What happens if you accidentally throw away your birth certificate?
Asked by: Napoleon Feil MD | Last update: February 18, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (40 votes)
If you accidentally throw away your birth certificate, you'll need to apply for a replacement from the vital records office in the state where you were born, which can cause minor inconveniences for getting IDs (passport, driver's license) or enrolling in school, but it's a common, fixable problem; you can usually order copies online or by mail, providing identification and paying a fee.
Is it illegal to throw away someone's birth certificate?
The necessary measure of protection for government documents and records is provided by 18 U.S.C. § 2071. Section 2071(a) contains a broad prohibition against destruction of government records or attempts to destroy such records.
What happens if my birth certificate is destroyed?
To replace a lost birth certificate, you need to request a certified copy of the birth certificate from the State Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. You can only request the certificate from the state that issued it in the first place — the state where the birth occurred and was recorded.
Is it bad to lose your original birth certificate?
Yes, losing your birth certificate is a significant issue because it's a core identity document needed for passports, school, jobs, and government benefits, but it's not a catastrophe; you can easily order a certified replacement from your state's vital records office, though you should be cautious about identity theft if it was stolen.
Who legally owns your birth certificate?
You own the certified copy of your birth certificate, but the original birth record (the entry in the official government register) is held by the state or local government where you were born, making them its custodian, not owner in a personal sense. While you have the right to access and possess your certificate, the state maintains the definitive, permanent record, with restrictions on who else can get copies to protect your privacy, notes Los Angeles County RR/CC (https://www.lavote.gov/home/records/birth-records/birth-records-request/who-can-obtain-a-copy-of-a-birth-record) and San Mateo County Health (https://www.smchealth.org/post/birth-certificates).
Busting Myths: "Pay off Debt - Your Birth Certificate is Worth Millions"
What can someone do with your birth certificate?
Most of us don't protect our birth certificates in the same way that we look after our passport or Social Security card. But scammers can use stolen birth certificates to obtain other forms of ID, open bank accounts in your name, or apply for fraudulent benefits.
What is your strawman?
Straw man is a third party that holds property in intermission for the sole purpose of transferring it to another. In property law, a straw man would be the person whom a grantor transfers land to for some reason; (sometimes known as a "front") for the sole purpose of concealing the true owner.
How many people lose their birth certificate?
As many as 7 percent of U.S. citizens – 13 million people – do not have access to the documents that prove their birth and citizenship, according to research by the Brennan Center.
Do birth certificate copies expire?
No, birth certificates issued in the USA do not have an expiration date. A birth certificate is a permanent record of an individual's identity.
What happens to your original birth certificate?
In almost every case your original birth certificate remains in the state of birth. It is extremely rare, though it has occurred in some circumstances, that a person is born in one state and a birth certificate has been issued in another.
What happens if I accidentally rip my birth certificate?
Yes, a ripped birth certificate is still valid. You may want to consider ordering another one and possibly getting it laminated so it doesn't happen again.
What if I lost my birth certificate in the USA?
Contact your birth state or territory's vital records office to find out: How to order a certified copy of your birth certificate online, by mail, or in person.
What happens if you tear up your birth certificate?
Once a Birth Certificate is torn it's considered null and void.
Is destroying a birth certificate a felony?
Tampering with Public Records Is a Felony.
Can I sue my ex for lying about paternity?
Yes, you can often sue your ex for lying about paternity, typically through a civil claim for "paternity fraud," seeking to establish you're not the father, terminate support obligations, and potentially recover damages like legal fees or emotional distress, but success depends on proving she knowingly lied and you suffered damages, which is difficult, so consulting a lawyer is crucial.
What is the biggest mistake in custody battle?
The biggest mistake in a custody battle is losing sight of the child's best interests by letting anger, revenge, or adult conflicts drive decisions, which courts view negatively, but other major errors include badmouthing the other parent, failing to co-parent, poor communication, violating court orders, and excessive social media use, all damaging your case and your child's well-being.
Should you keep your birth certificate?
Documents that define your personal and financial life—like your birth certificate, marriage license and tax returns—should be kept forever. Hold on to records that support information on your tax returns for seven years. Digitizing and shredding your paper documents can cut the risk of fraud and identity theft.
How long is a birth certificate valid?
Birth certificates issued and certified by PSA have no expiration date. However, entities such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and embassies require the birth certificate copy not to be older than six months from the date of payment.
Why was my birth certificate issued 5 years after I was born?
There is a notable delay between the time of your birth and the registration of your birth. In rural America, prior to 1950, it was quite common that births were not registered until a person actually needed a birth certificate. This may have been 5, 10, or even 20 years after a baby was born.
What if your birth certificate is destroyed?
Likewise, the state's Vital Records Department will be able to issue a duplicate birth certificate. If you were born in the US you contact the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born to get a copy of your birth certificate.
What is the #1 passport in the world?
As of early 2026, Singapore holds the #1 spot as the world's most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations, closely followed by Japan and South Korea (tied for #2), with European nations like Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland rounding out the top ranks, according to the Henley & Partners Passport Index.
Is it a must to have a birth certificate?
Without a birth certificate a child does not officially exist and therefore lacks legal access to the privileges and protection of a Nation.
Why is my birth certificate in all caps?
In reality, your name in all caps on official documents is nothing more than a formatting choice designed to make processing easier for government agencies. It doesn't mean you're a corporation, and it certainly doesn't give you an alternate legal identity.
Is a straw man illegal?
The act of securing the home loan constitutes a mortgage fraud scheme and is a criminal offense. Straw buyers that purchase goods illegally, or those parties involved in an unlawful transaction, can face criminal charges under federal or state laws.
How much is my social security number worth to the government?
There is no monetary value to a birth certificate or a social security number/EIN, and TreasuryDirect accounts must be funded by the owner (from the owner's personal bank account) to have any value.