Birth Certificate Alternatives for U.S. Passport Applications

📍 When Are Alternatives Required?

You must provide alternative documentation if:

• Your birth certificate was filed more than one year after birth, or

• No birth certificate exists on file in the state where you were born

The U.S. Department of State requires additional documentation in these situations.

🧾 Delayed Birth Certificate

A delayed birth certificate is one filed more than one year after birth.

It must include:

• A list of records or documents used to create it (such as early public records)

• The signature of the birth attendant, or

• An affidavit signed by the parent(s)

If your delayed birth certificate does not include these items, you must also submit early public records.

📄 Letter of No Record

If no U.S. birth certificate exists, the state registrar will issue a Letter of No Record.

The letter must:

• Be issued by the state

• Include the applicant’s full name and date of birth

• List the birth years searched

• Include a statement confirming no birth certificate is on file

When Submitting a Letter of No Record

You must also provide:

• One early public record, or

• One early public record and one early private record, along with Form DS-10 (Birth Affidavit)

📚 Early Public or Private Records

These documents must be from the first five years of your life.

Records should include:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Place of birth

Examples include:

• Baptism certificate

• Hospital birth certificate (may show baby’s footprints)

• U.S. Census record

• Early school records

• Family Bible record

• Doctor’s records of post-natal care

🖊️ Form DS-10 (Birth Affidavit)

Form DS-10 may be required when:

• Submitting a Letter of No Record

• Supporting insufficient early documentation

This affidavit must be completed according to U.S. Department of State guidelines.

⚠️ Important Notes

• All documents must be original or certified copies

• Photocopies are not accepted for proof of citizenship

• The U.S. government determines whether documentation is sufficient

• Additional evidence may be requested

Swift cannot override government documentation requirements.