Original birth certificate definition

An original birth certificate is necessary as it is a primary form of identification and proof of citizenship in the US. Note that there are two kinds of birth certificate, a certified birth certificate and an informational one.

The original birth certificate will need to have a government seal and will include information about the child’s parents. An original birth certificate is basically a certified birth certificate which can be used to enroll a child in school, get a driver’s license and much more.

Read more: How to get a copy of the original birth certificate?

Why Are Original Birth Certificates Important?

Birth certificates are important personal records. Not only do they establish a person’s citizenship within the United States, but they are needed for various official and essential purposes.

Some of the most common uses of birth certificates include:

• Verifying a person’s identification details
• Gaining employment
• Enrolling or registering for school
• Opening a bank account
• Receiving social benefits or insurance payments
• Proving age
• Getting a driver’s license
• Proving genealogy and family relations
• Proving vital information when living abroad
• Identification in court
• Enrolling in sport
• Applying for government benefits
• Replacing a social security card
• Joining the military
• Obtaining an ID card
• Applying for a passport card or book

Long Form vs. Short Term Birth Certificates

Short-form birth certificates, also known as abstract birth certificates, usually only include the name, date of birth, and birth location of the child. The format can also change depending on the state.

Contrastingly, long-form birth certificates are copies of the original certificate. These have all the details contained in a short-form version but also include legal particulars, parental information, and the file number and date.

Both long-form and short-form can be used to establish citizenship and legal proof of identity. However, in certain states and application processes, the short-form is not always accepted, for example, when applying for adoption.

What is an Amended Birth Certificate?

Amended birth certificates are issued for adopted children after the adoption process has been finalized. On the other hand, original birth certificates are issued at the birth of a child before adoption has occurred.

In an amended birth certificate, the adoptive parent’s names are displayed like they are the biological parents of the child. This document then becomes placed in the public adoption records.

To amend a birth certificate, name changes must first be approved by a judge. You must then petition the Vital Records office of the state in which you were born. Various filing fees and documents will be required to complete the birth certificate amendment process.

Where are Original Birth Certificates Kept?

Original birth certificates are stored at the Vital Records Department of your state. These are issued after the required forms are sent in by the hospital in which the baby was born. In the case of adoption, an amended birth certificate is issued, and original birth certificates are usually kept in a secure location until retrieved.

The regulations for adopted people obtaining their own original birth certificates vary from state-to-state. In certain cases a court order will be necessary, and other requirements such as application fees may differ.

How Can I Access My Birth Certificate?

The quickest way to obtain a copy of your birth certificate or that of your child is by filling out an online application. With this form, you will be able to prove your identity and complete the application process in minutes. This is generally much faster than applying in person at your local county office or vital records.