What are the criteria for acceptable Birth Certificates?

If a Birth Certificate is to be used in lieu of an Unexpired US Passport as proof of US Citizenship, the Birth Certificate must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Be Original or Certified Copy (Not a Photocopy or Fax)
• Have a Multi-Colored or Raised Seal
• Be Issued by U.S. State or County Government - NOT by a hospital
• Have the words “Vital Statistics”, “Clerk” or “Registrar” in the issuing entity name
• Be accompanied by a valid government-issued photo ID
• Have a name that matches the government Photo ID
• Have a date of birth that matches the government Photo ID

Birth Certificates can be obtained quickly through VitalChek, a private company that expedites obtaining records from local agencies. The cost for this service is approximately $40 for the fastest processing.