# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Travel Paperwork

How to Replace a Lost Birth Certificate

Birth certificates are vital records that everyone must have to be able to prove they are who they say they are and were born when they say they were. Birth certificates are required for a variety of other documentation, employment and other purposes. Thus you really don't want to lose yours, but if you do you can obtain a new one.

Internet access
Vital information; name, date of birth, place of birth, father's name and mother's name (including maiden name)
money for fee

Instructions

- 1
  Call your state department and ask for the extension to vital records or go online and go to vitalrec.com/ . Click on you state and then the follow the links to birth certificates.
- 2
  Decide if you want to obtain the birth certificate online or via mail. Make your selection on the website and click the corresponding link.
- 3
  Fill out the information on the application. It will ask for your name on record, date of birth, place of birth, father's name, mother's name and her maiden name. If by mail, enclose a check for the specified amount (typically $10-$20). If online, pay the fee with a credit card.
- 4
  Mail the application form and check or send the payment and application online. Wait anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks to receive the certificate in the mail or within minutes on the internet.
- 5
  Make a photocopy for yourself and keep it on record. Store it in a safe place. Or you can order multiple copies when completing the steps above to have a couple on hand should you ever lose it again. Good luck!