You may have heard the terms “long-form” and “short-form” in regard to birth certificate copies. If so, you’re probably wondering what the difference is between the two. Long-form and short-form birth certificates are actually very different things that are useful for different purposes.
So, if you need a copy of your birth certificate, it’s important to make sure you get the right type. We’ll go over the differences between long-form and short-form birth certificates, and let you know what each kind can be used for.
Long-Form Birth Certificates
Long-form birth certificates are also referred to as original, certified, or official birth certificates. However, they are not truly originals, since your original birth certificate is kept on file under lock and key at the vital records office that created it.
But, it is an exact copy of the original birth certificate. It contains all of the same information, including any changes that have been made to the birth records. Unless, of course, the original information was sealed, due to adoption or other circumstances.
However, long-form birth certificates are both official and certified. When a long-form copy is requested, the vital records office that has the original will take it out to make an exact replica. Then, the registrar will sign the copy and stamp it with a raised or embossed state seal, certifying that it is an accurate copy of the original.
If you need to show a birth certificate to prove your identity or citizenship, then a long-form copy is what you will need. For example, you will need a certified, long-form copy to apply for things like a driver’s license or passport.
Since long-form copies contain so much personal information, they are not accessible for just anyone. In most states, only the person on record and their immediate family members can request a copy.
Short-Form Birth Certificates
Short-form birth certificates can also be called abstracts or heirloom birth certificates. This type of birth certificate copy contains limited, basic information about the person on record. They are not considered legally valid for official use, so you can’t use one when applying for things like identification documents.
However, short-form birth certificates are easier to access than long-forms, and they can be very useful for genealogical purposes. Many people also request copies to use as keepsakes or family heirlooms. In fact, Texas actually offers specific heirloom copies that feature a decorative background and other stylized elements.
How to Apply for a Birth Certificate Copy
Now that you know the difference between long-form and short-form birth certificate copies, you can determine which type you need. However, you’re probably wondering how to even apply for a birth certificate copy.
You have a couple of different ways you can submit a request for a copy of your birth certificate. First, you can go in person to a vital records office in your birth state. You must apply through an office in the state where your birth was registered because each state keeps its birth records independently. If you choose this route, you should be aware that these offices can be quite busy, so you will want to get there right after they open, or you might be waiting in line for a very long time.
If this is not an option, or it just sounds incredibly inconvenient, we understand. So, there is another application method. You can apply online using a verified application service here. This will allow you to skip the trip to a vital records office and apply from home instead.