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If you’re applying for a passport, you should be aware that the Department of State revised its guidelines concerning which birth certificates it will accept as proof of citizenship.
As of April 1st, 2011, all birth certificates submitted with passport applications must include your parent or parents’ names. So, before you send in your paperwork, take your birth certificate and double-check to make sure that your parents’ names are on the document.
Birth Certificate Requirements for Passports
Even if the birth certificate you’re holding has your parents’ names on it, though, the State Department has other requirements for birth certificates that could trip you up. Here are the US State Department birth certificate requirements for passports:
- Use an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. It should have a raised, embossed, engraved or multicolored seal on the top.
- A birth certificate issued by the hospital where you were born is NOT considered proof of citizenship, regardless of whether it was designed to look cute or designed to look “official,”
- The birth certificate must have your name, the date you were born, the place you were born and a registrar’s signature on it to be considered valid.
- Check the date that the birth certificate was filed with the registrar’s office. If it was filed late, more than one year after you were born, you won’t be issued a passport unless you can back it up with secondary evidence of US citizenship.
If the certificate you have doesn’t meet the Department of State’s requirements, you can use the CDC’s website to find out where to go to get a new certified copy, or you can order a copy through Vitalchek.
How to Apply for a Passport
There are a few ways to get your passport. The routine passport process takes 6-8 weeks and can be handled at your local post office or county clerk. For travelers that need their passport faster, expediting options are available. RushMyPassport offers expediting options that range from 2 weeks to as fast as 24 hours. When you apply with RushMyPassport, we provide exactly what you need, helping to prevent common errors that could delay the processing of your application.
Even better, we’ll personally deliver your application to the Department of State so you’ll have your passport in time for your trip.
Don’t wait – submit your passport application today!
I was just asked for more submitting documentation because I have a delayed birth certificate after a year. I was born in a house with a midwife and don’t know her name. My mom passed away so have no idea how to prove she was in the us at the time of birth. It honestly doesn’t make sense when my parents are both born in the u.s. and have never left the country. I have never had a problem with my birth certificate and now a little difficult to find supporting documentation 41 years later!
Does the serial number on the BC have to match between the photocopy and original you submit? I had 2 copies of the original, made 1 photocopy (don’t know if which) and might’ve sent in ones with different serial numbers. The agent at USPS didn’t catch it if I did. Will this be a problem? Should I contact the post office?
They may request additional documentation or ask you to submit a corrected photocopy with the matching serial number. It’s always better to address any potential issues proactively to avoid delays or complications with your passport application.
My husband’s middle name is spelled wrong by one letter on our daughter’s birth certificate. Will we have to wait for a corrected copy to apply for her passport? Thanks.
To avoid any issues or delays with your daughter’s passport application, it’s best to obtain a corrected birth certificate with the accurate spelling of your husband’s middle name before proceeding with the passport application process.
I’m applying for my sons passport. My birthdate on his birth certificate is off by one month. Everything else is right. His DOB, place of birth, mother’s information. Will this be an issue?
In many cases, correcting such minor errors on a birth certificate involves submitting an application for correction along with supporting documentation to verify the correct information. Once the birth certificate is corrected, you should then be able to proceed with the passport application for your son without any issues.
My dob is wrong on child’s birth certificate will that cause a issue?
To avoid any delays with your child’s passport application, it’s recommended that you correct the date of birth error before starting the passport application process.
My husbands application was denied cause his parents names is not on his birth certificate. We got the birth certificate from vital chek back in 2000. If I order another one odds are still no parents on it. What do we do?
We recommend that you contact the vital records office in the state where your husband was born to inquire about the requirements for adding parents’ names to a birth certificate. You may need to provide documentation to support the addition of parents’ names. This could include marriage certificates, paternity affidavits, or other legal documents establishing the parental relationship.
Does my birth certificate for my passport have to list both parents because mine lists my mother but states “not recorded” for my father.
When completing the passport application form (DS-11), you should provide the information available on your birth certificate. If your father’s information is not recorded, you can still proceed with the application by entering “unknown” or providing any available details.
Very informative article, indeed! Thank you for educating us, as always!
I recently had to order a new birth certificate however the date of birth is incorrect . Will this prevent me from getting a passport?
Having an incorrect date of birth on your birth certificate can potentially cause issues when applying for a passport. The information on your passport must match the information on your official identification documents, such as your birth certificate.
Correcting the error on your birth certificate before applying for a passport will help you to avoid potential delays or complications in the application process.
