Planning a cruise this season: Bring your North

If you are planning to go on a tropical cruise for your next vacation or holiday, don’t forget your  North Carolina birth certificate. Your birth certificate and photo identification are all that will be required for many itineraries but make sure that the birth certificate is notarized, and your photo ID is current, and state or government issued. Don’t have a copy of your birth certificate? Here are some tips for accessing and securing your North Carolina Birth Certificate quickly:

• You can’t get one for other people. There are a couple of exceptions to this rule: one, you can apply for their birth certificate if they are your direct descendant or relative, and two, if you are a legal representative for the individual applying for the birth certificate. In some distinct and less-common situations, you can also apply and get a birth certificate for another person if it is for legal purposes of determining personal and/or property rights.
• The documentation has expanded. There are a lot more ways to prove your identity than previously. In addition to your state or government-issued photo ID, you can submit utility bills, car registration papers, an income tax return, bank statement, and/or a state concealed weapon permit. You can also use your passport, if applicable, for authenticating who you are, in addition to two pieces of documentation that bear your legal and valid address.
• Things have gotten easier. If you want to avoid the hassle and stress of visiting town offices to apply for your birth certificate, there is now an online service provider that will approve your application in minutes. You can email or text the necessary documents and receive your birth certificate much faster. Fees are assessed and vary but are worth it if it saves you from a cruise cancellation in the event that you need it fast.

Pay more for expedited delivery when you are planning a trip soon and need it fast. Delivery confirmation and signature upon delivery are also prudent options to consider.

Cruises are an awesome way to spend a vacation, and the inclusive nature of them make cruising a cost-effective mode of travel. Just make sure to bring your North Carolina Birth Certificate and the proper documentation to avoid problems at embarkation, customs, and immigration, when applicable. Even if you carry a passport, take time and make an effort to carry your legal birth certificate for added security during your trip.