Birth certificate problems???

[luv2cruz59]

My daughter and her family are soon to take their first cruise. She inquired about a birth certificate for her youngest child and was told that the ones SC issues(small blue pocket size cards) have been causing some problems with getting back into the country. This is the only type a health department in SC will issue. She called the state office in Columbia and ordered a paper copy with a raised seal from them for $40 - just in case there is a problem with the other kind. I have always used my blue card and have never had a problem, but understand that the problem lies only with children. Has anyone experienced this. The cruise will be aboard the Sovereign of the Seas/Bahamas itinerary. Thanks for your help.

[justcruzin85374]

IMHO if she just spent $40.00 for a paper copy, she could of spent a few more dollars and got a passport!

I see this is your first post, welcome to CC!!!



Soveriegn 92 E. Caribbean
Majesty 95 W. Caribbean
Granduer 97 E. Caribbean
Rhapsody 00 Mexico
Vision 02 Alaska
Radiance 03 Panama Canal
Brilliance 3/29/04



Radiance of the Seas/Panama Canal 10/18/2003
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[hdawson]

Although most states issue certified copies of the official birth certificate There are some that don't imprint the seal. The staff at the pier knows. Since she has already ordered the certificate there shouldn't be a problem unless she is traveling without the child's father. In that case of course she would need a notarized letter of permission from the absent father.

[thedrunkrock]

A notorized copy or a certified copy is ample for the BC

[hdawson]

I am under the impression that only a certified copy of the BC which is issued by a government agency and other than a passport is the only kind accepted. I certainly wouldn't show up with a notorized copy instead. The cruiseline is subject to a fine (I think $300 per instance) for allowing improperly documented passengers onboard.

[thedrunkrock]

I've checked into it extensivly, Notarized or Certified copy is fine, trust me., I use a not. copy.

[thedrunkrock]

Here, this is straight from RCI website.

U.S. Citizens: A passport (valid or expired) is highly recommended as it will speed-up your check-in formalities as well as your departure procedures with government officials (if you would like to find out how to obtain a passport, you can do so at the U.S.Department of State Passport Services and Information website). In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original, notarized copy or certified copy), plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state or local government agency is required. A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship. Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID. Visas are not required for U.S. citizens.

[luv2cruz59]

Thank you for the welcome, and the responses. She will be traveling with the child's father, so that shouldn't be a problem. Our TA had told us several years ago to have a copy of the birth certificate with a raised seal.

[justcruzin85374]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by thedrunkrock:
A notorized copy or a certified copy is ample for the BC<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry to say, you cannot notorize a Birth Certificate, its a public record.

Soveriegn 92 E. Caribbean
Majesty 95 W. Caribbean
Granduer 97 E. Caribbean
Rhapsody 00 Mexico
Vision 02 Alaska
Radiance 03 Panama Canal
Brilliance 3/29/04



Radiance of the Seas/Panama Canal 10/18/2003
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2003;10;18;20;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]Are we there yet?
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2003;10;18;20;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]

My bags are always packed!
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;3;29;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img] Brilliance 3/29/2004

[prawls]

VA doesn't do the raised seal anymore or the Birth Card that my wife and I got. They print them out on paper with a watermark. Dept. of Records was actually a pleasant trip. 15 minutes and out the door with an original BC for my wife and I.