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| The Passport Pinch: Birth Certificates and Expedite Refunds |
June 15, 2007 |
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 Important note from Rep. Wilson’s casework staff:You will still need a birth certificate to travel to Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean Islands. The country of Bahamas requires you to have a passport, regardless of U.S. Government requirements.
Even though you no longer need a passport to travel to Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean, you will likely still need proof of citizenship. That means a birth certificate, or naturalization papers if you are a naturalized citizen.
I don’t need my passport, so why do I need my birth certificate?
The passport accommodation does not affect entry requirements to other countries. Americans traveling to a country that requires a passport or proof of citizenship must still present those documents. In other words, this is a requirement imposed by the country you’re traveling to, not the U.S. federal government.
I sent my birth certificate with my passport application. What can I do?
The U.S. government cannot waive requirements imposed by foreign countries. You will need to obtain alternate documentation. This means getting another certified copy of your birth certificate from the state you were born in.
I have a photo-copy of my birth certificate. Will that work?
No. It must be a certified copy with a raised stamp from the issuing agency.
I was born in New Mexico. How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate:
If you were born in New Mexico, you can find out how to get a birth certificate here:
Expedited/Urgent Request for a birth certificate
Getting a New Mexico Birth Certificate in Person
There is a Vital Records office in Albuquerque. In many cases, you can visit the office and get your birth certificate here within 24 hours. If you arrive in the morning, you might be able to get it the same day.
Address: 1111 Stanford Dr. NE (Lomas & Girard by UNM Hospital)
Phone: 841-4185
I was born elsewhere. How do I get my birth certificate?
Each state has different procedures for expediting birth certificates, so you`ll need to do a bit of research. This federal website is a good starting point. Please note that there are several private companies that offer to get your birth certificate for you, often at a hefty price. Our office has no experience with those companies and cannot vouch for their effectiveness.
I`m a naturalized citizen and sent my paperwork with my passport office
Your best option is to get your passport. If you`re in this situation and are traveling within two weeks, please call Rep. Wilson`s office at 505-346-6781 for help.
Refunds available for some Passport applicants
Travelers who paid $60 for expedited service and did not receive their passport on an expedited basis should request a refund by writing to the following address:
Department of State
Passport Services/PPS/Refunds
2100 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037-3202.
The refund request should include the applicant`s passport number (if available), name, date and place of birth, approximate date of the passport application, a mailing address and telephone number.
The department will not refund the regular passport application and execution fees, which total $97 for new passports and $67 for renewals for adults age 16 and older. Different fees apply to those under age 16. For details, visit the State Department Website.
Quick Links:
What is the "Temporary Travel Accommodation"?
The country I`m traveling to requires a passport. Can Heather Wilson help me?
How long will it take to get my passport?
Read articles about the Passport Pinch.
Do I need a Birth Certificate?
How do I get a refund for my Expedite Fee?
Fact Sheet from the U.S. State Department.
Fact Sheet from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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