A birth certificate is one of the vital records used to identify you by age, name and residence. In the United States residents need a birth certificate as an official form of identification to get a passport, a social security number, a bank account, a driver’s license, a loan, to vote, and to register for school or apply for employment. This article post will answer why it’s important to have a birth certificate and it’s benefits:

1. For name identification

You may need a birth certificate for proof of identity, especially if you share a common name with someone else. The birth certificate can help distinguish between people with the same name. Hence, it may be helpful to have one on hand if you want to vote, rent an apartment, get  a mortgage, or loan.

2. To obtain a social security number

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will ask for your full name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents’ full names in order to issue you a social security number. The SSA will ask for an official birth certificate if you don’t have any other identification document. Without it, the Social Security Administration will not be able to issue you a social security number.

3. To apply for a passport

If you’re applying for a passport, you will need to submit it to prove your identity and citizenship. If you do not have a birth certificate, you may be able to submit other documentation, such as a naturalization certificate or a passport from your country of origin.

4. For age and school enrollment

You may need a birth certificate for age verification, for instance, to drink alcohol, or for school enrollment. You may need a birth certificate for all sorts of age verification—to buy lotto, enter a casino or bar, or any other place that asks you to prove your date of birth.

5. To gain employment

There are a few instances where you will need to present your birth certificate to gain employment. One instance is if you are applying for a job requiring a certain level of security clearance. To obtain a security clearance, you will need to present your birth certificate as proof of your identity. Another instance where you may need to present your birth certificate is if you are applying for a job that requires you to be a certain age. For example, if you are applying for a job that requires you to be 18 or 21 years or older, you will need to present your birth certificate as proof of your age.

6. To get driver’s license

You may need a birth certificate to obtain a driver’s license. This is because the birth certificate helps verify one’s identity and age. For instance, you can get an unrestricted (full) license in the U.S. if you are between the ages of 16 and 18.

These are only six instances that may compel you to replace your lost birth certificate. You may also need it to apply for other government services, such as Medicaid or insurance coverage!