Am I required to certify my birth certificate to get my passport?
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QUESTION: Someone told me that I am required to certify my birth certificate to get my passport. Is that true and how do I do so?
ANSWER: The most evident difference between an official and non-official birth certificate copy is the seal. The registrar’s seal is a seal that is raised on the birth certificate that makes it certified. The particular type of seal that is used will differ between the states. This will provide the proof that the birth certificate is a government issued and certified piece of documentation. The seal itself can be impressed, raised, etched, or multi-colored. The most significant thing is that the certificate is, signed, notarized and dated by the registrar. A cope of a certified birth certificate can be used as proof of identity for any reason. As an example, these copies can be used when applying for passports and drivers licenses, as well as other situations.
New parents receive a copy of the birth certificate at a hospital, oftentimes with the footprint of the baby. This is supposed to be a treasured memento and not intended for use as official proof of identity. The original birth certificate will have to remain on file at the elected vital records agency office in that your birthplace is after being submitted for registration by the hospital that was attended. The only original copy of your birth record is located at this location. This kind of birth certificate is kept under a decent amount of security and most people will never actually see their original birth certificates. This is because they want to help ensure your identity is safeguarded.