developing paranoia over our birth certificates

[kitchenfairy]

OK everyone, I need some reassurance. I'm leaving in 3 weeks for our very first cruise! But, I am beginning to get a little paranoid about our birth certificates. I got one for each of us from our town hall, it has a raised seal and I am sure it is fine. I just can't help thinking that they aren't going to be right and then what do I do?! Has anyone ever had a problem when using birth certificates only?? I'm pretty sure it is to late to get a passport. I really need someone to tell me to stop worrying!

 

[jhorstma]

Like you we had 1 BC w/raised seal for each family member - we encountered no problems. We had to show them at St. Thomas and upon return at PC.

Don't worry!

 

[mickeyboat]

We had the same documentation, and had no problem.

Denae

 

[lbgraves]

Hey, if you have the raised seals then you are better off than we are. All of our BC have no raised seals but they are official and have watermarks to verify them. VA & NC don't use the raised seals anymore apparently. When I was born in VA they just issued the plastic cards with raised seals so I ordered a paper copy a few years ago for our cruise. DH never had his...lost somewhere in his parent's house I gues...so we ordered one before our trip to Canada in 1994.

 

[keishashadow]

I was at my AAA office yesterday for notary services, they have posters all over showing examples of what birth certificates are acceptedm and which types are not, for foreign travel.

It might make you feel better to stop into your local office and see for yourself. I recently received our "official" birth certificates. My DH & I had the old style hospital ones that are no longer valid.

Have a great trip.

 

[UGAFan0829]

STOP WORRYING!
The DH and I used our BC's with the raised seal last time and we were just fine. They made no second mention of it!

 

[kitchenfairy]

Hey thanks everyone, I'm sure all will go fine. Just my over active imagination!

 

[Rence]

First of all, you should be 100% fine. You got them direct from the town hall, they have the raised seal, they are new so in good condition. You are fine, have a great trip.


But this is one big reason to get a passport if there is any question at all regarding a BC. You have the choice of getting a passport well in advance. If there is an issue you will know in plenty of time to take care of it. Without a passsport, you have to fret and worry and if there is a problem you find out at the dock when there is no time to resolve the issue. So if you have a question or concern regarding your BC, the best way to put your mind at ease is to get a passport so that there will be no problems at boarding.

 

[fljelad]

The easiest thing to do is get a passport. You won't have to worry about carrying birth certificates!

 

[lisaann]

HI, DO NOT WORRY-ME AND MY FAMILY CRUISED ON FEB 27 2005 WONDER- ONLY USED OUR BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND DRIVERS LICENSE. HAD NO PROBLEM AT ALL-WE DO HAVE RAISED SEALS ON THE BIRTH CERTIFICATES-THE GENTLEMAN CHECKING US IN RUBBED THE CERTIFICATES TO FEEL RAISED SEAL. HAVE FUN-WE SURE DID.

 

[TMTIP]

Passports make your life much easier--I would not travel without them.