Birth records are a public record maintained by each of the 50 states (within the U.S. ). The primary purpose of a birth record is to formally recognize the birth of an individual by not only the hospital, but also local, state & federal government agencies as well. These records are carefully managed to record completely accurate names, designated genders, and in some cases, social security numbers. Demographic statistics are often based on birth record trends in different areas of the country.
Local registrars in each county of each state are the designated custodians for these records, whether electronically stored or physically stored. Access to birth records (at the county registrar’s office) is of a controlled nature. For example, only the child named on the birth certificate (registrant), the child’s parents, legal guardian of the child, a legal representative of the child or an heir of the child. However, anyone with a credit card can pay for access to birth records through records database sites.
Official birth records are unquestionably the best proof of an individual’s age. Birth records contain the information of an individual’s mother and father, so people interested in this information have access to it via birth records/birth certificates. Passport applicants need access to their birth records in order to receive their passports. Individuals looking to obtain a copy of a lost driver’s license, social security card, or other government issued identification often need to furnish a copy of their birth certificate to complete the process.
Not all copies of birth records are certified. Non-certified copies can be used for many things, but some circumstances demand certified birth certificates. These can only be obtained through county registrar’s offices, and require a small fee to be paid for administrative costs. Certified copies contain the raised seal of the county registrar. Non-certified copies are available to anyone who will pay for them, but they aren’t acceptable for most legal purposes. Prices to obtain birth records range from $40-$60.