What Do I Need to Get a Birth Certificate For My Child?
Published April 1, 2022
A birth certificate is an identifying document necessary in the United States. It verifies your birth date, time, birthplace, and your birth parents’ names, ages, and birthplaces. Apart from documenting your birth and establishing your citizenship in the United States, a birth certificate is used to get other types of identification, such as a social security card or driver’s license.
Moreover, a birth certificate is required in some situations, such as enrolling in school, applying for government assistance, joining the military, obtaining a marriage license, securing insurance benefits, claiming a pension, or obtaining a passport. Occasionally, minors require a copy of their birth certificate in order to travel across state boundaries.
What Do I Need to Get a Birth Certificate For My Child?
The United States federal government does not issue birth certificates. They are maintained and distributed by the states and territories of the United States. So, in raising the question, “what do I need to get a birth certificate for my child?” The answer is based on the state’s vital records office requirements.
If you’ve recently had a child, you’ll want to immediately secure an original birth certificate. For children born in hospitals, a representative from the nearby vital records office often initiates the process. On the other hand, if your child was born in a birthing center or at home, you may have to apply on your own.
In general, you can order a birth certificate only for an immediate family member; however, the term “direct family member” varies. Given that the list of permitted relatives varies by state, it’s important to check with the vital records office to ensure that you qualify to request the document.
Instant Vital Records features an easy-to-navigate directory that includes connections to many states and territories. When you browse your child’s birth location, you’ll find information regarding the cost and application process for obtaining a birth certificate.
Who May Order a Birth Certificate of My Child?
When ordering someone else’s birth certificate, you must specify your relationship with that person. Certain states allow for heirloom birth certificates to be issued. These non-legal documents sometimes referred to as commemorative certificates, are obtained for sentimental reasons by a person’s relatives.
If you are not an immediate family, you may be required to submit additional information to support your request and establish your eligibility as a qualified applicant. This could be your birth certificate or a Power of Attorney.
You may order a child’s birth certificate if you are:
- Parent
- Legal guardian
- Stepparent
- Grandparent
- Sibling
To obtain your child’s birth certificate, the following information should be available:
- Complete name
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Birthplace
- Parents’ names
- Parents’ birthplaces
- Reason for request
- Social security number
Additionally, you must give updated contact information. Most importantly, provide a mailing address for the birth certificate.
Last Words
Instant Vital Records aims to make the process of getting and updating your child’s vital records as simple as possible. So, for example, if you raise the question, “what do I need to get a birth certificate?” we can assist you.
Lost Your Birth Certificate? Request A Replacement Online
Instant Vital Records offers a birth certificate replacement service you can use from the comfort of your home. Enter your information and our software will automatically complete the required forms for your state. We print and mail your forms along with required payments to your state health department. You can trust that we take your personal information privacy and security seriously with HIPAA compliant data storage and data encryption. To get started, simply click here to begin your application. Your replacement documents will arrive by mail to your home within a few weeks.
About The Author
Krizzia Paolyn, is an SEO Specialist and author. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She started her career as a content writer for various digital magazines and renowned publications. It has always been her passion to share her voice, and at the same time, to encourage others to share their voices as well.
