Birth Certificates and Social Security Numbers
Birth CertificatesA birth certificate is a legal document that can be used to prove your child’s age, citizenship and parentage.
After your baby is born, hospital staff will provide you with a birth certificate worksheet. Once you have completed the worksheet, the birth will be filed electronically with the State of Virginia. The Birth Registrar will generate a printout of the information for you to review and sign. This printout is then sent to the Vital Records Office in Richmond. After they receive this, you can obtain an official copy of the birth certificate by submitting an application and a check for $12 per copy to the State of Virginia.
Social Security NumbersThe birth certificate worksheet gives you the option to automatically request a social security number for your baby. This number is issued free of charge by the Social Security Administration. If you choose this option, a social security card will be mailed directly to your home in approximately eight weeks.
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ. Will I receive a birth certificate for my baby from the hospital?
No, you will not automatically receive a certified birth certificate. This may be obtained only by request through the State of Virginia Bureau of Vital Statistics. While you are in the hospital you will receive a packet of information, which includes a birth certificate application that you use to request the certificate.
Q. I requested a copy of my baby’s birth certificate several weeks ago, but have not received it. What should I do?
Contact the State of Virginia Bureau of Vital Records at (804) 662-6200.
Q. On the birth certificate worksheet that I filled out at the hospital, I opted to get the social security card for my baby, but I have not received it. What should I do?
If it has been less than two months since you filled out the worksheet, please be patient. If it has been more than two months, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration. Please be aware that if you did not sign the appropriate paper work while at the hospital, the Bureau of Vital Statistics will not forward the information to Social Security.
Q. What happens if I leave the hospital before making a decision about what to name the baby?
If you do not list a name for your baby, Reston Hospital will hold the birth certificate worksheet for five days. During this time you may return to the hospital and provide the name and sign the appropriate paper work. You will need to bring legal photo identification with you for this purpose.
Q. Can my baby have his father’s last name, even if we are not married?
Yes. However, be aware that paternity is not established simply by last name. In order to establish legal paternity, both parents must fill out a Paternity Establishment Affidavit, which can be provided to you by the birth registrar upon request.
Q. While filling out the birth certificate worksheet at the hospital. I did not opt to get the social security number for my baby. I would now like to do so. What steps do I take to get one at this time?
Go to your local Social Security Office and fill out an application. You must also take two forms of identification for the baby. One can be a Proof of Birth letter that the hospital provides while you are here. You will also need to have another proof with the baby's name on it. Social Security will assign your child a number and mail the card directly to you.
We hope this information is helpful to you. If you have questions or need assistance please contact the Vital Statistics Registrar at Reston Hospital Center by calling 703-689-9057.