What Information Is Collected on a Birth Certificate?

When a child is born, he is usually issued a birth certificate, which contains a collection of important information supplied by the parents, such as the child's name, race and gender. A birth certificate can play an important role in the future of the child. For example, only those with a valid U.S. birth certificate may run for President of the United States.

  1. Personal Information

    • A birth certificate, for obvious reasons, contains a lot of information about the person who has just been born. For example, a birth certificate will include the first name, last name, and middle name of the person in question. The birth certificate will also contain information regarding the person's gender, race, and date of birth, as well as the location of the birth. It is possible for a person to alter the information on a birth certificate in the event that the person wishes to change their name or sex. In California, for example, a new birth certificate will be issued to anyone who wishes to legally change their name or gender. In order to legally change this information in California and receive a new birth certificate, a petition must be filed in a superior court.

    Parental Information

    • A birth certificate contains more than just information on the person who was just born. Information about the child's birth parents, or legal guardians, is also listed on the certificate. The father's name, age, occupation and place of birth are included. This same information is included for the mother of the child, however, the mother also has additional information provided. For example, the mother's maiden name will be included, as well as the number of children she has had prior. The name of the physician or midwife, as well as their address, will also be provided on the birth certificate, along with a certificate number.

    Early History

    • Between the years 1900 and 1907, a newly-born child was not issued a birth certificate, but a birth record card. The birth record card contained much of the same information as a birth certificate, including the name, gender and race of the child, as well as the location of the birth. In 1908, the birth certificate became the standard form used to document the birth of a child. Prior to 1969, the gender, or sex, of a child was classified as either "boy" or "girl." However, after 1969 the gender of the child was classified as either "male" or "female."

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