Some states offer non-official versions of birth certificates, called heirloom birth certificates. These certificates are usually decorative and contain limited information on the child’s birth. They may also feature the baby’s footprints. Heirloom birth certificates are purely for genealogical or keepsake purposes and are not considered legally valid to use as proof of citizenship or identity.
Generally, an heirloom birth certificate can only be requested by the certificate holder or one of their immediate family members. However, in most states, birth records become public records after 75 years. This means that anyone can access them.
The application process to get an heirloom birth certificate is the same as getting a certified copy of a birth certificate. In addition, some states allow heirloom birth certificates to be purchased as gifts, but a qualified individual must finalize the application.
Currently, the only states that offer heirloom birth certificates are Alaska, Delaware, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.