California DCL cruisers? Question about birth certificate

[Carol RN]

Any DCL cruisers from California out there? I have a question regarding birth certificates issued in that state.

My brother's fiancee was born in San Diego, CA. She obtained her birth certificate two years ago to use as ID when traveling to either Martinique or St. Lucia (I can't recall which). Anyway, she's going to use the same one as ID when we cruise next week on DCL, but she's concerned about the seal on the birth certificate.

The birth certificate has, in the lower left hand corner of it, a
very slightly raised seal which says 'State of California'
and it's printed in black ink.

She's concerned because it doesn't look like everyone else's birth certificate that's going on the cruise, and is worried they won't accept it. It DOES have a the raised seal, although you really have to feel closely with your fingers to realize it.

Assuming that all CA birth certificates are the same, (I don't know if that's the case or not), has anyone with a CA birth certificate ever had a problem with using it as proof of citizenship at the DCL cruise terminal?

 

[TootyJane]

I live in San Diego. I recently had to obtain birth certificates for my two older sons as they had been issued "Abstracts" when they were born. We decided to obtain passports before the prices went up on August 19. The birth certificate I got from the San Diego County Recorder's office is printed on 8-1/2" x 11 paper which in fine print at the bottom states "This copy is not valid unless prepared on an engraved border displaying date, seal and signature of the Recorder/County Clerk." The seal is at the lower lefthand corner and is ever so slightly raised. I had to ask the Clerk if this had a raised seal! Basically the Birth Certificate is a copy of the birth certificate printed on this special paper. I hope this helps.

 

[markey]

We just returned from our 3rd cruise. We take our grandchildren who were both born in Orange County. I got the certificates from the county before our first cruise, they are huge compared to our Pa. ones. They were excepted all 3 times with no questions.

 

[TootyJane]

I might add that the "Abstracts" we had for olders sons were accepted by Disney and immigration in St. Thomas.

 

[saturday97]

I have a birth certificate from San Diego that has no raised seal (if there was a seal at some point, it has been worn down). I always use my passport for travel, work, etc. I think the time, effort and money to get a passport is worthwhile for my peace of mind.

 

[BeanoC]

It will probably be ok, since it IS a certified copy, albeit a worn one. If your peace of mind is worth 20 bucks, just go to

www.vitalcheck.com

and order a new one. You'll get it within a couple of weeks and then there will be no question whether it's good or not!

I had a certified original of my BC from L.A. county, but it was so old and crummy looking, I just ordered a new one. Now I KNOW I don't have to worry! 20 bucks well spent.


'Beano'