When most people think about a birth certificate, they often associate it with a keepsake in a baby book or enrolling in school. However, this vital document goes far beyond childhood needs; it’s used to verify your identity and secure benefits throughout your life. It is time to uncover the top ten reasons why having your official birth certificate available as an adult is crucial.
1. Applying for a Passport
One of the most common reasons adults need a certified birth certificate is to apply for a passport. The U.S. Department of State mandates a certified copy of your birth certificate to establish both your identity and U.S. citizenship. As of 2025, a birth certificate remains your primary proof of citizenship under the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil. Your birth certificate also provides your full legal name, date of birth, and place of birth—information that is critical for processing your passport application. For information on the documents you need to apply for a U.S. passport, visit the U.S. Department of State page.
2. Getting or Renewing a Real ID
As of May 7, 2025, all travelers flying domestically are required to present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, Real ID-compliant identification card, or passport. To obtain a Real ID, a certified birth certificate is one of the few accepted documents that prove your citizenship.
The Real ID Act also requires you to prove your identity and residency through other documents like your Social Security card and two documents proving your address and residency. Your birth certificate establishes your identity by confirming your full legal name, date of birth, and place of birth. This helps prevent identity fraud by making sure only verified individuals can receive a Real ID.
3. Replacing a Lost Social Security Card
Your Social Security card, which authenticates your Social Security number (SSN), is often used to manage your financial and legal affairs. For example, you need it to open a bank account, do new hire paperwork, or file taxes. If it is lost or stolen, replacing it may require your birth certificate as part of the process, particularly if you lack other primary forms of identification.
The SSA (Social Security Administration) primarily uses the birth certificate for two reasons:
- Citizenship Status: Your birth certificate is legal proof that you were born in the U.S. and are, therefore, a citizen, which qualifies you for a Social Security number and related benefits.
- Age and Identity Verification: You must provide evidence of your date of birth and identity, typically through a birth certificate and a valid photo ID. When used together, they confirm that you are the person listed on the certificate.
The SSA requires an original or certified copy of your birth record due to concerns about identity theft, making your birth certificate a foundational document in establishing your identity.
4. Applying for a Marriage License
Before a marriage license is issued, many states ask for proof of vital details–often starting with your birth certificate to provide key information, including:
- Proof of Legal Age and Identity: Most states require individuals to be at least 18 years old to get married without parental consent.
- Preventing Fraud or Duplicate Marriages: Clerks frequently review birth certificate details to verify that applicants are using their true identities and are not trying to enter into illegal marriages.
- Establishing Citizenship or Immigration Status: Your birth certificate can be used for visa applications following your marriage.
5. Applying for Benefits and Retirement
Deciding when to start your retirement benefits–early or at full retirement age–is a significant life event that requires you to show proof of age, and that often requires your birth certificate to verify your eligibility. The Social Security Administration (SSA) may require this documentation to validate the age stated on your application and confirm that you meet the minimum age requirements for certain benefits. Social Security benefits typically begin after the age of 62.
Your birth certificate may be needed when a spouse or dependent applies for survivor or spousal benefits based on your work record to provide proof of family relationships and proof of age.
6. Estate Planning and Probate Proceedings
Estate planning and probate proceedings often require a birth certificate, as it helps verify identities and relationships that determine who has the legal right to inherit or manage a deceased person’s estate. You may encounter delays without the birth certificate of the deceased.
If you are managing an estate or filing legal documents, you may be required to provide the decedent’s birth certificate for verification and court proceedings. The birth certificate plays an essential role in establishing legal identity, familial connections, and eligibility to inherit, key components in managing a deceased person’s estate.
During probate or estate distribution, parties often need to prove their relationship to the decedent (e.g., child, sibling, grandchild). Probate courts use birth certificates to verify that individuals claiming to be legal heirs or beneficiaries are indeed related to the deceased. For example, if a will is missing, a birth certificate can confirm a person’s status as a biological or legally recognized child, entitling them to a share of the estate according to intestacy laws, which govern inheritance when a will does not exist.
Additionally, executors or administrators may be required to submit birth certificates as part of court filings to identify and notify all rightful heirs. In contested estates, birth certificates can help resolve disputes regarding rightful inheritance or family relationships, such as proving that someone is the legitimate child of the deceased.
7. Applying for Dual Citizenship
Many countries require a U.S. birth certificate when applying for dual citizenship or ancestral citizenship based on parentage.
It shows that you were born in the United States, which automatically grants you citizenship under the 14th Amendment. When applying for dual citizenship through another country, you must provide evidence of your existing citizenship, and a birth certificate is the most direct and universally accepted document for proving that.
Some countries grant citizenship based on descent, meaning you may qualify for citizenship if one or both of your parents were citizens of that country. A U.S. birth certificate lists your parents’ full names, which helps consulates confirm your eligibility through lineage.
Many foreign consulates or embassies require a certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate when processing dual citizenship applications.
8. Genealogy or Family History Research
Certified birth certificates are a key factor in building your family tree and accurately tracing your family history. The record provides legal, accurate, and detailed information that can confirm identities, connect family members, and provide assurance that your family history is built on verified facts, not word of mouth.
Some archives or services may require proof of direct relationship, and a birth certificate can help you demonstrate your connection to an ancestor, granting you access to more restricted documents, such as death or marriage records.
9. Veterans Benefits or Military ID
For certain veterans’ benefits or military-related documentation (e.g., discharge upgrades, spouse support), a birth certificate may be required.
Whether you are claiming benefits for yourself or on behalf of a loved one who served, your birth certificate can help prove your relationship to the veteran, which is needed to acquire military ID cards, health care, education benefits, and survivor support.
10. Legal Name Changes or Corrections
Legal name changes and document corrections usually begin with one key record: your birth certificate. It serves as the official starting point for establishing your identity and is the vital record that needs to be updated or referenced during legal procedures.
Courts, government agencies, and other institutions require certified copies to ensure that requests are legitimate, traceable, and based on official records.
How to Get a Certified Birth Certificate
If you’ve lost your birth certificate or do not have an official copy, Vital Records Online (VRO) makes it easy to request one at any time:
- Fully guided online application
- Secure processing for all 50 states
- Avoiding confusing paperwork or long wait times
✅ Start your request for a certified birth certificate here.
Your certified birth certificate is more than just a piece of paper–it’s your lifelong key to making things official. From getting a passport or getting married to replacing a lost Social Security card, having a certified copy with you can save you from delays and missed chances. Order your certified copies anytime through Vital Records Online (VRO) to ensure you have this vital record available for life events. For more information on certified birth certificates, visit our FAQs page.