A birth certificate is an official document that lists the full name, date of birth, place of birth, parent’s full name, and other identifying personal information. It has a variety of legal purposes, such as proving identity, age, home address, citizenship, and family relationships. In most cases, replacement birth certificates can be ordered online from the vital records office in the state where the person was born. When you order a birth certificate online, it requires filling out an application form, providing proof of identity, and paying a fee. Here are the important steps for replacing a birth certificate
1. Contact the vital records office
If you need to replace a lost or damaged birth certificate, the first step is to contact the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. You can usually find this information on your state or territory’s government website. In some cases, you may be able to apply for a replacement birth certificate online. Or if you prefer, you can visit a physical location at a municipal records office.
2. Provide personal documentation
When you request a replacement birth document, you must provide personal documentation confirming your eligibility. This may include a copy of your government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. If you don’t have a photo ID, you will need to provide two forms of non-photo ID, such as a Social Security card or birth certificate.
3. Pay the retrieving and printing fees
Depending on the state in which you were born, there is usually a charge for ordering a replacement birth document. In some cases, the fee may be waived if you can prove that you are indigent or if the reason for requesting the birth certificate is for proof of citizenship. The cost is around $30 USD but can be higher if you need rush delivery. You must pay with a credit card, money order, or certified check.
4. Look into expedited fees for rush birth certificates
Depending on the state in which you live, it may be possible to expedite the process of replacing a lost or damaged birth certificate. In many cases, you can request rush service for an additional fee. This may be a good option if you need to obtain a copy of your birth certificate in a hurry. Contact your local vital records office to find out if expedited service is available in your state. Be sure to have your information and payment ready before you call, as they will likely be able to process your request more quickly if everything is in order.
5. Store your new birth certificate in a safe, dry place
Once you have your new birth certificate, keeping it in a safe and dry place is important. A birth certificate is a vital piece of identification and should be treated as such. Be sure to store it someplace safe, like a fire-proof lock box or home safe. You may also want to consider making copies and storing them in different locations to be on the safe side. Once you have found a good spot for your birth certificate, check on it from time to time to ensure that it has not been damaged or moved. With a little care, your birth certificate will stay safe for years.
Replacing a birth certificate can be an easy process, but there are some important things to remember. Ensure you have all the necessary information and documents before starting the application process. You may also need to order a new copy of your birth certificate if you do not have one. Following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily replace your lost or damaged birth certificate quickly and easily.
