View Full Version : Copy of Copy of Birth Certificate??
scottie
06-11-2002, 08:32 PM
The big question....
My wife can’t find her original birth certificate BUT we were able to locate a copy of it. Now here is the DILEMMA the copy is stamped on the bottom stating it is a true and exact copy...HOWEVER this is a copy of the copy that was stamped "true and exact" so the signature with the stamp is now a copy!
Should we order a new true and exact copy from the state or will we be ok with a copy of a true and exact copy??
A new one! Copies aren't always accepted.
Michelle
06-11-2002, 08:56 PM
It needs to be a CERTIFIED copy, and not a copy of a certified copy. :)
Good luck!
HoosierFantasia
06-12-2002, 10:31 AM
I doubt your copy has a raised seal. The raised seal is the way they tell it is official.
Bill
klwally
06-12-2002, 10:32 AM
You need a certified copy - you'll have to go to the county clerk in the county she was born and request one. (some will do by fax and mail)
A copy of a certified isn't going to do it.
Psiklops
06-12-2002, 11:39 AM
You'll need an original, official copy (with the raised seal).
Another way to order the birth certificate is to go through the following site:
http://www.vitalcheck.com/
From what I've seen, they charge the same amount as if you went directly to the state and might even get it to you quicker.
- Jim
kramer_clan
06-12-2002, 02:22 PM
The "Certified Copy" does not need to have a seal, just the words "certified copy" on it. Some states and jurisdictions are not doing the raised seals any longer.
Vicki
GoofyDonald
06-12-2002, 02:31 PM
While your on the subject - do we also need a picture ID? Is that just for adults, like a driver's license? Thanks!
Michelle
06-12-2002, 02:38 PM
Goofy Donald, YES, everyone age 18 and above needs a photo I.D. in addition to a certfied birth certificate, OR just a passport will do as well. :D
scottie
06-12-2002, 06:30 PM
Here is the official word that I received back today from Disney. This leads me to believe that ordering a certified replacement from the county would not be good enough that they will only accept the original certified. Maybe I am reading into their email too much?? Anyone else used a certified copy from someone like VitalChek for his or her cruise?
"All U.S. and Canadian citizens must travel with proof of citizenship, which is a valid or expired passport, or a certified birth certificate (an original one issed from the county in which you were born) along with a picture identification this cannot be a photo copy, or a certified naturalization certificate along with a picture identification. Acceptable forms of picture identification are a state or provincial driver's license with a picture, or a
federal, state, province, or local government photo I.D. card. Travel documents required throughout the vacation are the responsibility of the guest. We ask that guests consult with their travel agent, government agencies, embassy, or consulate to determine documentary requirements. Guests under 18 will be
permitted to board with just their certified birth certificate. Typically, you can obtain a certified birth certificate quickly if the states offers a "rush" fee."
Michelle
06-12-2002, 06:37 PM
Scottie, whatever you get directly from the county will be fine...that IS a certified copy and will be exactly what you need, plus your photo ID. :)
ohiominnie
06-12-2002, 06:50 PM
Originally posted by scottie
Here is the official word that I received back today from Disney.
(snip)
"All U.S. and Canadian citizens must travel with proof of citizenship, which is a valid or expired passport,
EXPIRED passport? Did I read that right? My dh and I have passports that expired years and years ago. We were planning on getting new ones.
Can anyone confirm this???? Would save us $$$$$! :)
GoofyDonald
06-12-2002, 07:41 PM
HONESTLY, without you guys I think I would have hit a lot of snags! I know I would still have a good time but you guys take away so much of the guess work that can add stress to even a vacation. Thank you!!!!!
Originally posted by ohiominnie
EXPIRED passport? Did I read that right? My dh and I have passports that expired years and years ago. We were planning on getting new ones.
Can anyone confirm this???? Would save us $$$$$! :)
Is this right, as I have read somewhere that valid passport only??
Dave_from_Marietta
06-12-2002, 09:14 PM
Good catch, there. Yes, it's true. They no longer accept expired passports.
Psiklops
06-12-2002, 09:16 PM
I did see the "expired passport" in a few places, but I have also heard that since Sept. 11th they are no longer accepting expired ones.
Scottie, you may have gotten a "canned" response from Disney that has not been updated. Just to be safe, I'd check with DCL before using an expired one.
As far as using VitalCheck goes, I went directly through the state, but I have heard that people have had success with the site.
Just my 2¢...
- Jim
patches-4
06-12-2002, 09:41 PM
;) Vitalcheck is very good and is very conveniant. I ordered both of my kids certified copies as I didn't want to carry the orginals with us and they were just fine. It is very quick and they did arrive fairly soon after ordering. I would use them again if I needed copies.:smooth:
mouseclick1
06-12-2002, 09:48 PM
I also used vitalcheck to get a BC for my DH. It arrived quickly and we checked in at the port without any problems at all.
scottie
06-13-2002, 07:02 AM
Hopefully Disney Cruise Lines will update their standard email response they send to customers...I just received it yesterday!
scottie
06-13-2002, 07:30 PM
I was happy to see that DCL is recognizing Vitalchek as a good place to get a copy of birth certificates. Below is the response I received today from DCL...
"Yes, a certified copy is sufficient for proof of citizenship. It cannot be a photo Xeroxed copy of the certified copy. You may also contact Vital Check at 800-255-2414."
Did I interpret correctly that a valid passport can be used to substitute for proof of citizenship (e.g. birth certificate) AND picture ID?
In other words, passport is the only ID proof we need to bring?
Thanks for clarifying.
jlima
06-15-2002, 01:08 AM
I feel a passport is the best way. You're showing a photo of yourself in a document that you can't get without a birth certificate. It identifies the bearer as a US citizen . . . carry it with pride!!
:bounce:
Piglet_Pooh99
06-15-2002, 01:40 AM
Don't go thinking that you can just have your passport because everytime you leave and board the boat they ask to see your KTTW card and your picture ID. And most people would not want to be carrying around there passport with them whenever the boat is docked. Do you really want to be taking it to the beach with you. Thats just my personal oppinion.
Jlima and Piglet_Pooh 99,
You both have good points - absolutely carry the US passport with great PRIDE. I'm also concerned about losing something so important; I'll bring picture ID also.
How about the children, DD7, DS6? I know about the raised seal or certified birth certificate. Will they need picture ID to return to the boat?
Although we still have 4-1/2 months to go (can't wait), getting official documents in place takes time. I want to get them all done now.
Thanks.
Piglet_Pooh99
06-18-2002, 11:13 PM
Anybody I believe under the age of 18 does not need picture ID. If you don't have the original copies yet don't stress over it. We live in michigan and my DH's birth certificate was very worn and it was hard to tell where the raised seal was and he is from Colorado. All we did was call up the City office that he was from, they faxed a form. we faxed it back and they had it in the mail to us in about 4 days. And remember, don't think that the passport is neccesary. And also, once you use your birth certificate at check-in at the ship or resort, you never have to show it again. I recomend that you lock it up in your room safe. Just make sure that you don't forget it.
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