Is a copy of your birth certificate valid

#1 (**permalink**) December 1st, 2003, 02:03 PM

I ran off a copy on my scanner, is that legit

jedgar · #2 (**permalink**) December 1st, 2003, 02:23 PM

No must be original or certified copy issued by your state.

#3 (**permalink**) December 1st, 2003, 06:32 PM

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
certified or original from town hall. better yet, get a passport!

Donna · #4 (**permalink**) December 1st, 2003, 06:55 PM

If you still have enough time, go ahead and get a passport, the best identification you can travel with:

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

#5 (**permalink**) December 1st, 2003, 07:49 PM

Hi,

I am a travel agent and cruise specialist - you will need a certified copy of your birth certificate, issued directly by a government agency. A copy is not acceptable. You will also need a government-issued picture identification, such as a driver's license, and official, certified government documentation of any name changes from the name listed on your birth certificate, especially for women who use their married name and who could use their official certified marriage license.

The others are right...a passport is the BEST way to go. It is a lot less to carry with you when you travel and it is a quick and easy during the check-in process.

Have a great day!
Julia Elzie

JeanS · #6 (**permalink**) December 1st, 2003, 07:57 PM

RJN, you don't need no passport, hubby & I have cruised for many years, many times, carrying nothing but our driver's licenses and birth certificates and have NEVER had a problem...spend the money on addl shore excursions instead!

Enjoy!

#7 (**permalink**) December 2nd, 2003, 07:07 AM

You don't need a copy of your marriage certificate either they stopped making you bring that a year ago.

JeanS · #8 (**permalink**) December 2nd, 2003, 08:15 AM

Birth certificate, free, you already have it, no extra charge, same as a passport...with *one* exception that I know of, a small island in Hawaii with no running water or electricity.. is it worth it?

Jim Bragg · #9 (**permalink**) December 2nd, 2003, 11:24 AM

In a word, No. It must be an original issued BC from the goverment agency where you were born. What they provide you varies from state to state but most have a raised seal. In addition you will also have to have a government issued photo ID such as a drivers license in addition to the BC.
Jim

Jim Bragg · #10 (**permalink**) December 2nd, 2003, 11:32 AM

Not really Jean. That one small island is not in Hawaii but is Fanning Island which is a seperate country to meet the requirements of the Passenger Service Act. In addition a Passport is the only ID you will need if you have one as it is good worldwide. I foresee the day coming very soon when you will have to have a Passport to cruise anywhere. In addition what if you get stranded in one of the countries that require a Passport for everyone but cruise passengers? Belize is one. No problem if you are on a ship but what if you miss the ship or need to leave it there for some reason? Could be a problem. There are so many great reasons to get a Passport, (think of those specials to exotic places cruises or trips), and no good reason not to get one.
Jim