Birth certificate is a very important document which is necessary for applying to colleges and for many other reasons. You should keep it carefully. However, sometimes, some people end up losing their birth certificate due to various reasons - theft, misplacement, fire or natural calamity. Do not worry if you lose your birth certificate because the Department of Vital Statistics can help you replacing this important document.
If you have lost your certificate, the first thing you have to do is to know which department will help you replace it. It will not be replaced by the federal government, but by the state. All the documents such as birth, marriage and death certificates are given by the state.
Look for the Department of Vital Statistics in your town or city. You can find this department with the help of County court house or Department of Health. The quickest way to get the birth certificate replaced is to live in the same area of your birth. However, this is not a criterion for replacement. Make sure that when you go to the Department of Vital Statistics, you take identification proof that is issued by the state. In addition, carry your Social Security card or your passport. Then fill out the appropriate form and submit it along with 2 copies of your identification. The form can be downloaded from the County website, printed, filled and then posted with the necessary documents.
The form should be accompanied with a request for a birth certificate replacement. After that you have to sign an affidavit and submit it too. Make sure you fill out the reason for replacement.
Generally birth certificates are replaced only in extraordinary or exceptional circumstances. Also, the replacement is given only to the person who has applied for it, or his or her immediate family.
The process can take a few weeks, so be patient.
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