Free Fillable Affidavit of Birth Form

An affidavit of birth is a legal document that is required by most institutions in order to affirm an individual’s identity and place of birth when an applicant doesn’t have an official birth record. An affidavit of birth is considered a convenient alternative to official birth certificates.

The affidavit of birth is also sometimes referred to as a “residency affidavit” or “affidavit of residence.”

While the affidavit of birth is not typically required for most legal purposes, it can be a helpful document to have on hand if you need to establish your identity or citizenship. If you do not have your birth certificate, the notarized affidavit can be used as a substitute. Notarization is a common requirement for affidavits in general.

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Why Would You Need an Affidavit of Birth?

Typically, this form of affidavit is needed when an individual’s birth record has been misplaced or destroyed or birth certificate has incorrect data and they need another proof of their birth. It can also be required as supplementary proof of birth information provided along with an acceptable birth certificate.

A birth affidavit may be required for various reasons such as:

applying for a passport, driver’s license, or another form of government identification;
proving age or identity when applying for a job;
enrolling in school in a specific district;
obtaining a marriage license;
claiming benefits (such as welfare or social security) or entitlements;
in some cases, an affidavit of birth may also be required in order to establish residency for voting purposes.

If you are asked to provide an affidavit of birth, it is important that you ensure that the document is completed correctly and accurately. Incorrect information on an affidavit of birth could lead to delays or complications in the process you are trying to complete.

How to Fill Out an Affidavit of Birth

Step 1

Start by entering the date on which you are affidavit is being sworn.

Step 2

Enter your full legal name and current address (street, city, state, zip code).

Step 3

Enter your place of birth.

Step 4

If you were born in a hospital, include the name of the hospital. If you were not born in a hospital, include the city and state in which you were born.

Step 5

Enter your birth date.

Step 6

Include the full name of your mother at the time of your birth.

Step 7

Include the full name of your father at the time of your birth (if known).

Step 8

If you were adopted, include the name(s) of your adoptive parent(s).

Step 9

If you have any siblings, include their names and birth date.

Step 10

Include the name of the person who prepared the affidavit.

Step 11

Sign and date the affidavit.

By ensuring that the affidavit is completed accurately and by following all instructions, you can avoid any complications or delays in the process you are trying to complete. A birth affidavit can be a helpful tool in proving identity and residency. By ensuring that the affidavit is completed accurately and by following all instructions, you can avoid any complications or delays in the process you are trying to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I need an affidavit of birth but I was born outside of the US?

The questions about affidavit of birth can be directed to the state vital records office where the birth took place. The U.S. Department of State also has a list of contact information for foreign embassies and consulates if the person seeking the affidavit was born outside of the United States.

I am applying for a new passport and don’t have a birth certificate. Will I need an affidavit of birth?

Yes, you will need a birth affidavit in the process of applying for a new U.S. passport with a DS-11 Form in case your birth certificate does not exist. You will need a specific DS-10 Birth Affidavit Passport Form which can be obtained from the U.S. Department of State.

I don’t have a birth certificate and am applying for a Green Card. Will the affidavit of birth be accepted by the Citizenship and Immigration Services?

Evidence of birth is one of the crucial legal documents for Green Card processing which is why if you don’t have a foreign birth certificate and you don’t fall under the category of a refugee or asylum seeker, you will need to provide a birth affidavit.

Is there a specific affidavit of birth form I can use?

Yes, there is one provided by the U.S. Department of State. The name of the affidavit of birth form is DS-10.

How to Get an Affidavit of Birth

Typically, getting an affidavit of birth takes several simple steps.

Contact the respective institution

If you don’t have another birth record and need a birth affidavit, the best place to start is by contacting the Vital Records office in the state where you were born. They will be able to provide you with the necessary forms and instructions for completing the affidavit.

In some cases, you may also be able to get an affidavit of birth from the hospital where you were born or from your parents.

If you are unable to get an affidavit of birth from any of these sources, you may be able to find a template online. For example, you can use the template presented on our website. You can be sure that it is safe to use as it is accurate and up-to-date.

Notarize your affidavit

Once you have obtained the affidavit of birth, the next step is to have it notarized. This can typically be done by taking the affidavit to a local notary public. The notary will likely charge a small fee for their services.

Make copies

Once the affidavit of birth has been notarized, it is then considered a legal document. At this point, you should make copies of the affidavit to keep for your records. You should also send the original affidavit to the institution or individual who requested it.

Keep in mind that, in some cases, you may be required to provide additional supporting documentation along with the affidavit of birth. For example, if you are using the affidavit to apply for a passport, you will also need to submit a copy of your complete birth record.

Birth Affidavit Requirements

An affidavit of birth is one of the legal documents that should be taken very seriously. The following is a list of requirements that must be met in order for an affidavit of birth to be considered a legal alternative to birth certificates.

The affidavit must be sworn to by the person seeking the document.
The affidavit must be notarized by a notary public.
The affidavit must include the full name, date of birth, place of birth, and parent’s full name (at the time of birth) of the person seeking the document
If the person seeking the document was born outside of a hospital, the affidavit must include the city and state in which they were born.
The affidavit must be signed and dated by the person seeking the document.