Does post office keep original birth certificate for passport

I agree with your comment, but I did just want to clarify that getting a birth certificate can be fairly complicated in the US, depending on what state you are getting it from and if you still live anywhere near your place of birth. I just got certified birth certificate copies for my spouse, kids, and myself and the process varied wildly. For my kids I just had to drive an hour, fill out a form, pay $15 each and had them printed that day. For my husband it was an online form and $10 and had it mailed within a week. But for myself, I had to take my mother with me to get a request form notarized, pay $35-ish dollars, and still have a 6 month estimated processing time.

I do agree completely that the USPS workers aren't trained to verify birth certificates and other vital documents, especially when they vary so much in appearance. It definitely makes sense to send them to the people who are qualified to do so. But I just wanted to point out that it can be a difficult process to get another copy of these documents, just so anyone reading this doesn't make the same mistake I did of not allowing enough time to get one.

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Does post office keep original birth certificate for passport

Passport

Does post office keep original birth certificate for passport

Driving licence

Does post office keep original birth certificate for passport

Recent utility bills

Does post office keep original birth certificate for passport

Bank statements

Pricing Table  

Number of documents to be checked

Fee to pay*

1 – 3 Documents

£ 12.75

4 – 6 Documents

£ 25.50

7 – 9 Documents

£ 38.25

10 – 12 Documents

£ 51.00

*The fee is payable per individual whose name appears on the document.

Does post office keep original birth certificate for passport

Photocopy your documents

Photocopy the documents you’ve been asked to provide. Make sure the copies are clear and easy to read.

Does post office keep original birth certificate for passport

Visit a Post Office branch

Bring the form, your copies and originals along with payment to one of our selected branches.

Does post office keep original birth certificate for passport

We’ll certify your documents

And confirm they are a true likeness of the original.

We’ll then return all your documents, the form and a payment receipt.

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Find your nearest branch

Use our branch finder tool to find your nearest Post Office where you can get documents certified. 

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Does post office keep original birth certificate for passport

Complete the form

Complete a passport application form, which is available to pick up at participating branches.

Does post office keep original birth certificate for passport

Take your child’s photo

You'll need to submit 2 compliant, colour photos that have been certified. Alternatively we can do this for you in some branches. ​

Does post office keep original birth certificate for passport

We’ll check it’s right

Bring your child’s application form, photos and any supporting documents to selected branches and we'll check them to make sure they meet all HM Passport Office requirements.​

Does post office keep original birth certificate for passport

We'll send it off

Your child’s application and all supporting documents will be sent off to HM Passport Office by Special Delivery. ​
 

You'll receive your child's passport from HM Passport Office in the post.

Does post office keep original birth certificate for passport

  • Your child is under 16​​
  • You don't need a passport urgently. 

Does post office keep original birth certificate for passport

  • Birth/Adoption certificate or registration certificate​​
  • Parent’s passport details (if applicable)​
  • Date of Parent’s marriage (if applicable)​
  • Grandparent’s documents (if applicable)
  • A countersignatory to sign your child’s application form and photos (see below for more details)

As it’s your child’s first UK passport you'll need to get someone else (a countersignatory) to sign your child’s form and 2 passport photos to confirm your identity.​​

This person may be contacted for more information by HM Passport Office. Please check with them before you start the application that they are happy to be contacted for confirmation.

The person confirming your identity (the countersignatory) must:​​

  • Have known you personally (or the parent/guardian making the application for a child) for at least 2 years​

  • Must not be related, in a relationship with or living at the same address as the applicant or the person making the application​​

  • Be 18 or older

  • Have a current UK passport and live in the UK

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See which of our branches provides the Check & Send service that’s right for you

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No fuss. We’ll complete and submit your application for you digitally.

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Paper Check & Send: FAQs

How much does the Paper Check & Send service cost?

What documents are required to prove a change of name?

How do I know if my passport is damaged?

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Do you need your original birth certificate to apply for a passport in the US?

Proof of U.S. citizenship: You must either provide your most recently issued passport, an original U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240), a naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship. You must also have photo identification.

How long does it take to get supporting documents back from Passport Office UK?

If you're eligible, you'll usually get your documents back within 10 working days.