Replace your lost birth certificate.
A birth certificate is a document used as a form of identification and proof of citizenship in the United States. It is required when applying for a passport, Social Security card, drivers license, and enrolling in school. Some forms of employment require a birth certificate to prove the employee is eligible to work in the United States. When a birth certificate is lost, it is important to replace the certified document as soon as possible.
Instructions
1. Contact the Department of Vital Statistics in the state in which you were born. Inquire on the process and cost to obtain a replacement birth certificate. State agencies are responsible for keeping records of births and not the federal government.
2. Go directly to the Department of Vital Statistics. If you live in the same county that you were born, your birth certificate is immediately available. The Department of Vital Statistics is located in your county courthouse or Department of Human Services. Bring proof of identification such as a current ID, passport, or Military Identification Card.
3. Complete a birth certificate request form to your state's Department of Vital Statistics. If you do not live in the same area in which you were born, you are able to request a new copy through the mail. Download the request form from your state's website. The form is located in the state's Register of Deeds or Department of Vital Statistics section.
4. Mail the completed certificate request form. Include the proper payment and a photocopy of your current ID. Be prepared to wait up to six weeks for the copy of the birth certificate.
Tags: birth certificate, Department Vital, Department Vital Statistics, Vital Statistics, birth certificate, request form
