How to Apply for a Birth Certificate for the Homeless
Birth certificates are issued through state and local vital records departments or human service agencies. Although the process for requesting a birth certificate as a homeless person may vary by municipality, generally, they must provide the issuing agency with written documenting verifying the identity of the parents and the circumstances of the child's birth. If the child was born in a hospital, homeless parents should ask to speak with a social worker at the time of the child's birth and begin the process of requesting a birth certificate prior to being discharged from the hospital.
Things You'll Need
- Proof of birth Identification Documentation of homelessness
Instructions
Follow the Rules
Obtain proof of the birth. The Department of Vital Records for your city, state or county will request documentation from the hospital where the child was born or the clinic where the mother received prenatal care. The records should list the mother's and father's names, and time and place of birth. Show identification establishing the parents' identity. The parent requesting the birth certificate must provide identification, such as a birth certificate, state-issued ID card, or Social Security Card. Alternatively, some jurisdictions may accept notarized letters from licensed social service agencies attesting to the parents' identities. Provide documentation verifying that you are homeless. Most jurisdictions will waive birth certificate fees for homeless people. To receive the fee waiver, the parent applying for the birth certificate may be asked to present a letter from a social service agency or temporary shelter verifying the family's homeless status. Fill out the form issued by your jurisdiction's vital records department. Homeless individuals should indicate on the form that they are homeless and specify that they wish to pick up the birth certificate in person once it is issued.
