The appearance of official birth certificates issued by the WDH-VSS may vary depending on the year of issue. Nevertheless, they will display distinct features to ensure authenticity. Official birth certificates must adhere to state guidelines, including standard features such as the state seal, individual's name, registrar's signature, and secure paper.
Note that official (long-form) birth certificates are used explicitly for legal purposes and are distinct from informational (short-form) copies used for personal or commemorative reasons.
• Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.
• Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.
• Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.
• Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.
• State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.
• Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.
• Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.
• Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.
In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:
• Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.
• Name of the Physician who attended the labor.