- A certified copy of your birth certificate is a copy made by the state agency charged with storing the documents. Agency registrars stamp, emboss or sign the copy to indicate that it is a true and correct copy of the original document in their records. Certified copies are generally required for passport applications.
What is the difference between an original birth certificate and a certified copy?
The number one difference between official and informational birth certificate copies is a registrar’s seal. The type of seal used varies by states, but will be proof that the birth certificate is a government issued, certified document. The seal might be raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored.
What does a certified copy of a birth certificate mean?
A certified copy of a birth certificate issued by the Local Vital Records Office will have a raised seal, will show the signature of the Local Registrar, and will be printed on security paper.
How do you get a certified copy of your birth certificate?
Birth Certificate Copies: Born in the U.S. Contact the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born to get a copy of your birth certificate. Follow the instructions for requesting copies and paying fees. If you need a copy fast, ask about expedited service or shipping when you place your order.
Is a certified copy as good as the original?
A certified copy doesn’t have to be endorsed by whoever issued the original document. A certified copy doesn’t certify that the original document is genuine or legally valid — only that it’s a true copy of the original (so in theory anyone could certify something as a copy).
Is a certified copy an original?
A certified copy issued by the official document custodian (for example, a certified copy of a marriage record, issued by a county clerk) is not an original document – it is a copy. Make or witness the making of a certified/attested photocopy only when you are presented with a true original document.
What if my birth certificate does not have a raised seal?
If the white and black copy of your birth certificate does not include a multi-colored or raised seal, it is not a certified copy and probably will not be accepted as a legal document. Even if your white and black copy does contain a seal, it may not be accepted as a legal copy due to the age of the document.
What does a certified birth certificate look like?
A certified copy of a birth certificate has an official state registrar’s raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal, registrar’s signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar’s office, which must be within one year of the person’s date of birth.
How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate in the Philippines?
You can request an authenticated copy of a civil registry document from any PSA Serbilis Centers. You can file your request in person or you can also apply online through their website.
Who can certify true copy of documents?
A notarized copy is signed by a notary public (not to be confused with a notary in a civil law country). The certified copy is signed by a person nominated by the person or agency asking for it. Typically, the person is referred to as an authorised person.