Informational Copy: What It Is and What It Cannot Be Used For
An informational copy is a copy of a vital record that shows the record's information but cannot be used to prove identity or for other legal purposes. Some states offer it to people who are not eligible to receive the full certified copy.
What vital record do you need?
Choose your certificate to start your order.
How it looks and what it says
California says an informational copy contains the same information as an authorized copy but carries a legend across the face reading "Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity." Certain items may be redacted, and it cannot be used to obtain identification.
Montana describes its informational copies as printed on regular white paper with a red stamp reading "FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY." They lack the security features of a certified copy and are meant for genealogy or personal records.
How it differs from a certified copy
| Feature | Certified copy | Informational copy |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted for identity or legal use | Yes, subject to agency rules | No |
| Security features | Yes | Limited or none |
| Who can order | Often limited to the person named and close relatives | Often open to a wider group |
The exact rules vary by state, so check the vital records office that holds the record.
When people use one
Family historians often order informational copies. They are also used when a requester is not eligible for an authorized copy under state law. If an agency, school or employer asks for a birth certificate as proof of identity or citizenship, an informational copy will not work.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an informational copy for a passport?
No. California says its informational copy cannot be used to establish identity, and Montana says its informational copies cannot be used for legal identification.
Is an informational copy the same as a photocopy?
No. It is issued by the vital records office, but it is marked to show it is not valid for identity.
Do all states offer informational copies?
Not necessarily. Names and rules differ by state, so check with the issuing office.
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.
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