How to get a Birth Certificate with no Photo ID

I frequently get calls from people who need a document notarized because they have no ID. They are trying to get a copy of their birth certificate to rebuild a lost/stolen set of identification papers. But, the classic problem of needing ID to get ID comes into play. They want something notarized to apply for the key document – the certified copy of their birth certificate.

Of course I cannot comply with their request, as they lack “government issued photo ID”; my standard for notarization. However, I do provide them with the solution to their problem; if they can obtain a replacement for their lost credit card. Or, if they have some other credit card. For this to work the credit card must be in their birth certificate name.

Their salvation is the on line web service called Vitalcheck.com. They can order their birth certificate over the internet. But how is this possible? Surely they can’t just order one of the most secured instruments (at least in New York State), with just a credit card? Well, the answer is that they can – assuming they have “knowledge in their head”. Stick with me and I will explain how this is both secure and convenient.

Vitalcheck.com is a front end for ordering on line many government issued forms. They handle birth, death, marriage and divorce papers. And they do it securely – and all the applicant needs to have is a credit card with a name that is on the document. They also need that all important “knowledge in their head”. I have used the service myself and can explain how it works.

Vitalcheck.com has access to MANY “public records”. During my on line application I was presented with a series of questions (multiple choice) that an imposter would not be able to answer correctly. Briefly, I lived in Florida. One of the questions was “At which of the following addresses did you live”. Another was which of the following cars did you own. Similar questions about events in my past, all found in searches of public records assured them that I was indeed http://kenneth-a-edelstein.com. My birth certificate order was accepted based upon the information I was able to provide – unlikely for an identity thief to provide correctly.

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