Actual Birth Certificate?

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I know I've read this before, but my short-term memory is going...

We are going to MK on my dd's 9th birthday in October. I already signed her up and did the online certificate and know I need to bring proof of her birthday, but can I bring a copy of the birth cert or do I have to bring the actual thing? If I have to bring the actual b.c. I have to carry it around for the rest of the day??? A copy could just get shoved in a bag, but I'm a little concerned about ruining the real thing.

What's the verdict?

 

[chartle]

I know I've read this before, but my short-term memory is going...

We are going to MK on my dd's 9th birthday in October. I already signed her up and did the online certificate and know I need to bring proof of her birthday, but can I bring a copy of the birth cert or do I have to bring the actual thing? If I have to bring the actual b.c. I have to carry it around for the rest of the day??? A copy could just get shoved in a bag, but I'm a little concerned about ruining the real thing.

What's the verdict?

You need a certified copy of the birth certificate. What ever that is for your state for some its a stamp for some a raised seal.

Also a notarized copy will not do (already discussed).

That's what they want so that's what you have to give them.

Edit from the FAQ

Q: What kind of identification do I need to show at the gate?

A: Proper valid identification would be a Driver's License including a photo, Government-issued Photo ID, or a Government-issued Passport. If you are under age 18 and don't have any of the above mentioned ID, an original or a certified copy of a Birth Certificate is required. School IDs or children security IDs are not deemed government-issued photo IDs and will not be accepted.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The rules that we have at the parks are that it must be on offical stationary, which for vital statistics will be paper with a colored background and watermarks, as well in some sort of scrollwork or other indications on the back side that it is from the Bureau of Vital Statistics (or whatever the state calls it). The only other option is one on plain paper with a raised seal and date of fliling.

 

[Alesia]

I know I've read this before, but my short-term memory is going...

We are going to MK on my dd's 9th birthday in October. I already signed her up and did the online certificate and know I need to bring proof of her birthday, but can I bring a copy of the birth cert or do I have to bring the actual thing? If I have to bring the actual b.c. I have to carry it around for the rest of the day??? A copy could just get shoved in a bag, but I'm a little concerned about ruining the real thing.

What's the verdict?

The one that you have is not "the real thing," Its a certified copy. The original stays at the office of vital statistics. You will need to bring the certified copy. If you loose it or ruin it, you will be able to get a replacement.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Great, thanks!

 

[TillyMarigold]

The one that you have is not "the real thing," Its a certified copy. The original stays at the office of vital statistics. You will need to bring the certified copy. If you loose it or ruin it, you will be able to get a replacement.

Just want to add, to ease any concerns people may have, that in the state my birth certificate is from, it costs between $5-$10 to get a new certified copy and about 15 minutes in person or 3-4 days by mail (you need to show ID to get a copy of yours or your minor child's--in person a driver license is enough, by mail they want both a copy of the license and proof of address like an electric bill).

It's really not a big deal or hassle. I was all worried about getting mine until I had to do it (to sponsor my husband for immigration; the copy my parents had gotten at the hospital was so faded and delicate it was practically illegible so I got a new one), but once I did I felt silly for worrying.