The date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office must be within one year of the birth.

A delayed birth certificate filed more than one year after the birth may be acceptable if it:

1. Lists the documentation used to create it and
2. Is signed by the attending physician or midwife, or, lists an affidavit signed by the parents, or shows early public records.

If you do NOT have a previous U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate, you will need:

1. Letter of No Record

   Issued by the State with your name; date of birth; which years were searched for a birth record; and that there is no birth certificate on file for you and

2. as many of the following as possible:

   (These documents must be early public records showing the date and place of birth, preferably created within the first five years of your life):

   • Baptismal certificate
   • Hospital birth certificate
   • Census record
   • Early school record
   • Family bible record
   • Doctor's record of post-natal care
   • Notarized Affidavit of Birth (DS-10) from an older blood relative who has personal knowledge of your birth.

Last update: Thursday, 17 September 2009 GMT+1000