Long Form VS Short Form Birth Certificate

Birth certificates provide legal proof of identity and citizenship. 

But did you know that there are two main formats that exist? They're called long form and short form. 

In this blog we'll guide you to understand the key differences between a long form birth certificate and a short form birth certificate. 

This will ensure that you get the right document for your needs when obtaining birth certificate copies. 

1. What Is A Birth Certificate? 

First things first – what is a birth certificate? 

A birth certificate provides official recognition of someone's birth. 

The certificate includes: 

• Names
• Date of birth
• Location of birth
• Parent information
• and any other data recorded at the time.

Birth certificates get filed with the state agencies that can later issue certified copies. 

These serve as vital personal identification documents. 

What is a long form birth certificate? 

Long form birth certificates represent complete documentation of a birth record. 

Key elements of long form format include:

• Child's full name, birthdate, birthtime
• Hospital, street address, and city of birth
• Parent's full names, ages, and occupations
• Grandparent's names and birthplaces
• Certifying signatures of attending medical personnel

Long forms present all available legal details per the original birth ledger entry – being the most comprehensive option. 

What is a short form birth certificate? 

Short form birth certificates provide a shortened extract of vital data. 

A short form certificate usually includes: 

• Child's name and sex
• Date and location of birth
• Parent's names
• Certificate filing date

They summarize the key details only. 

What are the key differences between long form and short form? 

The main differences between long form and short form are: 

• Long forms contain full birth record details. The specific hospital, times, personnel info, and extended family are excluded from the short form
• Short forms excerpt only core information
• Long forms meet more agency requirements 

2. When To Use Short Form or Long Form? 

Both long form and short form birth certificates can establish legal identification for thing's like driver's licenses, social security, and passports in most cases. 

Here's a small guide to use when you're unsure: 

Use a long form when: 

• Proof of citizenship demands full parental, location and medical staff birth data.
• Applicant ages may necessitate documentation with parents' dates of birth.
• Home or alternative birthing facility details could impact eligibility.

Use short forms when: 

• Most identification needs like school, employment or age verification.
• Whenever core proof via names, date and birth locale meet requirements.

If your situation specifically calls for comprehensive data, use long form. If not, short forms provide core validity in many contexts. 

**Make sure to check requirements before requesting certificate copies to avoid delays later. 

3. Get Your Vital Records With Us 

Receiving your vital records through our website only gets better from here. 

You can obtain a state-issued birth certificate, death certificate or any other information needed regarding vital information. 

Here's how State Vital Records works: 

• Submit your form and order online
• Notarize through NotaryLive (if required)
• After you finish your application, State Vital Records will send your application to the jurisdiction – the jurisdiction is responsible for the rest of the application process.
• The jurisdiction will complete your order and mail a copy of the requested records to you.

If you require assistance in notarizing your document, please contact [email protected]. Interested in the notarization process? Click here to learn more.

Looking to order your state vital records? Click here to make a request. Have any questions, contact us!

Frequently Asked Questions

ARE THE CERTIFICATES OFFICIAL?

• Yes. The certificates are issued by the Department of Public Health and are recognized and accepted by all state and federal agencies.

WHAT KIND OF PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?

• We accept Visa, MasterCard, JCB, American Express and Discover. Please contact us for more payment options.

WHAT KIND OF VITAL RECORDS CAN I RECEIVE/ORDER?

• State Birth Certificate
• State Death Records (Certificate)
• Marriage Certificate
• Divorce Certificate
• Fetal Death and Stillbirth Certificates

ARE YOU AFFILIATED WITH A LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY?

• We are a privately-owned site, but trusted and contracted by the Department of Public Health.

WHERE ARE MY VITAL RECORDS? 

• Once we've sent your order to the jurisdiction, it is in the hands of the jurisdiction. Please contact them for status on where your vital record is.
   

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STATE VITAL RECORDS? 

• Is State Vital Records Legit?
• Safe Places To Store Your Birth Certificate
• The 5 Most Powerful Passports In The World