Baby's Identification Documents

How do I apply for my baby's birth certificate?

Normally, you will be required to fill out a form during your hospital stay for the birth certificate, and the rest will be taken care by the hospital. You would receive the birth certificate through mail. in case you haven't decided the name of your baby, then you can fill out the form later and submit it at your County Health Department. It might take a while before you actually receive it. It is always better to be ready with the baby's name, as it is always much easy to apply at the birth time. There is no charge for this service.
In the case of a homebirth, your midwives will usually be able to supply you with the form to apply for the birth certificate. Simply fill the form out with the help of your caregivers and send it in to your county health department vital statistics. Include a check made out to your county health department vital statistics office for the required fee and add a nice note asking for an extra copy to be sent to you.

Due to the allegal status of midwifery in Indiana, many families choose to have the father (or another family member) sign the birth certificate as verifier and attendant. According to Indiana State law, the person who delivers the baby is defined as the person who cuts the cord - thus normally it would be the father.

The following link is a listing of every county in Indiana with Birth Certificate contact info and fees

Vital Statistic Offices of Indiana

Why do I need extra copies of my baby's birth certificate?

Any certificate of birth issued by a hospital or given to you by your midwives is not a legal document. You need to apply for a birth certificate to be at your local county department. You will be required to submit copies of the birth certificate during your child's school enrollment, work permit, passport, drivers license, social security number, marriage license, etc. Your baby's record will be at the County Health Department Vital Statistics office for 3 years. If you want some more copies after this time duration, then you must send in baby's name, date of birth, and parents name at your State Health Vital Records Office. You can find your state Department of Health at: National Listings of State Department of Health Offices

Will I have trouble getting my baby's birth certificate because of a homebirth?

Sometimes the goverment makes you jump through hoops, but in the end they give you the piece of paper. This is because, like it or not, the goverment wants you to be registered. They like to keep track of their constituents. Of course, some families simply choose not to register their chileren. The fact is, it is difficult (though not impossible) to live in this society without a birth certificate.
If you are told you can't get a birth certificate with a home birth, ask to speak to their supervisor. It is best to remain calm and friendly, regardless of the attitude of the person you are speaking to. They may even tell you that homebirth is illegal. Of course, they are wrong. No state can regulate whether you have your baby at home or not. They can only regulate who helps you have your baby at home. If they insist on knowing who your midwife was or ask you to fill out other paperwork other than the birth certificate application, gently remind them that you are only legally asked to register your child's birth and wait calmly and quietly.

How long do I have to file a birth certificate form?

I do recommend that couples not rush to get a birth certificate after the birth of the baby. If the health department does insist on seeing the child prior to issuing the certificate, it's better they see a fat, healthy, happily nursing, one-month-old than a baby who is fresh out of the womb. Many people assume that newborns are fragile and in need of medical attention in spite of the fact that there's nothing wrong with them. Indiana State law currently says that families have 3 months to submit a new birth certificate before it is a huge hassle to even get a birth certificate.If the baby is less than 10 days old, all they need is ID, proof of address, mom's signature and father's (or partner's) witness. If the baby is over 10 days old, they also need a doctor's bill or letter on "official" letterhead. If you ask me, a 9 day old baby looks a lot like a 12 day old baby!

What Identification for the baby and the parents of the baby are required?

In some states or countries proof of pregnancy is required. A positive pregnancy test (written official form) from a clinic, doctor, or midwife usually does the trick, although I've known some people who have provided this proof without ever going to "officialdom." Friends or family (anyone except the baby's parents) can often vouch for the fact that you were indeed pregnant. One woman I know brought her birth tape to the health department as evidence. No one questioned its validity. A noterized statement from the person who delivered the child about how much it weighed, time of birth, etc. In some counties, they require written proof of a doctor or a midwife's exam of the mother And the baby postpartum, as well as proof of newborn screening. (plus proof of residency - any other legal document or receipt will do)You may use a copy of the chiropractor bill from when you and baby went in for a post-natal adjustment. Baptismal certificates and Family Bible Record are also viable records of the baby's birth.

How do I apply for my baby's Social Security Number (SSN) ?

You have two choices. You can:

1. Apply for SSN in the hospital when you furnish information for your baby's birth certificate. It is always much easy to apply at the birth time. You will be asked if you want to apply for a SSN for your baby. If "yes", you need to provide both parents SSN. Your baby will be assigned a number which will be directly mailed to you.
2. You can apply later also for a SSN, through the Social Security Administration Office. You will need to:

• Fill out an SSN application. (You need to provide both parents SSN's.)
• Show evidence of your child's age, identity and citizenship.
  
