Filed under: Advice,News,People

Do you have, in your possession, a certified copy of birth certificates for every family member? Many parents will answer yes, so far as their children’s available records. However, plenty of adults may have a copy of their own birth certificates in some dusty drawer. The problem is that nowadays, with the current security requirements, only certified copies of birth certificates are now acceptable by law. So, what’s the difference between a copy and a certified copy?

A certified birth certificate is notarized by the vital statistics office which issues you the certificate, whereas an uncertified copy is not. True, certified copies of birth certificates do cost more, but having the certified document will, sooner or later, save you from scrambling at the last minute to obtain one, delaying such processes as renewing or obtaining a driver’s license or passport. Many states have recently enacted legislation which requires that everyone produce certified copies of birth certificates before you may get your driver’s license. If you don’t have yours, this can be a giant hassle, costing you time spent obtaining it and may also involve penalties if you cannot provide it within a short time frame.