A birth certificate is among the most important documents anybody in the US can have. It is the legal document that proves one’s identity and, therefore, citizenship. Your birth certificate will be used for various purposes, such as when enrolling in school, signing up for health insurance, getting married, and more.
One detail on birth certificates is the birth certificate number. This number is used by government agencies to locate, track, and verify birth certificates. By doing so, it helps the government to verify identity and prevent fraud. Since this is an important number, if you’re wondering about where to find your birth certificate number, our article will guide you.
Read to the end to find out where to find your birth certificate number.
What Is a Birth Certificate Number?
A birth certificate number is a unique number on a birth certificate issued by the state where the person was born. It is an 11-digit unique number that’s written in XXX-XX-XXXXXX format. The first three digits refer to the area code number, which every state has its own.
The following two digits indicate the year the person was born, and the last six digits are for the registration number unique to the individual.
Just like the name, place of birth, date of birth, and other important information on birth certificates, the birth certificate number is critical for it to be valid. This number might also be required when completing certain government forms and other legal purposes. Below, we will discuss more about where to find the birth certificate number on a birth certificate.
Where to Find Birth Certificate Number
Since the birth certificate number is only on your birth certificate, the easiest way to find it is to check your birth certificate. This unique identifier is usually located on the top right corner of the birth certificate, but it might also be on the top center or bottom, depending on the issuing state and the year.
Your birth certificate number might also be labeled as State File Number or File Number in addition to Certificate Number. Here’s an example of how your birth certificate number should look: 123-45-678901.
The birth certificate number shouldn’t be confused with the Social Security Number. Your Social Security Number is created after you are born, so the birth certificate number and the Social Security Number are two completely different identifiers.
How to Find a Birth Certificate Number Online
As for where to find your birth certificate online, the question should be, can you find your birth certificate online? Given that birth certificate numbers are only on birth certificates, you can’t find them online. Unless you’ve made a copy of your birth certificate online somewhere for your own records, it isn’t possible to find anyone’s birth certificate number online.
Where to Find Birth Certificate Number if I Lost My Birth Certificate
With all these covered above, you can’t find your birth certificate number if you don’t have your birth certificate with you. In case you’ve lost it, you will first need to get it to know your birth certificate number. You can get your birth certificate by contacting the Vital Records Office in the state where you were born and requesting a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Although this won’t be your original birth certificate, it will still include the birth certificate number.
In most states, you can simply visit the Vital Records Office and have your documents ready to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. Each Vital Records Office has its own process, but generally, having a photo ID and answering basic details like your parents’ names, date of birth, and place of birth is enough to get a certified copy.
Also, you can order a certified copy of your birth certificate online or by mail. Therefore, you might not need to visit the Vital Records Office in person. Check your state’s Vital Records Office website to learn how you can request a certified copy of your birth certificate.
For instance, most states use VitalCheck to help residents request a certified copy of their birth certificate online, and you can use this website to order your birth certificate.
How to Check if Someone’s Birth Certificate Number Is Legit
If you suspect that someone’s birth certificate is not legitimate, there are several ways to find out. As mentioned, birth certificate numbers follow a standard format. It is likely to be fake if the birth certificate number isn’t 11 digits and doesn’t follow the standard format outlined above.
That’s, of course, unless it is an old one that was created when states didn’t follow the same standards.
Also, each state has its own area code. Therefore, if the area code of the state that issued the birth certificate is wrong, it might indicate a fake birth certificate number. You can check your state’s area code for birth certificate numbers to find out. For instance, the California area code for birth certificates is 104, meaning all birth certificate numbers look like this: 104-XX-XXXXXX.
However, note that birth certificate number area codes for specific cities can be different. For example, the New York area code is 131, but New York City uses the birth area code number 156. You can learn your state’s area code for birth certificates from the Social Security Administration’s website.
What Birth Certificate Number Is Used For?
Birth certificate numbers are typically used by government agencies. These unique identifiers allow government agencies to locate and verify someone’s identity. In most cases, you won’t need to enter it anywhere for official purposes. It is almost always only utilized by government agencies.
Is Birth Certificate Number Public Record?
Birth certificate numbers are on birth certificates. Therefore, the only way to find someone’s birth certificate number is by checking their birth certificate, which isn’t public record. You must have it in order to find your or someone else’s birth certificate number; it isn’t a document you can search for on public records, unlike someone’s will or criminal records.
Although birth certificate numbers and other details on birth certificates aren’t public record, you can learn more information about someone through other documents that are public record. Here’s how you can learn more about individuals through public records.
How to Search Public Records Online
There are several ways to search public records online, but how you should go about it ultimately comes down to what you want to find out. For instance, if you suspect that a new neighbor might be a registered sex offender, you will need to go to your state’s sex offender registry and perform a search.
However, the downside to searching for public records this way is that you will need to check different online databases until you get the full picture. Fortunately for those who want to get everything done in the most convenient way possible, it is possible to perform a comprehensive public records check on someone to learn more about them.
You can run a public records search on someone using their name on our website. Simply enter the individual’s name, and you will have access to a wide range of information about them, including marriage records, contact details, criminal records, property ownership, address history, professional certifications, and much more.
Additionally, you can search for people using their phone number or address. The ability to search using a phone number helps with learning about people who call you, and the address search is excellent for learning about new neighbors without needing to know their full names.
With all these at your disposal, running a public records search on PublicRecord.com is the best way to learn more about individuals. As long as you keep your use within our Terms and Conditions, you will be able to discover someone’s true identity and ensure they are who they say they are to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Birth Certificate Numbers Summarized
The birth certificate number is a unique identifier that’s typically used by government agencies to locate, track, and verify birth certificates. Outside of this, it doesn’t have many uses. Although your birth certificate might be needed for legal purposes, the birth certificate number alone won’t have a use.
However, if you need it for something, our article above explains where to find your birth certificate number. Get your birth certificate and inspect it for the certificate number. As mentioned, it is typically located on the top right, top center, or bottom of the birth certificate and follows an 11-digit format.
Once again, if you’ve lost your birth certificate or the certificate number has been worn out from the original document, you can request a certified copy of your birth certificate that will include the certificate number. Contact your state’s Vital Records Office to request your birth certificate and discover your birth certificate number.
