Is there any safe way to get a birth certificate replaced? I'm trying to get it from rhode island. ?

Question

I've contacted the the R.I. archives and they gave me a phone number to The Vital Records Office. But I'm not sure if this is all on the up and up because they asked for a lot of personal info including a bank statement a photo I.D. and a bill from a utility service. Is there really anyway to be sure this is safe?

Answer 1

You don't want them giving out your birth certificate to just anyone.  That would be an easy way to steal someone's identity.

If you're in Rhode Island go to the town or city hall in the town or city where you were born.  Otherwise, call the Vital Records Office.

Answer 2

You're not going to get a replacement without giving up some personal data.

Try going here:

http://www.usbirthcertificate.net/

Answer 3

If you are ordering the birth certificate online, be sure you are on the Rhode Island Department of Health Vital Records Office website (http://www.health.ri.gov/chic/vital/inde... )  or call them direct at [phone].  There are many other websites that use similar names but are not the official site.   Those other sites may be able to get the info for you (but will charge you more for the service) or may just steal your money (or worse!) so be careful.

Here is the form you will need to fill out and mail in: http://www.health.ri.gov/chic/vital/Birt...

If you are still living in Rhode Island and the birth was less than 100 years ago, it is MUCH faster to get a copy in person at the city or town hall  where the birth took place.  

You can get either a copy (an unofficial record) or a certified copy (official record with the raised seal). My advice - pay for the certified copy now because you may need it in the future.

You will be required to provide one of the following for ID:

1. Driver's License, 2. Passport, 3. Military Identification, 4. 4. Certificate of naturalization, 5. Alien Registration Card.

You should not have to provide a bank statement etc.  That sounds very fishy!