Birth Records Search Key Terms

Know the proper terms when you try to locate birth records

Birth records are one type of public record that you can access. You may need to search for birth records for your own files or to use for business purposes. Whatever your reasoning, you should know a little bit about birth records before beginning your search. This can help you make the most out of your quest. Understanding birth records, including the data they contain, can help you attain the information needed for personal or business reasons.

 

Vital records

Vital records are also known as vital statistics. These are kept in files in every county where the birth takes place. Included in this group are birth, marriage and death certificates, as well as other information that makes up a community.
Try: Learn more about vital records, including birth certificates, at vitalrec.com.

Public records

Public records are any type of official information that is available to the general public. This includes birth, marriage and death certificates, which can all be accessed by any individual.
Try: Learn more about public records, how they relate to birth certificates and how they are used at the Electronic Privacy Information Center.

Long forms

Long forms, or certified copies, are the exact photocopies of the birth certificates prepared by the physician present at the birth or by the hospital. These forms are considered official documentation.
Try: Visit the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to learn more about long forms for birth certificates.

Short forms

Short forms, or computer certifications, aren't always acceptable for legal matters, so use caution when purchasing one of these. Certain information is taken from the long form. The short forms are used more for certification than for official documentation.
Try: Check out the Shelby County Government to learn about short forms for birth records.

Delayed birth certificates

If you're diving through family history and need a copy of a birth certificate, then consider purchasing delayed birth certificates. Since these certificates may be hundreds of years old, you may need to do some research to locate the copies.
Try: To learn more about delayed birth certificates, check out a site from The Generations Network, Ancestry.com.

Raised or embossed seals

If you need the birth certificate for passports, Social Security issues, employment or personal identification, then be sure to request birth certificates that have raised or embossed seals. This ensures that the documentation is official and certified. Sometimes the county will affix the seal or embossing on all birth certificates, but you should ask to be sure.
Try: Check out the Illinois Department of Public Health to learn more about raised and embossed seals on birth records.

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