Birth registration card definition

New parents have a substantial amount of paperwork to complete after their child is born. This includes the actual pregnancy and birth, as well as long-term care for the baby.

It’s easy for some parents to get confused about the differences between birth registration, birth registration cards, and birth certificates. These are not the same thing, although they are all necessary steps related to the birth of a child.

Let’s see what the differences are and how and when to register a birth.

What Is a Birth Registration Card?

A birth registration card can take several forms depending on the state and year in which the child is born. Essentially, it is a confirmation that the birth was registered correctly.

Some states actually issue a receipt, hence the card. If this is applicable to your case, you may receive written confirmation of the registration via mail some days or weeks after the birth.

Remember: failing to register the birth of your child is considered a violation of the newborn’s human rights. Birth registration is the official and permanent proof of a person’s existence. It is also a mandatory requirement for a newborn to obtain a birth certificate, which is the individual’s first proof of identity.

The staff at the hospital or other facility where your child is born will be able to assist you with filling out and filing the forms for birth registration.

How Do I Get a Birth Registration Card?

Please note that not all states issue a card to confirm the correct registration of a birth. In fact, these cards were mostly used in the past and have been abandoned by the majority of state authorities.

It should also be noted that although birth registration is a mandatory requirement for birth certificates, a birth registration card cannot be used as proof of identity.

The Difference Between a Birth Certificate and a Birth Registration Card

A birth certificate can be used as official proof of identity alongside a number of other essential purposes. Because of the importance of this document, it should be kept for life and replaced quickly if lost.

Some of the most common uses for birth certificates include:

• Applying for benefits
• Enrolling in school
• Joining the military
• Obtaining a passport
• Signing a work contract

If you are a new parent and have registered the birth correctly, you can expect your local vital records office to send you the newborn’s birth certificate via mail. This is often the only consequence of birth registration, although they are 2 separate processes.

If you have lost your birth certificate or that of your child, it is essential that you apply for replacement.