth certificate, so you always have an extra copy whenever you need one like when applying for a U.S. passport.
Submit your online application to order a copy of your birth certificate today! Please feel free to contact us through our contact form online if you have any questions or need further assistance.