Hospital Birth Record vs. Birth Certificate: What’s the Difference?
A Hospital Birth Record is a document provided by a hospital at the time of birth. While it contains details such as the baby’s name, date of birth, and parent information, it is not a legal birth certificate and cannot be used for official purposes like obtaining a passport or government ID.
Key Differences Between a Hospital Birth Record & a Birth Certificate
| Feature | Hospital Birth Record | Official Birth Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Issued By | Hospital | State Vital Records Office |
| Legal Document | No | Yes |
| Used for ID/Passport | No | Yes |
| Contains Parent Information | Yes | Yes |
How to Get an Official Birth Certificate
Skip the long lines and order your birth certificate online through Vital Records Online.