Copy of Copy of Birth Certificate??

[scottie]

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??

 

[Fawn]

A new one! Copies aren't always accepted.

 

[Michelle]

It needs to be a CERTIFIED copy, and not a copy of a certified copy.

Good luck!

 

[HoosierFantasia]

I doubt your copy has a raised seal. The raised seal is the way they tell it is official.
Bill

 

[klwally]

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]

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]

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]

While your on the subject - do we also need a picture ID? Is that just for adults, like a driver's license? Thanks!

 

[Michelle]

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.

 

[scottie]

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]

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]

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]

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!!!!!

 

[din]

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]

Good catch, there. Yes, it's true. They no longer accept expired passports.

 

[Psiklops]

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]

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.

 

[mouseclick1]

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]

Hopefully Disney Cruise Lines will update their standard email response they send to customers...I just received it yesterday!

 

[scottie]

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."