Submitted by natureangel t3_10yxsbf in Pennsylvania
I’m from PA but now live in OK.
I tried to get a passport here in Oklahoma but they didn’t accept my original PA birth certificate because it’s not a “long form” birth certificate. I tried ordering a new one from the .gov website and it is the exact same birth certificate as I had previously. There is no option to order a “long form” certificate.
So how do I get one to apply for my passport?
I figured something like this would be the reason. I’ll be reaching out to them about my options, thank you so much.
Try going through a federal route as opposed to a state one to get your passport like the post office if you haven't already.
So the big question is are you getting a US passport or a foreign one? The one that is issued currently by the state is acceptable for a US passport. If it is for a foreign passport, you need to apply for one under dual citizenship or apostille. If it's not a foreign passport, something else may be wrong. Information not matching what you filled out on the application, or some other reason. We issue thousands of these across the state daily, and they meet the current federal guidelines.
It was for a US passport. All of the information is correct. I believe it is as another poster said - different states have their own version of “long form” certificates and the people here in OK don’t realize mine is valid for US passports. They said mine “doesn’t have enough information on it.”
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health.pa.gov for birth certificate ordering info. The birth certificate they send you can be used for a passport.
They ask for a reason when ordering the BC online. I would specify both passport and genealogy. I ordered my parents' BCs online a couple of years ago and specified genealogy. I got the parents' names on the certificates.
That’s what I did, too, when I ordered the new one. It looked identical to the old one I had and wasn’t accepted.
From https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/certificates/Pages/Birth-Certificates.aspx
Where can I get more information?
If you have questions about Pennsylvania birth certificates, contact the Division of Vital Records using one of the following methods:
Online contact form – Allow two to three business days for a response.
Call 724-656-3100 or toll-free at 844-228-3516, Mondays through Fridays 7:15 am to 10:00 pm.
Yep, I called them. Wait times are excruciatingly long and I don’t have the ability to wait on the phone that long most days, so I posted on Reddit to see if anyone could help. Thanks.
Who’s “they?” When I did mine I had to make an appointment at the post office. The post master does the in person stuff and they mail it to the State department. They actually take your physical documents. Your birth certificate will be returned in a few weeks in a separate envelope so keep an eye out for it sometimes people think it is junk mail and throw it out. It was a little weird you have to raise your right hand and do the oath of allegiance in the back of the office.
I went to my county court clerk.
Oh hmm this was like 5 years ago but I remember a local post office being the closest place. I didn’t realize you needed an appt but the lady was nice she had time to see me it doesn’t take long. It was actually easier than I thought it would be once you get the picture and stuff squared away. CVS pharmacy has a background and knows the dimensions and stuff it was like $8 I think. I would suggest doing the post office route if possible.
ArchaeoJones t1_j80g5sv wrote
Wife works in Vital Records, PA's long form birth certificate is standard issue now. The problem your having is each state has their own version of what constitutes as "long form."
So basically, you're going to have to fight it, which may involve getting a letter from PA HHS.