New or Amended Birth Certificates

We all know that our birth certificate is most likely the most important document to have, as there are so many situations that may require you to produce one or a certified copy of one. Most of these situations are pretty cut and dried: It may be needed to apply for a social security card, it can be needed to register a child for school, to obtain a drivers license, marriage license and numerous other situations.

Have you or has anyone you know had a more specific need or reason to get his or her actual birth certificate changed or amended? For example, if you have changed your name as well as your gender there is specific paperwork that is required in order to change documents. And, not all states will just issue a new birth certificate some will issue an "amended" birth certificate noting the change of name and sex.

For instance in Alabama they will issue an amended birth certificate noting the change of sex and name but will not replace the original birth certificate. Whereas, California will change both name and sex and will issue a new birth certificate rather than amend the old one. However most of the documents that are required to complete the paperwork is basically the same. You will normally need an original letter from your SRS surgeon and the original or certified copy of the court order for your name change. If you do not have a court ordered for the name change you can petition for one at the same time you petition for the new birth certificate.

Taking care of all the paperwork can be intimidating enough without knowing if you have everything that is required in your state. In that case you may want to contact a copy that specializes in obtaining certified copies of birth certificates. If nothing else they will be able to point you in the right direction for your particular state.