Affidavit of Birth: A Sworn Statement Used to Establish a Birth
An affidavit of birth is a sworn written statement about the facts of a birth, signed before a notary. It is commonly used when a birth was not registered on time and the facts must be established with evidence.
What vital record do you need?
Choose your certificate to start your order.
How states use it
Missouri's delayed birth process for people age 12 and older uses two affidavits. The first page is from the applicant, who states the facts of the birth and signs in their present legal name before a notary. The second is a supporting affidavit prepared and signed by a parent before a notary. If both parents are deceased, an older relative or older long-time acquaintance, not a spouse, completes it and explains how they know the birth date and place. Missouri says personal knowledge affidavits are not accepted in place of the required documents.
What the State Department says
For a U.S. passport, a delayed birth certificate should list the records used to create it. It should also include the birth attendant's signature or an affidavit signed by a parent or parents. If it lacks these, the applicant submits it with early public records or documents.
Where to start
Contact the vital records office in the state of birth. It will say whether an affidavit is allowed, what the form is called and what additional documents are required. A lawyer can advise if the situation is complicated. This page is general information and not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is an affidavit of birth the same as a birth certificate?
No. It is supporting evidence. Missouri uses affidavits along with documents to register a delayed birth.
Does it have to be notarized?
Missouri requires both affidavits to be signed before a notary. Other states may differ.
Who can sign the supporting affidavit?
In Missouri it is a parent, or an older relative or long-time acquaintance if both parents are deceased.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
Most popular definitions
- Birth Certificate Number: What It Is and What the Digits Mean
- Adoption Birth Certificate: The New Certificate Issued After Adoption
- Affidavit of Birth: A Sworn Statement Used to Establish a Birth
- Amended Birth Certificate: What It Is and How It Appears
- Apostille: What It Is and When You Need One
- Authentication Certificate: Preparing U.S. Documents for Non-Hague Countries
- Authorized Requester: Who Can Order a Certified Vital Record
- Beneficiary: Who Receives Insurance, Accounts or an Estate
Recent definitions
- Adoption Birth Certificate: The New Certificate Issued After Adoption
- Affidavit of Birth: A Sworn Statement Used to Establish a Birth
- Amended Birth Certificate: What It Is and How It Appears
- Apostille: What It Is and When You Need One
- Authentication Certificate: Preparing U.S. Documents for Non-Hague Countries
Related guides
No.
A long form birth certificate is a certified copy of the full original birth record, while a short form is a…
To order an Oregon birth certificate, you must be eligible under Oregon law, prove who you are, and apply to…