Have you seen birth certificates be accepted that have the parents’ names, but not their full middle names? The application for my 78-year-old mother-in-law’s passport was just rejected and the stated rejection reason in the letter was that her parents’ names on her birth certificate used middle initials instead of full middle names (the full first and last names are present). Her parents are long-deceased and getting a revised birth certificate from NY will be long and challenging. Does this rejection sound normal to you under the new guidelines, or did we run into someone having a bad day?
Hi, thank you for reaching out!
Usually the birth certificate is accepted as long as it is the original or certified copy.
So infuriating of a process. Accepting agency submitted my passport app along with my registration of birth and handed my bc back to me. I asked if she needed it and she said no. App was expedited and overnight return paid. Senator tried helping. Day before trip app was still processing in another state. An agent called and said there’s no bc only the registration and that I needed a file number printed on the bc, and my parents name. It is embossed, signed and has my info only. Was able to stand in line alll day in Atlanta and told I could only have a one yr until I got a new bc from vital records. They did it since dot is tomorrow.
Nobody ever called to tell us there was a problem for 9 weeks until we found the locators number and called. They made it near impossible to find their n er. So it was only yesterday that the Dallas office called to tell me that. With no help prior.
Senator had last minute appt cancellation and we took it. Long day in line after line and months of trying to get help.
Why do they insist I need a number and parents name on bc? Both Dallas and Atlanta.
Hi, thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience.
The Department of State requires your parents full names on your birth certificate because it is evidence of U.S. citizenship.
We hope this helps and best wishes on your travels!
Question: My 17-year-old is applying for a passport, I’m his mother. My last name at birth was changed when I was a kid, so my last name at birth is different than my last name listed on his birth certificate. Certificate. So when he fills out the application, the mother’s last name at birth is not going to match the mother’s last name showing on his birth certificate. Is this going to be an issue? Thanks!.
That is no problem. To help clarify, we recommend including a written and signed statement explaining the name situation.
My original birth certificate from NJ with a raised seal from 70 years ago does not include my parents’ names on it. What can I do about that when applying for a new drivers license, passport, etc.?
Hi, thank you for reaching out!
Since your parents names are not on your birth certificate, you can reach out to VitalCheck Vital Records. They would be more than happy to assist you with your birth certificate.
We hope this helps!
I am planning to submit (in person) for a new passport for my infant child. Will the issuing authority accept the certificate of birth from the hospital, or do I have to wait 6-8 weeks for the official birth certificate to come in the mail? Thank you!
Hi, thank you for reaching out!
The issuing authority should accept the birth certificate from the hospital, as long as both parents names are printed on it. The printing of the names varies state to state. Check the birth certificate for both of the child’s parents names.
What about Birth Certificates that are card sized? (2.75″ x 4″ sized) Has all the info need and is embossed
It will ultimately be up to the acceptance agent and the Department of State. You should bring this document with you to the acceptance agent.
Thank you for posting this and updating us about new requirements. Keep on posting and updating us!
My minor son has an amended birth certificate (court ordered) when submitting his passporr application do I have to put that he previously had a different name?
You should include all documentation regarding the name change and birth certificate. Consider including a signed statement that explains the situation as well.
My mothers Birth State is wrong on my birth certificate – do I have to get a new one to get a passport (the application asks for mothers state of birth) or can I just put what is on my BC and call it a day? Do they go into background checks?
Just fill out the documents correctly and if there are follow up needs from the Department of State, they will contact you for more information.
Do you know the purpose of requiring the parents names on a birth certificate? Especially if only applying for a passport card? States issuing Enhanced Driver License, which gives same entitlements as a Passport Card, do not require a birth certificate with parents names.
Unfortunately we won’t have any meaningful answers about the requirements set by the US Department of State for passport applications.
Do i have to purchase a bc specifically for a passport? Or does the post office make a copy?
Once you’ve applied for a passport and your passport has completed processing, your supporting documentation will be mailed back to you. You would not need to order a birth certificate just to get a passport, assuming you already have a valid copy of your birth certificate.
Great topic, indeed! Thank you for sharing excellent blog content. Your writing is informative and detailed and enlightens all people on new birth certificate requirements for passport application. Great post!
Thank you for the kind words!
I was born in 1980 at home and my birth certificate was issued in 1984, this does not fall into the 1 year requirement. What are you supposed to do in this situation? Do you pay to apply and see what happens? Is it an automatic denial. Do you pay and lose the money if it is denied? Thanks so much
You will need to provide as much supporting documentation as possible. Ultimately, you will have to work with the Department of State Passport Agency to secure the passport. There are many people in your situation who are able to get their passports though.