• Show evidence of your identity.

1. National Social Security Administration Office Locater by Zipcode

2. Some counties do not automatically supply birth certificate information to the SS office. IF you have not received your baby’s SSN in 6 weeks after the birth, you will need to take identifying information to the SS office and fill out an application for a SSN.
3. To apply for a Social Security number and card, you need to complete Form SS-5 which is available for download at http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html>. Or you can obtain Form SS-5 by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office.

Why should I get SSN for my baby?
The main reason you should get a SSN is to claim your baby as a dependent on your income tax return. Getting a SSN is just the beginning of the valuable protection and benefits your child may be eligible for in the future.

Are there any other advantages of getting an SSN?
Young children need SSN for many reasons, if you plan to:
Open a bank account.
Buy saving bonds.
Obtain medical coverage.
Apply for some kind of government services for your child.

Do I have to pay in order to get a SSN?
No! there is no charge for a SSN card.

What if I lose the card?
Keep your baby's SSN card in a safe place. It's an important document. However, if you lose the card, it can be replaced free of charge at your nearest social security office.

What documents do I need to take to the SS office with me to prove identity?
You will also need to submit at least two documents as evidence of your age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.
Age: They prefer to see your birth certificate. If you were born in the U.S. and applying for a SSN at age one or older, theymust verify your birth certificate with the issuing agency, generally the State Birth Registrar's office, prior to processing your application. However, they can accept other documents, such as a religious record made before you were 3 months old. If you were born outside the U.S., they can accept your passport.
Identity: They must see a document in the name you want shown on the card. The identity document must be of recent issuance so that they can determine your continued existence. They prefer to see a document with a photograph. However, they can generally accept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information to identify you (e.g., your name as well as your age, date of birth, or parents’ names). They cannot accept a birth certificate or hospital birth record as evidence of identity. Some documents that can be accepted as proof of identity are:

• Driver's license
  
• Marriage or divorce record
  
• Military records
  
• Employer ID card
  
• Adoption record
  
• Life insurance policy
  
• Passport
  
• Health Insurance card (not a Medicare card)
  
• School ID card
  
• U.S. Citizenship: We can accept most documents that show you were born in the U.S. If you are a U.S. citizen born outside the U.S., show us a U.S. consular report of birth, a
• U.S. passport, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Certificate of Naturalization.

NOTE: They cannot accept photocopies of documents. You must submit original documents or copies certified by the custodian of the record. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

How Do I Apply for My Baby's Passport?

If applying for your child under age 13:
As a parent or legal guardian you may apply for your child. Normally, your child need not appear in person. However, passport agents reserve the right to require appearance of your child. Both the parents are required to show their current valid ID. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must show an alien registration card ("green card"), valid foreign passport, or driver's license. If you do not have acceptable ID, someone with current valid ID must vouch for you as described above.

What are the documents required:
Provide Two Passport Photos.
Your photographs must be: 2x2 inches in size, identical, taken within the past 6 months, showing full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background. Do not wear a hat or headgear.
Original copy of your child's birth certificate. (Xerox copies are not accepted).
Copy of your child's Social Security Number. (Xerox copies are accepted).
Both the parents ID such as Driver's License or passport etc.
Application form.
passport fee and processing fee.
** Note: A child would be issued a Passport valid maximum for five(5) years.

What is the passport fee:
Passport Service Passport Fee* Execution Fee* Total Fees
Under Age 16 $25 $15 $40
Age 16 and older $45 $15 $60

Do I Need to Obtain a Separate Passport for My Baby?
Yes. All persons, including newborn infants, are required to obtain passports in their own names.

Where to get the application form?
Passport acceptance facilities provide passport forms. To find out the nearest passport facility, downloadable forms, and other information on Passport Services, Click here .You may also call the National Passport Information Center at 1-900-225-5674.

Where to apply ?
There are over 4,500 public places that accept passport applications, all over the United states.

How much time does it take to get the passport?
Apply several months in advance of your planned departure. Allow more time for visa from the foreign embassy. Routine Service will take normally, about 6 weeks time. And it will be mailed to you. But there are different services available, you can opt any one which suits you most. Faster the service, more will be the fee. So don't plan on traveling with a new baby for at least 6 weeks after a birth!

How to get a faster service?
If you need your passport urgently, then you can take the Expedited Service. Additional $35 for each application will be charged for such service.