Whether you are registering for school, finding a job, getting married, or applying for a passport or driver’s license, having your birth certificate on hand will make the process easier.
The topic of having your birth certificate has been pushed further into the forefront due to the battle on Capitol Hill over the SAVE Act, which, if it becomes law, would require voters to present proof of citizenship when registering to vote.
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, at least 3.8 million Americans do not have documents like a passport, naturalization papers or a birth certificate because they were lost, destroyed or stolen.
Door County Register of Deeds Carey Petersilka says her office has seen an uptick in traffic in recent years due to the transition to Real ID, which is federally compliant and required to board domestic flights, enter secure federal buildings and visit military bases.
If you were born in Wisconsin, Petersilka says $20 and a few minutes to fill out an application are all you will need to get a copy of your birth certificate.
She adds that it is the same process for marriage certificates.
If you were born outside Wisconsin, Petersilka says her office can help guide you through the process, but you will have to contact that state to get your records.
