A birth certificate is an important document proving an individual's name, age, place of birth, date of birth, and citizenship. In the United States, a birth certificate is often required in order to obtain a new passport, or a replacement for a social security card.
Additionally, it's not uncommon for an employer to request a copy of the certificate. There are also several other instances in life where you might need to present your birth certificate copy. If you managed to lose this important document, you should waste no time applying for a birth certificate replacement. It doesn't cost a lot of money.
Birth Certificate Replacement Requirements
You can replace a lost birth certificate in the United States if you meet the requirement put in place by the government. Basically, you can obtain a new birth certificate as long as you were born in the US. This also applies to anyone born in the states by non-citizen parents.
Order A Birth Certificate Replacement Online From the State
One way to order birth certificate copies is to directly contact your own state's Department of Vital Statistics. The Vital Statistics department holds all vital records including your birth certificate. You can expect to pay $20 or less if you personally go through the ordering process yourself, but it does take a lot of time, depending on the procedures in your state.
Most replacement birth certificate requests are handled only in person if you do it yourself without using a service to do it for you. You cannot simply make a quick order request over the phone and receive it in the mail a week later.
You will have to visit the statistics department in person and supply your drivers license, and any additional documents necessary for proving your identity. You're also going to have to wait in line, answer questions, and fill out papers.
Easily Obtain The Birth Certificate Replacement Online Through an Agency
Most people simply don't have a lot of time available. Using a reputable agency is a good choice in this case, and it doesn't cost a lot. Instead of handling the request yourself, hire a company that specializes in replacing a lost birth certificate. It's legitimate and saves a lot of time.
Companies such as National Birth Certificate can supply a birth certificate replacement for $60. Inspect similar companies online to find a better price. If you look around there are companies who can supply a birth certificate replacement for as little as $20, which is the same price if you were to spend the time doing it on your own.
It's a convenient way to receive your birth certificate replacement without the hassle. Hiring a service to order birth certificate replacements usually costs between $10 - $60.
Required Documents For Replacing a Lost Birth Certificate
Most agencies require you to simply fax copies of your ID or driver's license to their office to prove your identity. You will be asked to fax documents instead of submitting sensitive information over the Internet. You might also be required to furnish a passport in some cases.
If you're replacing a lost birth certificate for a family member, you will have to supply documents proving their identity. The requirements are going to vary in each state and agency you decide to use.
Sources
USimmigration.com, "Birth Certificate Replacement", (Accessed January 13, 2011).
Matt Goetz - Matt began freelance writing in 2007. Matt is a blogger and a freelancer writer for Demand Studios. He also runs a small residential house ...
