birth cert whats accepted?

#1 (**permalink**) March 3rd, 2003, 02:35 PM

i'm a little confused here,I just want to make sure the certificate is what I need . It is the reproduction of the offical document that is on file in the public health dept. No raised seal, but down at the bottom is the "great seal of CA." Is there someone/place to go to to have them look at this?

Thomas · #2 (**permalink**) March 3rd, 2003, 02:48 PM

Since 9/11 they have become stricter on identification. They require you to have an original with a raised seal. If you don't have an original you must have one issued by the state in which you were born. If this is impossible, you might get away with having a notary notarize it for you, but I can't say for sure.

I have a passport, it is accepted anywhere no questions.

Regards,
Thomas

Lisa · #3 (**permalink**) March 3rd, 2003, 06:57 PM

It has to be the original or a certified copy - and either of those have to have a raised seal. Simpler to get a passport!

Donna · #4 (**permalink**) March 3rd, 2003, 07:42 PM

Hi Happy,
I'll join the bandwagon and agree that a passport is the best identification you can carry. I do not leave home without it. Here is a link to get you started in case you do decide to go ahead and apply for one:

http://travel.state.gov/passport_easy.html

#5 (**permalink**) March 3rd, 2003, 08:36 PM

Thanx guys.....what a great board...you convinced me.I just got home from wrapping up all the paper work and we should be getting our passports in 6wks or less. Thanx for the push

Donna · #6 (**permalink**) March 3rd, 2003, 08:43 PM

Good news Happy,
I think you will not regret having one, makes traveling a piece of cake. You will be suprised how many times you have to use it along the way, not just at the airport when leaving, but throughout, very wise decision. BTW, they will send the birth cirtificate with the application form and passport photos you give them, but you get it back with the completed passport, shouldn't take long at all.

Happy Cruising!

Solotravler · #7 (**permalink**) March 4th, 2003, 11:37 AM

I leave for my cruise in 4 weeks , I don't think I have time to get a passport with out odering it express. I just received a certified copy of my Birth Certificate, it does a raised seal, but I can't read what the seal says. It's on water marked paper. I'm only going to the Bahamas so I don't see the need to pay $80 for a passport yet. I plan to have one by my next vacation, but I'd rather spend that $80 on my vacation. To some $80 may not be a lot but I'm on a budget & I need a few other things 1st.

Jim Bragg · #8 (**permalink**) March 4th, 2003, 02:26 PM

Solo,
That will be fine along with a photo ID like your drivers license. Be aware that I predict someday soon you will need a passport to travel outside the USA period so get one as soon as you can. It is the best and only ID you will ever need and it lasts for 10 years.
Jim