Birth Certificates

CORE CONTENT | 1.6 min read

There are typically two types of birth certificates: the long-form and the short-form (known as the abstract birth certificate). The long-form is a detailed certificate that includes all the information filed with the birth registry, while the short-form is an abstract of the birth record. Common information on an abstract birth certificate includes the person's full name, date and place of birth, sex, and parents' names.

Issuance

Birth certificates are issued by state governments, typically through the Department of Health or Vital Records Office (VRO). The process and documentation required can vary by state. For children born to American parents abroad, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is issued by the U.S. Embassy or consulate, which serves as proof of citizenship and can be used to obtain a U.S. passport. For children adopted from other countries, the process may involve obtaining a foreign birth certificate and then reissuing a U.S. birth certificate post-adoption or a Certificate of Foreign Birth. Note, a Certificate of Foreign Birth does not serve as proof of U.S. citizenship. If an immigrant becomes a naturalized U.S. citizen, they receive a Certificate of Naturalization, not a birth certificate.

Adoption

In the case of a domestic adoption, the original birth certificate is often sealed and replaced with a new birth certificate after the adoption is finalized. The new certificate typically lists the adoptive parents as the child's parents. Access to the original birth certificate varies by state. Some states allow adopted individuals to access their original birth certificates once they reach adulthood, while others have more restrictive policies.

Copies, Replacements, & Amendments

If a birth certificate is lost or damaged, it can be replaced by the issuing authority. Certified copies can also be requested for legal purposes. To obtain a birth certificate, you must request it from the vital records office in the state where the birth occurred. This can often be done online, by mail, or in person. Birth certificates are confidential records, and access is typically restricted to the individual named on the certificate, immediate family members, or legal representatives.

KEY TAKEAWAYS | 0.4 min read

• A birth certificate serves as proof of identity and age, usually including the person's full name, date and place of birth, sex, and parents' names.
• There are two types of birth certificates: the long-form and the abstract birth certificate.
• In the United States, a birth certificate issued by the US government can be used as evidence of citizenship.
• Birth certificates can often be replaced or amended through your state’s VRO. Procedures and birth certificate information vary by state.

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