If you are a child's parent or have legal guardianship of a child, obtaining her birth certificate is usually a straightforward process. You need to have the proper information about the child and be able to verify your identity. There are additional requirements to obtain the birth record of children born abroad to U.S. citizens, and also third parties related to a child who nonetheless have a bona fide purpose for requesting birth records.
There are different types of birth records
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Obtain and verify all the relevant information for the child's birth. This includes full name of child at birth; name at adoption (if relevant); place, date and time of birth; and the full names of both parents, including mother's maiden name. Determine what type of birth record is desired. A certified birth certificate is a "long form" that gives the full details of a child's birth. A certification is a "short form" that summarizes the birth record. Some states offer commemorative birth certificates suitable for framing. Obtain the proper request form or write a letter stating your request (notarized for Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Birth for U.S. citizens born abroad). The request should include all the relevant information listed above. It
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should also state your relationship to the child (self, parent or guardian) and the purpose for your request (usually necessary only for guardians or others not directly related to the child). Be sure to sign the form or letter.
Include a legible copy of a photo ID to verify your identity. In most instances a driver's license or state-issued ID card will suffice. If neither is available, some states will accept a piece of mail addressed to you at your present address along with a second form of identification such as an insurance card or utility bill. Include the proper fee for the birth record being requested. In most cases fees can be paid by check, money order or credit card, but you should check the particular state's requirements to be sure. Do not send cash under any circumstances.
Obtain and verify all the relevant information for the child's birth. This includes full name of child at birth; name at adoption (if relevant); date and time of birth; country and city of birth; full names of both parents, including mother's maiden name; birthplace of both parents; passport information used by the child to enter the United States (name, date of issue, passport number); and present passport information for the child (name, date of issue, passport number). Complete the form to request a Consular Record of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Birth. A Consular Record of Birth Abroad is issued to the parents of a child after reporting the child's birth to the nearest consular office. This must be done before the child turns 18. A Certificate of Birth can be issued to the child or to anyone who can establish a legitimate reason for requesting the child's birth records. Include a photocopy of valid identification to verify your identity. Valid identification includes a driver's license or military card. Include an explanation of your relationship to the child. (This can be as simple as "I'm requesting my own birth record.") Sign the request form before a notary public. Include the appropriate fee made out to "Department of State." Fees must be issued by check or money order and drawn from a United States bank or the U.S. Postal Service. Do not send credit card information or cash. Extra fees apply for expedited requests. Ads
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Centers for Disease Control: Application Guidelines(http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/guidelines.htm) Documentation of U.S. Citizens Born Abroad(http://travel.state.gov/law/family_issues/birth/birth_593.html) Illinois Vital Records: Birth Records(http://www.idph.state.il.us/vitalrecords/birth_faq.htm#2a)
Centers for Disease Control: Where to Write for Vital Records(http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm) How to Apply for a Certified Copy of a Consular Record of Birth Abroad(http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_825.html)
Chris Blank is an independent writer and research consultant with more than 20 years' experience. Blank specializes in social policy analysis, current events, popular culture and travel. His work has appeared both online and in print publications. He holds a Master of Arts in sociology and a Juris Doctor. Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.
birth marriage and death image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com(http://fotolia.com)