Birth certificates are issued by states. A state-issued certificate is usually very different than the Standard Certificate of Live Birth form. The official certificate looks more formal, ...

Currently, people do not need a birth certificate to register to vote, but the could change with the SAVE Act. You can get a copy of you birth certificate for a small fee and a bit of time.

How to get your child’s birth certificate. If your child was born in a hospital, a nurse or midwife will give you the forms required to receive a birth certificate before you and your child go home.