Birth Certificate Clarification Needed

[roushfans]

We are sailing on our first cruise next month out of Mobile - I have read all the requirements about passport (preferable) vs. Birth Certificate (acceptable) and have all our original BC's in place for the cruise. But in looking at hubby's original Birth Certificate, I see there is no State Seal on it (presumably, before they put that into place in AL) - Is this un'sealed original acceptable to cruise, or would it behoove us to go get a certified copy, just in case. We are planning on getting passports for future cruising, but honestly wanted to make sure we liked cruising before we get them done.

 

Any/all info you can provide to this newbie, would be greatly appreciated!!

[paul929207]

Gert a certified copy. You don't want to be on the pier and be told he cannot board.

[broberts]

From CBP FAQ (found here "U.S. Citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country on the cruise with proof of citizenship, such as an original or copy of his or her birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) and, if 16 or older, a government issued photo ID. . . "

 

If DH's BC was issued by the Vital Records Department of AL then the absence of a seal is not material. A hospital issued BC is not acceptable.

[SadieN]

Better to be safe than sorry. Not all BCs have seals.

 

You can order one thru vitalcheck dot com.

[cb at sea]

Just call your dept of vital records and see if there should be a "seal"....not all states do that.

As long as it comes from your state's Bureau of Vital Statistics, it should be fine.