Birth Certificate

[Bobski5150]

If you use your birth certificate as proof of US citizenship, does it require a raised seal to be considered a certified copy?

I remember reading somewhere that you need a birth certificate with raised seal plus picture ID or passport in order to board.

I was going to order a copy of my sons birth certificate from the state of Virginia, however, on the website it states that the new format of the certificate doesn't include a raised seal. It also states that the certificate is a certified copy and is valid for use in travel......

Will they let us board without the raised seal on the birth certificate?

 

[DISNEYGATOR]

I have seen this question a while back, and as far as I know, as long as it is a certified copy from a state agency (i.e not hospital) and it has the official government seal, it should be okay. But I know a lot of people have reccommended getting a passport if you are really worried, since that is the best way to travel.

I am sure DCL is aware of Virginia's format and has come accross similar certificates in the past. I would just call them to double check.

 

[Michelle]

It needs to be a CERTIFIED copy. Some states certify with raised seals and others don't. As long as it is the actual CERTIFIED copy and not a photocopy you'll be fine.

 

[Bobski5150]

Thank you.

This puts my mind at ease.

 

[CarolAnnC]

I applied for and received passports last summer for myself and my DD's. I think with the unrest in the world and ever changing requirements for entry into the U.S. and other countries, that it would not hurt to have the passports which are absolute proof of our U.S. Citizenship.

 

[okiemomx5]

OKay, I'm sure this is just pre-trip nerves......but I am
all the sudden worried about my Birth certificate.

It is small......half of a 8 x 11.........and it is typed
at the end saying it is from the Vital Statistics of
the City of Waco.

Does it need to be from the state govt office...or is
a city govt office okay?

Or am I just really getting worried for nothing.

It is a copy.......but it has been stamped IN PURPLE
CERTIFIED COPY and it's signed by the registrar
in PEN.

And she dated it in pen in 1967.

Now, the seal is there.......but barely and you can't
even read (or rub on paper = I did try that)
what it says. It is sealed over where her signature
is.

Someone please reassure me this will be perfectly
fine. My husband is pissed that I didn't send for
a new certified copy from the state of TX back
when we were 60 days from the trip.....now
here we are 18 days out!

Thanks,
Debbie In Okla.

 

[Jobro2]

I ordered copy of my DH bc from Vital Statistics before we cruised in 2001. They sent me a xerox copy of his BC from the State of Ohio, and it had a red "Certified Copy" stamp on it and also had the State seal (raised) stamped on it. Had no problems......from what I have read, as long as it is a CERTIFIED COPY of the certificate (not from the hospital)..you will be fine..apparently some states do not use raised seals anymore...I'd relax...

 

[hydster]

Okie
I would imagine since it has the Certified Copy stamp on it you will be just fine. As long as it has the state seal, certified copy and a raised seal (since you have one) you will most likely be fine. In these days past 9-11 one can never bank 100 percent on them taking every birth certificate like that but they only require certified copies right now and you have one! I would doubt you will have any trouble but I am not an expert. Chances are you will be fine. Keep some pixie dust in your pocket just in case!

Heidi

 

[okiemomx5]

THANKS EVERYONE ! I FEEL BETTER, I just needed reassurance. I have been looking at it all night......I guess because it looks old.....from 1967, that makes me feel uneasy.....but the more and more I looked at it .....I decided they would have a hard time telling me I couldn't go. It looks official enough.

My husband said it was fine for our cruise to Cozumel,Cancaun and Hondruous........but that was pre- Sept. 11.

I'm going to say a pray as we get to the dock and I will be fine.
Thanks again!
Debbie

 

[Jobro2]

Let us know upon your return on how things went to you checking in...I'm sure you will be fine...like others said...they say you need a Certified Copy, and you have it!! Have fun!