Birth Records

Birth records include vital information like the person's full name and the date and place of birth. It will also provide the complete names and ages of both parents, their occupations, address and places of birth. It might also have the mother's maiden name and the name of the doctor who delivered the baby. These records are a matter of public record, so they are available to anyone who is willing to search for them. You can find a birth certificate by requesting it from the county courthouse where it is filed. This process is time consuming, but it is the most accurate choice. Some people prefer online searches for birth certificates because it is quicker and easier to obtain. Most online search tools will require a one time fee or paid subscription to make the information available.

Why One Needs for Birth Certificates

One could use it to obtain a duplicate copy of his or her birth certificate. This type of document may be needed to file for many government documents, including marriage licenses and passports.

One might use this type of credential to verify someone’s age. Also, one may use it to trace family genealogy, perhaps if he or she has lost contact with his or her relatives. If one were adopted, he or she can use their birth certificate to find his or her birth parents. One can even use it in an attempt to locate next of kin in the event that they need to be contacted.

While finding one's birth record may not be difficult, getting an official copy of it can be. Because of privacy laws and the growing problem of identity theft, getting an actual copy of a birth certificate is difficult.

A birth certificate must be authenticated by a registrar and be a faithful copy of the original. Most official copies will be typewritten, whereas the definitive copy is handwritten. To obtain a copy, a person will usually need to prove his or her identity as either the owner of the birth certificate or one of the parents listed on it. Spouses, children, and those with a court order may also be able to obtain a copy too. Forms of acceptable identification can include government-issued IDs, driver’s licenses, passports, and other photo IDs.

It would be even more challenging if one were seeking the birth record of a deceased loved one. In the past, birth records were only kept in churches, and thus, state records will only extend so far in time. For those certificates that have been previously filed, a person may have to prove kinship to access the birth record or wait for a restriction period following their death.

Special Considerations

There are some instances where a birth record can be of certain legal importance. Child custody cases may look at the birth certificate in determining custody and/or financial responsibility for the child. State laws vary, so research accordingly. In some cases, if the father is not listed on the birth certificate, paternity may have to be established.

Another concern for accessing birth records is for U.S. citizens who are born abroad. These require special reporting to the government.