Come Out Come Out Wherever you Are

It never fails, when you need something quickly, or more accurately when you need something important quickly, well that is the time you can't find it. If you are like most of us, you are absolutely positive that you remember exactly where you put it. So if it's not there someone else must have moved it. That's our story and we're sticking to it.

If it's something you need, like now, you may be able to stall a few days by blaming it on someone else (my wife threw it away, my kid spilled chocolate milk on it, or a particular favorite is the computer ate it). However, you can't do that indefinitely especially if it is a request from a boss and it involves jeopardizing your career.

Your company needs you to do some traveling for them that will most likely require a passport at some locations. Ok, you sent your paperwork in, including a copy of your Puerto Rico birth certificate, no problem, right? Until you decide it is taking way too long and call the passport office, where you are told that everything has been delayed because your birth certificate was in Spanish, and they really need it in English. Great, ok, when do I get my original back that I sent to you so that I can get another one that has been translated? It gets worse; they tell you that they sent it back to you about two weeks ago, but of course it never made it. What do you do?

You can fill out an application for a certified copy; send it with the required fee, a copy of a state issued drivers license or passport and keep your fingers crossed and hope that you remembered to tell them you needed it to be in English.

However, why leave anything to chance? Consider contacting a company that specializes in obtaining certified copies of birth certificates. They will know exactly what paperwork is required, how to go about filling in the forms and possibly help expedite the process. Your boss will be so happy!

Birth Certificate - Real or Fake?

Not too long ago there was a story about birth certificates, both real and "fake". The fake birth certificates were sold on the Internet and were meant to be used as gag gifts and jokes. A little further into the story it was mentioned that the "fake" certificate could be ordered and would be an actual certified copy of the certificate.

Huh? If they are indeed fake certificates then what does it mean certified copy? The story went a little further and while some of it really did seem a joke, (showing your parents were really Sonny and Cher or something like that) there were parts of the story that seemed strange.

Anyway, after a little further investigating that site as well as a few others it was difficult to tell exactly what they were offering. While they did make it a bold exclamation as being jokes or fake, there seemed to be an underlying something extra there. A few people that were investigating this type of practice ordered fake birth certificates. There was an extra charge if you wanted to make this a "certified copy" of the birth certificate. They filled out an on-line form that required no real proof of identity, they were free to use whatever name, age, sex or parents they wanted.

Sure enough when these certified copies arrived they looked very certified. They included the raised embossed certified seal as well. As a matter of fact they looked good enough to fool many people. When the "undercover certificate buyers" showed those copies to different agencies they were surprised at the number of them that took it at face value and accepted it as a real birth certificate.

However, when they get caught and yes many, many do get caught they are charged not just with a misdemeanor some may be felonies. Even if you legitimately need and apply for a certified copy of your birth certificate and it happens to be from a company that is less than scrupulous, or already under investigation, you will very likely get caught up in the legal troubles.

If you need a copy of your birth certificate and want to order it on line, be sure to find a reputable company (research them if necessary) to assist you with this. There are legitimate companies that specialize in obtaining things like a certified copy of a birth certificate and it is well worth the effort to find one.

Your Child's Birth Certificate

There are many important documents relating to the birth of your child and they should be kept in a safe place. Most hospitals will provide you with the paperwork to get a Social Security Card, if needed you can also go on line to the SSA site and it will give you further instructions on how to obtain a number for your child.

Your family's medical records are also vitally important. This information is needed to verify immunizations are current in order to be enrolled in school as well as several other requirements. Actually the family medical history is good to have also.

Possibly the most important record is a birth certificate. A birth certificate is your child 's official proof of date of birth as well as their citizenship. It is required to start school, obtain a drivers license and even to apply for a passport. Not to mention proving the right to vote, needing it to apply for a marriage license, to be able to receive social security benefits and possibly even to inherit property.

When the baby's birth has been recorded, either with the local health department or the registrar of births, you will receive official notification. Make sure to check over the information carefully and request any necessary changes as soon as possible to avoid problems in the future.

If for some reason you need to obtain another copy or a certified copy of the birth certificate you may want to consider contacting a company that specializes in obtaining those types of documents. With laws changing on a seemingly daily basis, you want to make sure you have everything that is necessary to obtain the birth certificate. Fortunately this type of business is up to date on each states requirements as quickly as they change, giving you peace of mind that it will be done correctly the first time.

Information Superhighway or Detour?

At times it can seem overwhelming to stay on top of all the different allowable identification verifications, new laws for traveling and just about everything else you can imagine. Can it be made easier?

When the Internet was still in its infancy people were naturally skeptical of this information superhighway and all that it entailed. And while there have been many monumental improvements made since its inception there are times when it just isn't enough. Part of that is due to the immense growth of the Internet; so many people are seeking and inputting information that many times it is difficult to figure out exactly how much of it is accurate as it pertains to the information you need.

With the inclusion of certain "information web sites", where, until recently, you did not have to register before posting your article or information, it can be very difficult to obtain the information needed. Even when you have to register to submit your article, people are able to go in and edit the contact already posted without having to register. So, while the concept of contributing to a collective knowledge bank is a good one, it is not perfect and you should follow up important information the old-fashioned way, by either going in person or calling them on the phone to double check your information.

One major area that should not be overlooked is obtaining information and documents that are necessary for your safety and security. You can print a form from the Internet, no problem, but if you need a certified copy of the document (birth certificate, passport, etc) then it needs to done officially with a raised seal.

So, can it be made easier? Yes, by all means check the information on the Internet, try to narrow down the results and then go see or contact a company that specializes in knowing exactly what documents are needed for any occasion. That extra step may be the most important one.

Is a Birth Certificate Really that Important?

Many people feel that a social security card is the most important document that they have. And, while it is a very important document, there is another document that is necessary in order to even get a social security card and that is a birth certificate.

In most cases a birth certificate is the most preferred form of identification. Not too long ago a social security card was all that was needed by employers in order to put you on the payroll. However, many are now requesting certified copies of your birth certificate as well. Even when you apply for social security benefits you must have your social security card (or a verifiable record of your social security number) AND a certified copy of your birth certificate. That pretty much tells us that a birth certificate is your most important document.

Even our voting laws are changing and reflecting the need for better identification. The Voter ID Act, if passed, would go into effect in 2010 and would require voters to present photo ID that could not be obtained without proof of citizenship. Even your driver’s license would not technically be an acceptable form of identification as it can be obtained without the actual proof of citizenship.

So, this tells us that a certified copy of a birth certificate is the one major document to have available at all times. If you are not sure where your certificate is you may want to consider contacting a company that specializes in obtaining these types of documents. They are up to date on all laws and requirements and can make sure you get exactly what you need.