More birth certificate/flying questions

[Barb D]

OK, since some of you have been asked for your kids' birth certificates by Southwest, I have been getting my paperwork together. I found what I THOUGHT was DS's birth certificate, and went to the health dept. to get birth certificates for my 2 DD's. But now on looking at DS's, I see that it says in small print, "This is a birth registration notice. This is NOT a birth certificate." In larger print it says, "Certification of Birth." Will this be acceptable to use as a "birth certificate?" I'm totally paranoid that we're going to get to the ticket counter and they're going to refuse to let us board because I don't have his birth certificate. I could go back to the health dept. and pay another $7, but I really don't want to have to do that if this quasi-birth certificate will be perfectly acceptable.

Also, I've thought about going to Motor Vehicles and getting them photo ID's (like a driver's license, but not for driving.) This would have their date of birth, too. It would be easier for me to carry around than the birth certificates. Has anyone tried this? Would the airline go for this instead of a birth certificate?

Lastly, when you are asked for birth certificates do you need the originals, or is a photocopy OK?

 

[KellyJ]

I don't know about all of your questions but I'm guessing that copies of the original would be acceptable since most people tend to keep the originals in a safe place. I know copies are acceptable for school registration and such so I would think that would be fine here too.

Also, I don't know if your state allows this, but I was able to order copies of my kids' BC's online. There were 2 versions, a short form and a longer one... cost was about $5 for the short form and they arrived in a couple of days. Unfortunately, I can't remember which state agencies website I went to to do this.

Kelly

 

[n2mm]

My grandson (7) has an ID from MVA. It's great. It's small and has been accepted by the airlines on every trip. He also has an AP, so it's nice knowing that if there is any question, he quickly shows them his very own ID. It was especially helpful during the Pin Celebration in August. He kept it in his ID holder on his pin lanyard and showed it to the CMs when registering for pins. Since he is now registered with the MVA his finger prints are also on record. Much, much easier than carrying a birth certificate. I believe here in the state of WV it was $10 and doesn't expire (of course the picture might get a little dated).

 

[villainwdw]

the RMV in Mass will not do photo ID's for anyone under 18........you have to be 18 t get one...I went thought this becaue my 17 you daughter had a checking account at 15....wtih no ID...so needless to say she has a Debit card..

 

[Barb D]

After I read villainwdw's post I went to check the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration page to see if there is an age limit. It didn't say anything about age, but I was stunned to find out that the photo IDs cost $15 apiece. Ouch! I was thinking more like $5 or $6. My mom thought about passports, but they are $40 for kids, and expire in 5 years. (I don't think we'll be traveling out of the country for the next 5 years, so we'll hold off on them, too.)

I think I'll just carry the birth certificates!

 

[GoldenOldie]

Originally posted by villainwdw
the RMV in Mass will not do photo ID's for anyone under 18........you have to be 18 t get one..

Then someone told you incorrectly. Not exactly a big shock from a Registry employee.

You have to be 16 to get a Massachusetts general ID at the Registry or 21 to get a Massachusetts liquor ID.

Details are here.

 

[Disnydad]

We have been told by a couple of airlines to have a birth certificate for our two children. (now 9 & 10) We carry them, but have never been asked for them at the airport. We have certified birth certificates.

 

[Hi Ho To Disney We Go]

As an employee of SWA , as a child gets closer to the age of 2 is when we really need it.
If a child looks 2 we have the right to charge for a ticket and the customer can later send in a birth certificate to get reimbursed. It is just not worth the hassle to not have it. And if you think arriving late for a flight won't make us charge you that is not true, We will TRY To hold the plane while you purchase a ticket. Travel Agents have told our passengers 2 and under but it is under 2. Not that all people are dishonest but some are and the will make my life as acustomer service agent miserable. I don't want to sound like a jerk, but we have rules as employees that we have to follow so please be nice and follow the rulees, Liz

 

[villainwdw]

well this was a few years ago...so I am sure it has changed by now!! does not surprize me....you never get correct info....I did go dwon to get the info thou, so maybe it did change

 

[Barb D]

Hi Ho To Disney We Go, my kids are 10, 8, and 22 mo. (She'll be 23 mo when we go.) I bought a ticket for my toddler so that she'll be guaranteed her own seat. Are you saying that I won't need birth certificates at all?

Also, if I do need them, will that "Birth Registration Notice" thing do the trick, or do I need the actual birth certificate? (I do have the actual birth certificate for my toddler and 8yo.)

Also, while I've got you here... I've heard that if one parent is traveling out of state without the other parent that you sometimes need a notarized letter from the non-traveling parent saying that it's OK to travel with the kids. Is this true?

 

[tynkrB]

Just thought I'd share that Southwest does want you to have a copy of the birth certificate for your child under 2 if you haven't paid for a seat. However, if you are like me and forget to bring it they will use your child's immunization record which I luckily carry in my diaper bag. I strongly suggest bring the birth certificate as even though my son wasn't even walking yet and they weren't going to believe that he was under 2! We've made a copy that we now carry in the diaper bag with the immunization record just to be safe.

I don't think you will need it if you have paid for a seat, but it won't hur to bring it.

Kim

 

[Hi Ho To Disney We Go]

tynkrb is correct if you have purchased a seat, then you probably don't need it. An immunization record is acceptable as well. We carry our 4 & 3 year olds birth certificates with us just because you never know what will happen on vacation you may need it. As far as traveling between states I have not heard you need another parents' permission. I do know you need written authorization to fly out of the country. As we are a domestic carrier I am not sure of all the rules. I hope I was helpful. Liz

 

[karylrocks]

I have never been asked or even heard of needing a birth certificate for kids, and we have flown lots of times with them. Right now I just have one (9), others are grown. Do I need to start carrying this with me? I can understand the age 2 thing, but why would they want to see it for older kids?