I think I'm losing my mind . . . I thought I remembered seeing a thread in the past few weeks that discussed how to obtain a passport when one didn't have a copy of his birth certificate, but I can't seem to find it today. I remember references to some agencies that might be of assistance. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I'm trying to help a friend so if you have useful information I would really appreciate your help. Thanks.

Call your passport office and ask them. Why depend on what someone has posted on the internet for something so important?

Can't the person get an authorized copy of his birth certificate?

Has the person ever had a passport? If so you send the former passport when applying for a new one.

Is your friend a naturalized U.S. citizen? If so, proof of citizenship is required, but not a copy of the birth certificate.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get...tml#step3first

If you follow the links, you'll see there is also a category of "Secondary Evidence of U.S. Citizenship":

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get...irst_4315.html

Found it in 30 seconds.

http://www.fodors.com/community/fodo...ificate.cfm?24

Adrienne - You are quick. I tried the search function, but it didn't take me where I wanted to go. No, my friend has no copy of his birth certificate and thus, has never had a passport. Thanks so much. And Jean I appreciate the info you linked me to also. This is so helpful.

A classic 'I Love Lucy' episode dealt with this topic

LOL I remember that! Ricky's face was priceless when he saw the doctor dancing!