How Do the Amish Get a Birth Certificate Copy?

Part of Amish tradition is to have babies born in the community at home. This, combined with the belief that official documents like social security cards and birth certificates are unnecessary can mean that some Amish children are not issued these forms of identification. Whether no birth certificate was issued or one was, this post will explain how the Amish can get a birth certificate in PA.

If You Were Never Issued a Birth Certificate

In the U.S., attending midwives and doctors must complete and file birth certificate paperwork. However, this may not have occurred when you were born. If this is the case,  you will need to request a search. This can be done by first completing and submitting an Amish birth certificate application to Pennsylvania’s Vital Statistics office, along with a non-refundable fee.
 
Once a records search has been completed, and it has been confirmed that you were not issued a birth certificate, a letter will be sent to you stating this, along with a birth certificate form. You will need to complete this form, as well as provide the required number of the following documents to prove your identity:
 

• An Amish directory which displays your own and your family’s name
• A certificate of baptism
• A letter from a family member, employer, or government agency
• A marriage license

 
Once the Vital Statistics office has received copies of the above information and your completed forms, they then may issue you a birth record in six months to one year from the date you filed.

If You Were Issued a Birth Certificate

If a birth certificate application was completed and filed after you were born and you need a certified birth certificate copy, you can prove your identity with a driver’s license and/or an ID card issued by the state. Without these documents, you can still prove your identity with a copy of one or more of the following:
 

• School or medical records
• Lease agreement
• A letter from a government agency
• A letter from a family member that explains who you are and why you want a birth certificate
  

To make sure that you’re submitting the correct items, contact the PA Vital Statistics office to confirm.

Leaving the Amish Community

Those leaving the Amish community must apply for a social security number in order to be legally employed, pay taxes, and file for social security if disabled or ready for retirement. This will also require them to have birth certificates. In order to do this, you will need to contact your birth state to inform them of your birth. Then it may be necessary to get in touch with those who were present at your birth and obtain and submit copies of their signed affidavits.

Get Your Birth Certificate Copy, Fast

If you are Amish with no birth certificate or need a copy fast, don’t wait. FastBirthCertificates can help with a completely legitimate process that’s BBB-accredited. Visit us to learn how to get your birth certificate in 3 simple steps.