Fake Birth Certificate for Sale

Sections

1. What You Receive
2. How to Obtain a Birth Certificate
3. Risks, Limitations, and Guarantees
4. Before you go
5. Cited sources

What You Receive

How to Obtain a Birth Certificate

Identify the Issuing Jurisdiction

Determine which state or territory issued the original birth certificate. Individuals must contact the vital records office of their birth state or territory to request a certified copy[5]. Each jurisdiction maintains its own records and processes requests independently.

Verify Identity Requirements

Most states require identity verification through sworn statements or notarized letters accompanied by photo identification from parents listed on the certificate[5]. Prepare documentation that proves the requester's relationship to the person named on the certificate and their legal authority to obtain it.

Submit Application and Payment

Complete the application form provided by the vital records office and pay applicable fees. Pennsylvania charges $20 for a standard birth certificate plus a $10 processing fee for online orders[4]. Payment methods vary by jurisdiction and may include credit cards, checks, or money orders.

Select Processing Speed

Choose between standard and expedited processing if available. Florida's Department of Health processes computer-generated birth certificates in 3–5 business days excluding shipping time, with photocopy and amended records requiring additional processing[6]. Ontario offers emergency replacement within 5 business days including courier delivery when printed proof of urgency is provided[8].

Receive and Verify the Document

Wait for delivery of the certified copy by mail or courier. Upon receipt, verify that all information matches official records and that the document includes required security features such as raised seals, watermarks, or official signatures that authenticate its legitimacy.

Risks, Limitations, and Guarantees

Purchasing a fake birth certificate poses serious legal risks. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1028, producing or transferring such a document can lead to up to 15 years of imprisonment and significant fines[1]. If there is a prior conviction for similar offenses, penalties can increase to 20 years[2]. In cases where the false document is used in connection with terrorism, penalties can escalate to 30 years[2].

State laws vary regarding the classification of birth certificate fraud. In 23 states, including Indiana, it is considered a felony, with Indiana specifically designating it as a Level 6 felony if intent to defraud is established[7][3]. Although prosecution for these offenses is rare unless linked to substantial financial losses, the risk of legal action remains[3].

Individuals should carefully assess any documents received. If a document raises suspicions or is associated with illegal activities, law enforcement may seize property involved in the transaction, as federal law mandates forfeiture of any personal property used for such offenses[1].

Before making a purchase, understanding the identity verification requirements for obtaining legitimate birth certificates is crucial. This often includes notarized letters and photo identification from parents listed on the certificate[5].

Cancellation or returns of purchases made for fake documents are generally not possible due to the nature of the transaction. It is essential to consider the legal implications and potential consequences before proceeding.

Before you go

Is it illegal to use a fake birth certificate?

Using a fake birth certificate is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1028, with penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment and fines[1]. If used to defraud the United States or a federal agency, additional charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1002 apply, adding up to five years imprisonment[9]. In 23 states, birth certificate fraud is classified as a felony, such as Indiana's Level 6 felony designation[7][3], though prosecution often occurs only when linked to significant financial losses or other crimes[3].

Is it illegal to make your own copies of a birth certificate?

Creating unauthorized copies with intent to defraud constitutes a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 1028, carrying penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment and fines[1]. Federal law also mandates forfeiture of any personal property used to produce false identification documents, including computers and printers[1]. Legitimate certified copies must be obtained through state vital records offices, which require identity verification such as notarized letters and photo ID from parents listed on the certificate[5].

How much does a fake birth certificate cost?

Prices for fraudulent birth certificates vary by seller and claimed quality, but the true cost includes federal penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of property used in the transaction[1]. Legitimate certified copies cost approximately $20 through state vital records offices, with Pennsylvania charging $20 plus a $10 online processing fee[4]. The financial and legal consequences of purchasing fake documents far exceed the cost of obtaining authentic certificates through official channels.

What security features are included?

Legitimate certified birth certificates include security features such as raised seals, watermarks, official signatures, and registration in state vital records databases that authenticate their validity. Fake documents may attempt to replicate these features but lack official registration and fail identity verification processes required by government agencies[5]. Federal law mandates forfeiture of equipment used to produce counterfeit identification documents, including any tools used to create fraudulent security features[1].

How long does delivery take?

Legitimate birth certificates from state vital records offices process in 3–5 business days excluding shipping time, with photocopy and amended records requiring additional processing[6]. Ontario offers emergency replacement within 5 business days including courier delivery when printed proof of urgency is provided[8]. Delivery times for fraudulent documents vary by seller but expose purchasers to immediate federal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 1028, with penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment[1].