February 16, 2009

Paperchasing, pulling-my-hair-out Birth Certificate Question for You


Well, we are so very close to having every last little document to our SW. She is almost through with our HS, but is waiting and needs a couple of more things. One is my passport. First of all, I thought that the SW just needed the receipt that I paid for it and it was being processed. Uh, wrong. So, then I get sick. After almost three weeks of being sick, I had a so-so day this past Thursday and went to the post office to get my passport. I had my passport photos, my filled out and pre-printed application, my birth certificate, and my $100 in cash.

I get there and I am told that my BC's file number is illegible and I must order a new BC before I can apply for a passport. Soooo, I went home and got online to order a new one. Here is my question, which one do I get??? I want to be sure that I have the correct one to get Apostilled for China if I am about to spend $22. Does anybody know? Here are the descriptions from the TX DSHS Vital Records website:

Standard Size

$22 each - 5 1/2" x 9"
The most commonly issued format because it satisfies most purposes, including registering a child for school or sports, obtaining a driver license in most states, or obtaining a passport for a person who was born in a hospital after 1963. If the birth record is not available in this format, a full-size birth certificate will be issued instead.

Full Size (long form)

$22 each - 8 1/2" x 11" or 8 1/2" x 14", depending on the record. Used most often to obtain a passport for a person who was born at home or before 1964. It's also typically required for purposes of dual citizenship, Indian Registry and immigration. Because this format contains information that can facilitate identify theft, we recommend that you order this format only when it is required.


Thank you for your help! I want to get this ordered tomorrow!

****Update**** The SW called. In TX, if you need a BC Apostilled, you must have the LONG FORM! So, I ordered both of ours his morning. $44 and 1st class mail. So, I guess we'll get TB tests while we wait!

7 comments:

  1. Yikes! I wish I could help you out. We didn't have an option for a different bc in our state. I am COMPLETELY sympathetic with you, though, about pulling your hair out! As dumb as it may sound, I had no idea there was a difference between a marriage cert and marriage license. It has been an entire year and two different adoption programs and I only just a few days ago obtained the correct one!!

    I hope you're feeling better very soon.
    Courtney

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  2. Your post brings back some really stressful & good memories that I would love to be going through again right now!!!!! I have no idea about the bc question! We do not get a choice here, but bc are trouble to order here! Good luck!!!! I am sorry I can't be of more help! Hope you are feeling better!
    Kayla

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  3. You are 63, right? Hmmmm, I don't konw. I'd probably order the bigger one just to be on the safe side, maybe.????

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  4. They asked a very similar question for my marriage certificates. I bought both and sent both. I couldn't handle having it wrong... it would have driven me nuts. Good luck.

    =0)sara.sofa

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  5. Hey hon.. when we did our Taiwan adoption they wanted the smaller one of the ones you mentioned.. you can call your Secretary of state and ask them which one they want.. that is your best bet! The one that worked for us was the one with the raised seal... I hope that helps you hon!!

    Sarah k

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  6. Wish I could help you!!! Hang in there - the paperchase will end, and the reward is a huge blessing.

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  7. I'm stopping over from the Mifan Mommy Club site. I wanted to get to know some of the other mamas giving rice too...

    Good luck with the HS process. It took me so much longer than I thought it would... And it's such a great feeling once you are DTC!

    You have a beautiful family!

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