Adjusting to your new family after bringing home a child adopted overseas can be one of the most rewarding challenges of life. It can also be frustrating and even overwhelming, with so much to do and a new little one coming to rely on you. One thing that you should not overlook is obtaining a birth certificate for your new child. Although it may not seem as urgent as bonding with your new family, this is important documentation that your child will regularly need and use in her new life in the United States. If you tackle this right away, it will be easier than trying to circle back to it later.
Instructions
1. Assemble your documentation. Make sure you have a copy of the foreign adoption decree and your child's foreign birth certificate. Your adoption decree or report should provide information sufficient to identify your child's original birth certificate. If it does not, make sure you have some evidence tying your child to her certificate. If your child has already been naturalized (made a U.S. citizen), you should bring evidence of that as well. Otherwise, the birth certificate you receive will state that it is not evidence of U.S. citizenship, and you will need to obtain another birth certificate without this disclaimer after your child is naturalized.
2. Name your child. This may seem straightforward, but is very important. Once the certificate is issued, it will be extremely hard to change your decision. The state of Alaska will issue birth certificates bearing either your child's original or adoptive name, according to your request.
3. Submit your paperwork to the state registrar. It is best to do so in person. The state registrar operates through the Bureau of Vital Statistics, which has offices in Juneau (5441 Commercial Blvd.), Anchorage (3601 C St., Suite 128) and Fairbanks (615 23rd Ave., Suite 300). If you cannot get to any of these offices, you will need to contact the bureau's Special Services Unit.
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