Here’s How to Replace a Lost Birth Certificate in Georgia
What is a birth certificate?
A birth certificate is the record of your birth. There are two types of birth certificates: certified birth certificates and certificates of live births. A certified birth certificate is your official birth certificate that is recorded with the State of Georgia’s Department of Public Health.
The Georgia Department of Public Health keeps your original certified birth certificate on file. They issue a certified copy, which is considered a legal document and an official form of identification. This type of birth certificate will often have the state seal on it.
A certificate of live birth is a birth certificate used by hospitals to record live births. This type of birth certificate is for recordkeeping purposes and is not a legal document. However, many parents enjoy receiving a certificate of live birth as a keepsake since it often contains the newborn’s handprints or footprints.
Why do you need a birth certificate?
Suppose you have lost your birth certificate. Obtaining other forms of identification or proving your identity and citizenship status can be troublesome without a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Your birth certificate is your first official form of identification. You need a birth certificate to prove your identity for various reasons, including:
- Getting a Driver’s License or State ID Card
- Registering to Attend School
- Registering to Attend College or University
- Applying for a U.S. Passport
- Applying for a Social Security Card
- Proving Your U.S. Citizenship Status
- Opening Bank and Financial Accounts
- Becoming Employed
- Obtaining Health Insurance
Who can obtain a copy of your birth certificate?
In Georgia, only the person named on the birth certificate, their immediate family members, and legal representatives of the family may obtain a copy of your birth certificate, including:
- Yourself
- Your Parents
- Your Siblings
- Your Grandparents
- Your Legal Guardian
- Your Spouse
- Your Family Lawyer
In addition, certain state and federal agencies may obtain a copy of your certified birth certificate when it is required for their official purposes, such as providing your state or federal aid.
Who do you need to get a certified copy of your birth certificate in Georgia?
The documentation and information you need depend on who wants to get a certified copy of your birth certificate in Georgia. For example, you need to replace your lost birth certificate. You must provide a copy of a valid photo ID with your application form, such as your driver’s license or passport.
If your parents are requesting a copy of your certified birth certificate, they, too, must provide a copy of a valid photo ID. So, let’s suppose you lost your driver’s license and have misplaced your birth certificate. You could ask one of your parents to request a copy on your behalf if you did not have a passport or other valid photo ID you could use.
On the other hand, grandparents and siblings must also submit a certified copy of a birth certificate showing their relationship to one or both of your parents to get a copy. In addition, spouses have to provide a valid photo ID, a copy of your marriage certificate, and a notarized letter from you that gives them permission to get a copy of your birth certificate.
How can FastFilings help you get a new birth certificate?
What do I do if I lost my birth certificate? I can order one quickly and easily online by using FastFilings. In just a few minutes from the comfort of your home or workplace, you can submit your request to get a new certified copy of your birth certificate in Georgia.
- Fill out the secure online application form.
- Upload a copy of your official photo ID.
- Upgrade to expedited processing when you need your birth certificate faster.
- FastFilings reviews your application to ensure it was completed correctly and accurately.
- We use the information you provide to fill out the State of Georgia Department of Public Health application form.
- We file your request to replace a lost birth certificate in Georgia electronically.
- Receive an email confirmation showing your request has been submitted.
- Sit back and wait for your new Georgia certified birth certificate copy to arrive in the mail.
In the event you do not have a valid photo ID or are under 18, you can have your parents, grandparents, or siblings who are 18 or older fill out your online application on your behalf.
To get a certified copy of your birth certificate in Georgia to replace a misplaced or lost birth certificate, complete your online application at FastFilings today! Please feel free to fill out our online contact form if you have further questions or require additional assistance.