prettikitty

On the birth certificate note: There is no proof of American birth on file, anywhere. We tried with military, state, and hospital and no luck. I want to take my parents on a tropical vacation. Since he's the only non-birth certificate and non-passport holder, we are limited.

My mom and I have been to Jamaica and other WI. About my dad, he has never been to any tropical resort/ area. He has never (in 63 years worn short pants.... this will be a real kick seeing him on a beach. This will be his second flight - we got him to go to New Orleans by plane, and he loved it. I want to take him somewhere, where he will feel like he truly left the United States.

Any suggestions in Hawaii,USVI any territories?

GoTravel

Puerto Rico but I'd still contact the state department and see what you can do about getting dad a BC.

Anonymous

The US passport office has many alternatives and suggestions for passport applicants who cannot provide a birth certificate -- bastismal certificates, medical records, census, early school records, etc. Check out their site -- if he has a passport, he doesn't need the birth certiicate.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get_first_apply.html

cfc

If you go to the website re: how to get a passport, it says the following:

If you do NOT have a previous U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate, you will need:
1. Letter of No Record -- Issued by the State with your name, date of birth, which years were searched for a birth record and that there is no birth certificate on file for you.

2. AND as many of the following as possible:
o baptismal certificate
o hospital birth certificate
o census record
o early school record
o family bible record
o doctor's record of post-natal care

NOTES:
o These documents must be early public records showing the date and place of birth, preferably created within the first five years of your life.

o You may also submit an Affidavit of Birth, form DS-10, from an older blood relative, i.e., a parent, aunt, uncle, sibling, who has personal knowledge of your birth. It must be notarized or have the seal and signature of the acceptance agent.

See http://travel.state.gov/passport/get_first_apply.html for added info about what other measures you can take.

Why not try to get him a passport? -- if you do, your options open up considerably. Otherwise, you have the range: PR, VI, or Hawaii. (How did he get a drivers license?)

gail

My father never had a birth certificate (born at home, birth never officially registered, etc.) He had no difficulty obtaining a passport using some of the documents mentioned in previous post - in his case, baptismal certificate, school entry records and something else I do not remember.

This is something your father will have to face in 2 years anyway (as he is 63) when he reaches social security/Medicare age as they will want some proof of age as well.

So whether or not you take him to a certificate-required destination now or some other place, it would be nice to offer to help him get birth-proof he will eventually need. As each year passes, it gets more difficult to track down records.

shaz60

I agree with Gail. The logistics of this will only get worse. How is he going to get any benefits or God forbid prove that he is dead? The incentive to see your dad in shorts should be the starting point for him to get things in order. Have a great trip!

Connie

My Mother faced the same problem when she wanted to go to Europe. The passport agency would give her a list of things to send. She would send them and then get a letter asking for more. This happened over and over.

She did eventually get a passport but it took SEVERAL months so start early.

gyppielou

Such great advice so far. I think Bermuda does not require a passport, but things may have changed. Good luck following up with all these suggestions.

Anonymous

It's true that Bermuda doesn't require US citizens to present a passport. They'll also accept a birth certificate.

Moreover, they aren't tropical.

gail

But the OP says her father does not have a birth certificate. I seriously doubt at this time any destination outside of US will allow you to travel (or actually, to return to US) without some form of proof of legal status in US - birth certificate, passport, etc.

Anonymous

Yes, the fact that Bermuda required a birth certificate, bringing right back to the OP, was the point of the

Wednesday

Also try Vital Check, they assist with getting birth certificates..1-800-255-2414 or their site www.vitalcheck.com, Good Luck !

Anonymous

Vital Check just links you to the exiting state vital records offices. The OP's dad has exhausted all the official sources already.

Cassandra

prettikitty, please tell us what's going to happen?

suze

Hawaii would be my first choice. So gorgeous. And though technically part of the U.S. you will feel like you are truly somewhere foreign.

Secondly, I would proceed to get him a passport. Since he doesn't have a birth certificate it seems like this would be an especially good idea.

suze

U.S. Virgin Island would work too but, having been both places, in my opinion Hawaii is much more spectacular.