Birth certificates contain much valuable information, including personal identifying data; data about the mother and, if possible, the father; the date, place, and manner of birth; and the birth weight. The infant's position in birth order among his or her siblings, and information about other biological facts, such as race or ethnicity, is recorded in some jurisdictions.



Most hospitals in the U.S. issue a souvenir birth certificate, which typically includes the footprints of the newborn. However, these birth certificates are not legally accepted as proof of age or citizenship, and are frequently rejected by the Bureau of Consular Affairs when included with passport applications. Many Americans believe these souvenir records to be their official birth certificate, when in reality it holds little legal value.

As an American you have a right to birth record certificates for you and certain members of your family. In most states, birth certificates are issued only to the persons named on the certificate, which would usually be you and your parents. There are some seventy seven million birth certificates available online.

Parents need a record of the birth of their children in order to obtain child benefits, tax credits and as proof of age of minors (under age 18). Avoid waiting until the last minute to start replacing a lost or damaged birth certificate. While the online services provide a rapid and inexpensive service for replacing birth certificates, there are some instances when more information might be needed. Birth certificates should be kept along with your other valuable documents in a safe place, preferably in a safe deposit box.

A Birth Certificate is one of life's most important documents; this is a list of the most common reasons why you might want to obtain and keep a copy of your Birth Certificate.

? Enroll child in school.

? Get sports All-star signed up for another season.

? Passport Application.

? Get a Social Security Card.

? Get Public assistance

? Get Social Security benefits.

? Adopted but want an original copy.

? Genealogy work.

? Reunite families.

? Need specific information found on the certificate.

? Adopted in the U.S. but born outside the U.S.

? Identification for minors.

? Marriage License

? Perinatal mortality rates

? Academic and examination purposes

? Replace a lost Birth Certificate

? Insurance Application

Birth Certificates are critical pieces of information that play crucial roles in some of life's most important events.

There are several Internet sites that offer rapid, secure, inexpensive services for getting your birth certificate in just a few days. Birth Certificates should be state issued, and appropriate for legal matters. Some states have raised seals, and some have stamped seals. Some states offer both certified and non-certified copies. Be sure to specify exactly the type of birth certificate you need when ordering from one of the Internet services.

Note: Some states, require a signed release before a replacement certificate can be issued. When you complete your online order, any special requirements for your particular state will be explained, and you will be given any copies of the necessary forms you might need.

Today, with all the online official record services, getting a copy of your birth certificate just isn't the hassle that it once was.