Public Birth Records

Public birth records are kept by the government of each state in the United States. A birth certificate or birth record documents a person’s date of birth. Usually these records are based on the submissions of birth certificates from hospitals. These records are also a source of historical and demographic information.

Currently, birth records are filed with the local registrar in the county where the birth occurred and they are filed electronically. Birth records can be claimed only by the individual person named on the birth record (registrant), the parents of the registrant, the child of the registrant, legal guardian of the registrant, a legal representative of the registrant or an heir of the registrant. Nowadays we can get copies of birth certificates through the Internet.

The birth record is the best proof of a person’s age. Birth records can be obtained by contacting the county or city Health department in the city or country in which you are born. Not only are birth records private in nature, they are also useful in identifying and naming the parents of the individual. Birth certificates can be used to apply for passports and also to obtain the driving license. The websites use certain protocols for the security of personal information.

The certified copy of a birth certificate is provided by the Vital Records Office. This copy printed on security paper has the state registrar’s raised seal and signature. Birth records can be used to obtain a state-issued driver’s license or identification, a passport, insurance benefits, or to travel to some foreign countries. An uncertified copy of the birth certificate is available to anyone who applies. Though this record contains the same information as the original, it is not acceptable for legal purposes. The cost of a birth record ranges from $24.95 to $75.00.