In recent years, there has been confusion surrounding the question of whether or not individuals need to provide their birth certificate when applying for a passport. Many people have been left wondering if they need to keep their birth certificate on hand or if it is safe to dispose of it once they have obtained their passport. To help clear up the confusion, we reached out to government officials and experts in the field to get a definitive answer.
According to the U.S. Department of State, individuals do not need to provide their original birth certificate when applying for a passport. Instead, applicants are required to submit a certified copy of their birth certificate. This means that individuals can keep their original birth certificate in a safe place, such as a lockbox or safe deposit box, and provide a certified copy when applying for a passport.
But why is a certified copy of a birth certificate required for a passport application? According to the U.S. Department of State, a certified copy of a birth certificate is required to verify an individual’s identity and citizenship. By providing a certified copy of their birth certificate, applicants are able to prove that they are who they say they are and that they are a citizen of the United States.
In addition to providing a certified copy of their birth certificate, applicants are also required to submit a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID card, when applying for a passport. This helps to further verify the applicant’s identity and citizenship.
So, what should individuals do with their original birth certificate once they have obtained their passport? According to experts, it is always a good idea to keep important documents, such as birth certificates, in a safe place. While individuals do not need to provide their original birth certificate when applying for a passport, it is still an important document to have on hand for other purposes, such as applying for a driver’s license or enrolling in school.
In addition to keeping their original birth certificate in a safe place, individuals are also encouraged to make a copy of the document and keep it in a separate location. This can help to ensure that individuals have a backup copy of their birth certificate in case the original is lost or damaged.
Overall, while individuals do not need to provide their original birth certificate when applying for a passport, it is still important to keep the document in a safe place. By providing a certified copy of their birth certificate and a valid form of identification when applying for a passport, individuals can help to ensure a smooth application process and obtain their passport in a timely manner.
In conclusion, individuals do not need to keep their original birth certificate on hand when applying for a passport, but it is still important to keep the document in a safe place. By providing a certified copy of their birth certificate and a valid form of identification when applying for a passport, individuals can help to verify their identity and citizenship and obtain their passport without any delays.
