Are birth certificates public knowledge, if not why? I went to check out a BC, but access denied,what reason?

Question

They told me that I had to get a court order, have the laws changed, my aunt told me at one time you check the vitals of a birth!

Answer 1

Where I live you either have to be the parent, person or legal guardian of someone to obtain a birth certificate. If a BC is required for legal reasons you can get a court order to get one.

It's for privacy reasons. Would you want any random person to be able to get your BC and use it to steal your identity?  

Answer 2

It's considered primary identification. Therefore, some jurisdictions do not allow you to see another's BC. Some do.

It depends on which state you are in.

Answer 3

In order to get a copy of a birth certificate you need to give a valid reason why you need it.  I had to get my grandson's because he was fixing to go to school and they wanted my relationship.  I think it's because of all these illegal immigrants trying to get fake ID's.

Answer 4

Identity theft, and privacy.  It's a certified document from a state agency, so they do have the right to control who gets copies.