My last name was changed and my original birth certificate was sealed. The new birth certificate doesn’t say amended or anything else that indicates a name change. Do I have to disclose my old last name and proof of name change or can I skip that because my original BC with the old last name is sealed? I do not want to be associated with the old last name at all..
You would apply with your current valid birth certificate. When supplying your supporting documentation for citizenship and identity, your names must match.
Love the blog and honest advise you give us all
Thank you all
Thank you for the kind words Gloria! We’re happy to see that you find our blog informative and helpful!
my birth certificate has my maiden last name, its different than my DL, I am now a divorcee, can I still apply for a passport with just that?
I submitted an amended Birth certificate, my name was spelled wrong on my original. They sent a letter back asking for original proof. I provided a letter from my state’s office of vital statistics that stated why it was changed and the proof was my affidavit. However State law requires that they can’t provide a copy of that proof. It’s been 3 weeks since I provided this. Will I have more problems or will this be enough to receive a passport?
Unfortunately we can’t advise on this since we are not the issuing agent. You’ll have to work with the passport agency to resolve any issues like this.
I recently legally changed my middle name. I’m still early in the process and have only updated my driver’s license, but the birth certificate will take longer to update since I live in a different state now.
My question is: if I have my original certified birth certificate (with old middle name), and I bring my official name change paperwork from the chancery court, will that be enough to make up for the middle name not matching the new legal name?
Unfortunately, given the unique nature of this situation, we can’t advise. However, it’s recommended that you book travel under the name that is listed on your passport.
I have my birth certificate but it doesn’t have either one of my parents name on it, is that okay
Yes, that will be fine.
My first name is spelled incorrectly by one letter on my birth certificate. Do I have to get this fixed to get a passport? My name is Natallie but birth certificate says Natellie. I had an old birth certificate with the correct spelling but misplaced it and now only have a picture of it in my phone.
In this situation, the passport application process will require supporting documentation for the spelling of your name. You can review the forms of identification needed below.
https://www.rushmypassport.com/newlp/help-center/proof-of-identity/
If my father is not listed on my birth certificate but has always been in my life do I list him on my new passport application?
It is not necessary to include your father if he is not listed on your birth certificate, only those that were originally on it.
My name was changed as a child and my hospital was left off my BC; can I still get a passport?
Yes, you just need the long form birth certificate and if applicable, proof of name change, as part of the required documents. Our service can help you get your passport if you need assistance.
I went to the post office yesterday. Submitted my birth certificate, with everything that met requirements and was told that birth certificates had to be newly issued and refused my application.
So now my trip on June is cancelled.
Please call our team as we can help you get your birth certificate and passport in time for your trip.
My husbands mothers name on her birth certificate is Deborah. On my husbands birth certificate it is Debby. So which name do I use for proof of citizenship for his passport? What’s on her birth certificate or what’s on his??
The name on his birth certificate is fine. Just make sure if you are applying for a passport through routine services, it’s 8-11 weeks for processing. Our company does offer some faster services if necessary.
My mother’s middle name is spelled Incorrectly on my birth certificate will that be an issue?
Generally no. They usually look at the first and last names only as not all Drivers Licenses and birth certificates indicate a middle name. Also, as long as it is not a large mistake, rather switching a couple letters.
When they ask for parents name on the birth certificate does this mean full name? Not just last name?
Correct. The first and last names must match what you are going to show as proof of ID. That means that the parents names must match the name that is on an active Driver’s License. This could be often different for one parent, if they have taken the spouse’s last name. For that, we encourage you to also have an original marriage certificate.
I had my original Birth Certificate but the name on the original birth certificate was spelled incorrectly so my parents and I had to get it Amended. We since then have misplaced my original copy so I had to request a new certified copy from the registry. They gave me a certified copy of the original Birth Certificate but it has the new amended acknowledgement statement attached as a second page, the first page still has the incorrect spelling of my name does this still work as proof?
Good morning! Based on what you are sharing, as long as you have the amended acknowledgement statement attached, then the original birth certificate will be fine.
I read that I can use my social instead of a birth certificate. I do have a copy of my daughter’s birth certificate
Susan
So sorry but that information is incorrect. A SSN does not serve as proof of citizenship. You must use a birth certificate to show citizenship. Having your daughter’s will not be sufficient, as it only shows you as a parent, not a citizen. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can visit http://www.vitalchek.com to get a certified copy of this document.
