A birth certificate by itself is usually only considered proof of citizenship but not proof of identity. This is because it is issued without a photograph or any identifying features.

However, a birth certificate presented alongside another form of identification i.e. a driving license can be used and is often required for official purposes such as applying for a passport. 

To manage identity fraud the General Register Office of England and Wales have implemented a 50 year rule with regards to births. It is policy when an application has been made for a birth certificate registered within the last fifty years, that full details are supplied, that is the parents’ names and the date of birth. Without this information the application will be rejected.

Should you require a certified, long form birth certificate, which will be dated and sealed, UK Document Services can help you. The most effective way to get the ball rolling on this, is for you to order online. Simply complete all the relevant fields on the order form and the order will be processed accordingly.

To find out more about our replacement birth certificate service, click here.