We are told to keep a copy of birth certificate in a good place because someday it will come in handy. However, when it comes to getting a passport or confirming one's identity, or obtaining a new driver's license, it is amazing how many people cannot find a copy of birth certificate. Fortunately, it isn't difficult to obtain a copy of birth certificate, but one should make sure that the copy is in a safe place so it doesn't get lost again!

Before the advent of the internet, people often had to go in person to offices and fill out forms to get a copy of birth certificate. There are now sites online that do the work for you; all you have to do is to fill out a form, pay a modest fee, and a copy of birth certificate can be sent to you in less than a week. It is not as easy to obtain a copy of birth certificate if you live overseas, but it doesn't have to be a hassle. It is important, especially when ordering a new passport, to allow plenty of time for the copy of birth certificate to be processed and sent. Usually, citizens who live abroad must go the consulate and fill out forms to obtain a copy of birth certificate from the United States. Children who are born overseas to U.S. citizens are given a certificate to confirm birth abroad for a U.S. citizen. This is like a birth certificate, but is a special document designed for children born abroad.

Copy of birth certificate is a good research tool for genealogy. If you want to look into your family roots, you can obtain a copy of birth certificate from many decades earlier if you have the right information. You will need to know the name, city of birth and year in order to obtain a copy of birth certificate.