Heirloom Birth Certificate

An heirloom birth certificate is a non-official, keepsake version of a birth certificate. It usually contains decorative elements and/or the baby’s footprints. Heirloom birth certificates are not legally valid and cannot be used as proof of citizenship or identity.

In most states, only the certificate holder or an immediate family member can request an heirloom birth certificate. However, most birth records become public records after around 75 years and can be accessed by anyone.

You can apply for an heirloom birth certificate the same way you would apply for a certified copy of a birth certificate. Some states also allow you to purchase one as a gift, however, the certificate holder or an immediate family member must complete the application.

Currently, only Alaska, Delaware, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Washington State offer heirloom birth certificates.

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Related Terms

• County Clerk
• Abstract birth certificate
• Certified copy of birth certificate
• Long form Birth Certificate
• Certificate of no Public Record (CNPR)