Can I submit an official copy of my Birth Certificate for a passport?

There cannot be any such thing as an original birth certificate, because the original record is at the city, county or state office that keeps them. All you can EVER get, even at the time of registration, is a certified copy of that produced by the registrar's office. As long as it actually came from that office and is signed and sealed by the registrar, it IS an original and certified as a true copy of the information in the city records.

What they mean by not accepting copies is that a photocopy or notarised copy is no good - it has to be one that came from the registrar's office. And yours did.

I went to get a new passport today. I couldn't get my hands on my original birth certficate so I ordered one from the city of Hartford where I was born. It's embossed, officially signed etc. The guy at the post office told me it had to be the original but that he'd send it up anyways and if there was a problem I'd get a letter. But I'm almost positive the one I ordered is sufficient. I believe when I ordered it, I was asked a reason and in the drop down...new passport was one of them. It's an official document from the state. I wouldn't be able to get the original. I think I even did a little research a few months ago when I first ordered it and read that an official copy would work . Am I correct? is the guy at the post office mistaken? thanks

You are required to submit an official (certified, with raised seal)) copy of your birth certificate in order to get a passport.

Primary Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (You must submit ► one ◄ of the following.

▬ Previously issued, undamaged, and fully valid U.S. Passport (5 year for minors or 10 years for adults)

▬ Certified U.S. birth certificate (must meet all of the following requirements):

• Issued by the City, County, or State of birth

• Lists bearer's full name, date of birth, and place of birth

• Lists parent(s) full names

• Has date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)

• Has registrar's signature

• Has embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal of registrar

Photocopies and notarized copies are unacceptable

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/...

it MUST have the actual seal of the issuing official, which will be in raised lettering or colored ink, or both. a xerox of the actual is not ok.

Yes, of course.