The SAVE America Act could permanently reshape elections
The SAVE America Act would require states to share their voter rolls with the federal government. What does that mean for elections?
President Donald Trump is pushing Congress to pass sweeping election security legislation that would require proof of citizenship to vote, raising new questions for Americans who don’t have easy access to documents such as birth certificates.
If passed, the SAVE Act (American Voter Eligibility Protection Act) would require people registering to vote in federal elections to provide documentation, such as a passport or birth certificate, that proves they are a U.S. citizen. Documents must be submitted in person.
Critics and voting rights advocates say the bill could disenfranchise millions of Americans, including married women who take their husband’s last name and don’t have a birth certificate that matches their real name.
White House press secretary Caroline Levitt said concerns about the bill that would make it harder for married women to vote had “zero validity” but acknowledged that the bill would create additional measures for the renamed people.
Since the SAVE Act proposes new citizenship proof requirements, here’s how to get a copy of your birth certificate if you need one.
How to find copies of official documents to prove your identity
If you need a certified copy of your birth certificate for a passport, Real ID, Social Security benefits, or other official purposes, the process varies depending on where you were born. Here’s how it works: Birth certificates are issued and kept by state and territory vital records offices, not the federal government. That means you don’t ask Social Security, the IRS, or federal court for them. You must go through the agency related to your place of birth.
If you were born in America
You will need to contact the Office of Vital Records in the state or U.S. territory in which you were born. In that office you will find:
- How to order a certified copy (online, by mail, or in person)
- How much does each copy cost?
- Is expedited service available?
- ID required
What information do you need?
Requirements vary, but typically include:
- your full name at birth
- Date of birth and place of birth
- parents’ formal names
- Valid photo ID
If your current legal name is different (for example, due to marriage), some states may require you to provide documentation of the name change.
Were you born outside the United States to American parents?
For U.S. citizens born abroad, there is no state-issued birth certificate. Instead, the U.S. embassy or consulate where your birth was reported will issue a Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). A CRBA serves the same legal purpose as a U.S. birth certificate. If you need a replacement, there is a special process for requesting a copy issued by the U.S. Department of State.
If you have lost all your IDs
If you do not currently have a valid photo ID, some states offer alternative methods of verifying your identity, including:
- identity card affidavit
- A copy of the notarized document and parent photo ID (from the parent listed on the birth certificate)
- The exact requirements vary by state, so you should check with the vital records office in your place of birth.
Quick tips for ordering online
Some states allow you to order certified copies online through VitalChek, Official partner used by many government agencies. Availability and processing times vary depending on the state or region where the record is issued.
conclusion
Born in America? Contact your state or territory’s vital records office.Were you born overseas to American parents? Request a copy of the consular report for your overseas birth.No ID? States may accept alternative verification methods. If you cannot obtain a copy of your birth certificate, first replace your driver’s license.
This story has been updated with new information.
Contributed by: Reuters
