5 Instances When You’ll Probably Need a Birth Certificate

You probably don’t think that a birth certificate is important once you're an adult but, in reality, you couldn’t be more wrong. While you may be able to go about your everyday life just fine without a birth certificate, there are certain times when obtaining a birth certificate is necessary.

If you didn’t get a birth certificate when you were born, you’ll need to get one before securing a job, ordering a passport, or even opening up a bank account. Not having your birth certificate can delay you from enjoying your life and may even keep you from accessing important services.

Registering for School

Many parents find themselves rushing to order a birth certificate when they go to register their child for school. Not only do they need to present immunization and doctor records, but they often have to provide a birth certificate as well. Without a birth certificate, registration may be delayed, and that might even lead to truancy concerns because the child cannot attend school. If you’re a parent, make sure you get your child’s birth certificate as soon as you get home from giving birth!
 
Drivers License or ID Card

When you go to the Department of Motor Vehicles without any form of state-issued ID to apply for an identification card or license, you must prove your identity. You need your birth certificate, as well as social security card and proof of address before you can even get a card to use in lieu of a birth certificate. When it comes to securing ID, having a birth certificate is always the first step.
 
Traveling

You cannot get a passport to travel outside the country without presenting your birth certificate. If you plan on taking an exotic honeymoon trip or even a retirement trip somewhere foreign, you won’t be able to go without a passport. Even entering close countries like Mexico and Canada now requires having multiple forms of identification, so having that birth certificate is truly vital.
 
Keep in mind, getting a passport is not a fast process. You should begin preparing to travel outside the country about six months in advance. Order your birth certificate first, and your passport second, and allow at least one to two months for processing.
 
Getting Married

In order to receive a marriage license, you must present a birth certificate at the clerk’s office. This is true for both potential spouses. Additionally, the couple must present many other pieces of information at the same time. Often, the clerks will ask a series of questions that help ascertain your identity.
 
Either way, without a birth certificate, you cannot be granted a marriage license.
 
Replacing a Lost Social Security Card

If you happen to lose your social security card, you will have to show your birth certificate in order to get a new one. This is non-negotiable, as the risk for abuse would be high without this requirement.
 
It seems to be a multi-layered hassle to replace important documents if something happens, such as a fire or losing a purse with your documents inside it. That’s why you should never keep your birth certificate, ID, and social security card in the same place (like in your wallet). You will need one of these in order to obtain replacements for the others, so keep two forms of ID in your wallet and your birth certificate in a secure place like a safety deposit box or safe at home.
 
Whether you never got a birth certificate at all or lost it somewhere along the way, there’s always that sliver of a chance you’ll need it at some point. Don’t leave it until the last minute when processing time could hold you back. Order a new birth certificate online today. The sooner you have this important piece of documentation, the sooner you can get a passport and plan to travel, or replace a lost piece of identification.
 
Remember, it can sometimes take up to eight weeks to obtain a birth certificate from your state vital records department. If you need your birth certificate online or right away, FastBirthCertificates.com can help. Visit our site now to place your order.