A birth certificate is an official record of a person's birth. It is usually issued by a civil registration office or government authority.
What it may include
A birth certificate may list the person's name, date of birth, place of birth, parent names, registration number, and issuing authority. Exact details differ by country or region.
Why it is important
Birth certificates are often used for identity proof, school enrollment, passports, legal records, benefits, and age verification. A passport application may require one.
It is one of the earliest official records a person may have.