Problem with Birth Certificate

[damdamsels]

I have a huge problem I need some help with.. My mother-in-law who just turned 80 does not nor never did have a birth certificate. She was the last of 11 kids born in rural Nebraska. She wasn't named for 2 weeks. Anyway she has contacted vital statistics in Nebraska and they don't have a record of her birth. Does anyone know what we can do to provide identification instead of a birth certificate??

[HeatherInFlorida]

We had a similar problem, but in the end it worked out because our friend was able to get his birth certificate after all. But here's the link to the answers I got at the time. Maybe there will be some info that could help. Good luck!!!!

Cruise Critic Message Boards - Uh Oh! Birth Certif. Problem ... can anyone help? (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=73171&highlight=Birth+Certificate)

[peaches from georgia]

Call or go to a Passport Office. There are sites on the web that explain other forms of ID that can be used to get a passport if there is no legal birth certificate. The Passport Office will be able to tell you the exact regulations and documents you will need.

No way is anyone prevented from getting a passport their entire life because they do not have a bc. You read the general info on what to do by going to Google and looking under U.S.Passports, but I would want to talk with someone directly to be sure I had everything needed.

Hopefully you are not cruising within a very short time?

[Jemima]

Nebraska began requiring birth records in 1904 (according to a couple sites I checked). That's quite a while before your mother's birth. Did she give them the correct information such as name as it would be on the certificate? She might try a second time just to be sure.

[PEFER33]

Would it be possible to check records from a religious institution? I believe those records have been used by others in your situation.

Phil

[the2ofus]

I'm guessing your M-I-L has Social Security and Medicare. Both would have required some sort of record of birth. Check with your local SS office. They can probably tell you what proof was presented. This will help you track down the info needed for the passport.

[cod]

My late mother had no birth certificate. She was born in rural Arkansas in 1909 and though there was a doctor who kept his own records, those were lost in a fire. When time came for her to apply for ss, she had her 1928 marriage license and, if I'm not mistaken, she was asked to get something in writing - and notarized - from someone who was around at that time and who would attest to when she was born. She did this and it was accepted. She never had a passport but surely the same items would have worked.

[ryansmemom]

My late Mother-in-law, she passed away last month, had no birth certificate. She was born in Romania. She emigrated to this country through Ellis Island in the 1920's. She had her citizenship papers and marriage license and Social Security card. She was able to collect Social Security and obtain Medicare benifits until her death. She obtained her US passport in 1975.

Interestingly, all of her documentation, listed above that allowed her to obtain that passport listed her birthdate as September 24, 1911. About 8 years ago when we were filling out some paperwork she made a confession. When she emigrated, her mother feared she would have difficulty with the immigration officials at Ellis Island. It seem they thought it would be easier for a younger child to pass through. She was really born in 1909.

My point is, I know the truth is important, but your mother is 80 years old. I think they ought to give her a break!! Just what difference will it really make? Sometimes it just gets too silly!!

I am sure some sort of official ID will suffice. As long as it meets the beaurocratic needs and all of the questions on the form are answered I am sure your mother will get her passport. Then you will be able to get on with what is really important in life. Enjoying yourselves.

Linda

[Tricia724]

My dad had the same problem years ago when he wanted to take a trip and needed a passport. There was no birth certificate available for him because the court house burned down several years after he was born and all the records were destroyed. In the end, he submitted a church record of baptism and confirmation and some sort of census record. There are a number of alternatives including, I believe, testimonials from individuals who have known you and your family.

I agree with peaches...contact the passport office and invest in a passport. Even though it takes a bit of work, your MIL will likely never need another piece of identification. Airlines, cruiselines, immigration officials, foreign countries and....most important of all....the US Government love to see those passports. As security gets tighter and tighter, the passport is far superior to a birth certificate.

[KSCnCA]

I agree with Peaches also. My boss lost his passport and had no idea where it was. I spent several hours filling out new forms and making him an appointment to go in person to get a new passport. He was going to have to take someone who would vouch for him as he didn't have a copy of his BC but would be able to get the passport replaced within the 3 or 4 days he had before his next trip to the UK.

He came in the next day with the passport (his wife found it in the pocket of the winter jacket he had traveled in and put away). I then got to cancel the apointment I made for him, but my point is, there are ways around the regular way they issue passports. Be firm, be nice, but don't take no for an answer!

[catlib55]

Most foreign countries now require a passport for entrance with the new security programs in place. If you are traveling to a foreign country, your best bet would be to obtain a passport for your mother-in-law. There are several different ways of showing proof of citizenship other than a birth certificate.

Here is a link to a site that tells you what each foreign country requires for entrance:

http://www.expressvisa.com/cf-dbm/countryinfo/countryinfoitem.cfm?recordid=43

If the link doesn't work, copy the web address into your web browser.

[marybeach]

I just gave an answer re: our passport/birth certificate problems. FYI.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=97590

[Arubalisa]

We just order a birth certificate for our foster-to-adopt daughter at VitalChek Network (http://www.vitalchek.com/) The BC arrived within one week.

NEBRASKA VITAL STATISTICS (http://www.vitalchek.com/provider_overview.asp?provider_id=20609)
Phone (http://www.vitalchek.com/orderform.asp?type=phone&provider_id=20609&product_id=14600)
Issued statewide from 1904 to present. All expedited orders must be phoned in during regular business hours.

[damdamsels]

My mother in law contacted the local passport office and they are helping her. She is having a letter attested to the fact that she was born from her sister who is still alive. After that they will issue her a passport. She will expedite the process as we leave on January 16th and she wants to make sure she has it in hand. Thanks everyone for your help and comments. Getting close to 2 month count down....Can't wait.

[MandyGirl]

We faced the same thing with my grandmother for her first cruise (our wedding cruise last year). Luckily she still had one living sister who was able to sign for her and also a family Bible... and we started the process early. She has lived her whole life in Texas. Good luck with this!