Birth Certificates

[pwade]

Do these have to be the original? I have a passport but my niece (26) and grand niece (7) only have birth certificates. On another topic; has anyone ever used Art's Shuttle? His prices seem to be a little cheaper. I called them and his staff so far has been very helpful and friendly. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks

Pat

 

[Sox_Fan]

From my understanding, a birth certificate must be either the original or a certified copy (issued by the Department of Health and Vital Statistics). Either of these will have a raised seal. Your 26-year-old niece will be required to present a photo ID along with the birth certificate.

 

[Lew]

The birth certificate must be issued by a government agency: city, county, or state. A birth certificate issued by a hospital won't do.

As Sox_Fan correctly stated it must be an original or certified copy with an embossed, raised seal.

 

[pwade]

Thanks so much Sox. I wasn't sure about the certified copy. I guess as long as it has a raised seal she should be ok. Thanks again for responding.

Pat

 

[pwade]

Thanks Lew, appreciate it.

Pat

 

[Big MacK]

The newer copies recieved from Vital Statistics now have a "Official Gov't looking watermark" imbedded in the paper, (at least in Virginia) rather than a raised seal. My DW went in person to get hers, and the people stated that it is to easy to forge a raised seal and that this is the way they will be made from now on, similar to paper money.
Also, the agent at the office informed my DW that she should bring her Marriage Licence with her on the cruise, since the Birth CVertificate is obviously in her maiden name.

 

[paulmc80]

My mother in law had something that wasn't called a birth certificate, it was called something else. Bascially, she was born in a very rural area and every so often the government type person came around and issued out these certificates. This was quite awhile back and she has used this original document all her life.

At check-in DCL questioned it, but hey that's what she has used all her life and its never been questioned. They eventually accepted it.

 

[Jsme]

My step MIL had her orginial BC for our cruise last year but it did not have a raised seal. She let our TA look at it and she said it was fine. She did not have any trouble but I would not chance it.