My family lost my birth certificate when I was a minor, I have a duplicate printed In 2018 & I am a US citizen. Is that still proof of citizenship or is there another way to prove my citizenship
Connor,
As long as the duplicate copy has a raised seal or an authorized seal from the state from where you were born, then it is fine. It cannot be a xerox copy of your birth certificate. This will not be suffice.
Is a “Vitalcheck” birth certificate acceptable to get a passport renewed?
You do not need a birth certificate for a passport renewal. Our service will guide you through the required documents and make it fast and easy.
Thank you so much for the guide. Applying early will save you money, too, because you will not have to pay for expedited processing.
Hello, is a Texas Short-Form birth cert adequate to apply for US passport? The Texas form shows DOB, place of birth, parents’ names, but does not have Hospital data.
No, you will need the birth certificate with the raised seal.
wonderful advise love this article, thank you so much
Not only are they denying and demanding extra proof for those delivered by midwives, they are expanding the policy to ANYONE not born in a “non-institutional setting” in MORE states. I was born in Kansas and delivered by my dad, not a midwife, at home. My parents are US-born citizens. In April 2018 I was denied for a RENEWAL (I had had a passport before) solely because I was born in a “non-institutional setting.” I had to get a Senator to call them 3 different times to get any action.
Birth Affidavits and contacting Senators/Congress Rep are the main things that actually help dealing with this.
My husband was born in South Texas in the 70s by midwife and has been denied his passport and he doesnt have secondary sources. He was baptised in a church in Mexico but the baptism certificate shows his birth as Brownsville Texas. Will this help him or hurt him since he was baptised in Mexico?
Ultimately this decision will be made by the Passport Agency. You should provide as much proof of citizenship as possible. The burden of proof is on the applicant so the more documentation he can pull together, the better. This will be very difficult without a birth certificate or hospital record.
Estela how did it go did your hubby get his papers
I have a birth certificate that does not have my parents name how do I correct this?
Contact the Department of Vital Records where you were born. They should be able to help you get it sorted out.
I was born in with a midwife in south Texas on the 70s. I have applied twice for my passport and always required more documentation. Do I have to pay their fees every time I resubmit my application? And what are the odds of actually getting my passport? It would help to know exactly what documents to submit to get a passport under my circumstances. Any advice?
Hi Julissa,
How aggravating! I would submit your birth certificate and then as many of the secondary documents as you can get:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/citizenship-evidence.html
Good luck!
I was able to get my passport by providing evidence of my mother’s presence in the US at the time of my birth; however, when I petitioned my husband for his green card and he was approved by USCIS, he was put under administrative process by the US consulate to get his visa. No criminal record or missing docs. The consulate decided they wanted to do they’re own investigation on my birth certificate! Now we have to wait until they make a decision.
I’m so sorry, Estela. What a pain!
They ARE denying passports based solely on delivery by a midwife! Even now in 2017! And you don’t have to be Hispanic or have been born in S Texas! I (as a midwife in northeast Texas) get requests on a regular basis for birth documentation because they have been told that the birth certificate isn’t enough! This just INFURIATES me!
That is infuriating, Diane! If this is a common problem, maybe start advising parents to apply for a passport card for their homebirth babies early. Those are cheap, and it would give them a chance to get their child’s citizenship on file with the State Department while they still have easy access to you, your records and to other forms of proof that the State Department might ask for.
Once you have a passport card, you can use that for proof of citizenship when it’s time to get a passport book.
My husband has a ‘certificate of birth’ from Pennsylvania (he was born in 1970) that does not list his parents names. When he has applied for a new certified copy in the past, they have always sent him the exact same thing. How do we get one with his parents names?
I have heard there has been many problems with those that were born by
midwife in the state of Texas.
I was born my midwife in 1979 will I have problems obtaining a US
Passport?
Hi Lizeth,
There have been some problems, yes, primarily for people born to midwives close to the border with Mexico. However, in 2009 the government settled a lawsuit and agreed to a new set of procedures. Basically, if your application seems “questionable” they have to send it to a panel to be reviewed BUT they are not allowed to deny your passport application based solely on the fact that you were delivered by a midwife, even if the midwife is on their list of midwives known to have registered fraudulent births. You can read about the new procedures here: http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/midwives-100165-passport-new.html
The best advice I can give you is to apply as early as possible. If the Department of State has questions or wants additional information your application may be delayed. Good luck! 🙂