The Dangers of Laminating Your Birth Certificate: A Formal Advisory from the Births and Deaths Registry

 By Edwin Kobina Amoquandoh 

In a well-intentioned effort to preserve vital documents, many individuals resort to lamination—a common method of protecting paper from physical damage, moisture, and wear. However, when it comes to legal and security-sensitive documents such as the birth certificate, lamination does not serve as protection. Instead, it presents significant challenges that can render the document invalid for official purposes. This is why the Births and Deaths Registry of Ghana, along with other relevant authorities, has formally advised the general public to refrain from laminating birth certificates.


The birth certificate is a critical identity document, serving not only as proof of birth but also as the foundation for acquiring a national ID card, passport, social security registration, and in some cases, employment. What many citizens are not aware of is that birth certificates are printed on security-grade paper embedded with multiple verification features. These features include watermarks, embossed stamps, specialized inks, and other anti-fraud elements. The integrity of these security features is crucial for the authentication of the document by state institutions.


When a birth certificate is laminated, the plastic coating conceals or distorts these features, thereby obstructing verification. In some cases, the heat involved in the lamination process can even cause permanent damage to the paper and its embedded features. This can result in the document being rejected by official institutions, such as immigration offices, banks, and educational institutions, which require unaltered and verifiable documents for processing.


The Births and Deaths Registry has clarified that a laminated birth certificate may be considered tampered with, as the act of lamination prevents proper scrutiny of the paper and makes it more difficult to detect alterations or forgeries. This policy is not exclusive to Ghana; similar regulations exist in several countries, where legal documents with security features must remain unaltered for authenticity to be confirmed.


To ensure the longevity and safety of your birth certificate, individuals are strongly encouraged to use protective alternatives such as transparent plastic sleeves, document folders, or acid-free archival storage materials. These alternatives safeguard the document from damage while maintaining full visibility and accessibility for official verification.


It is also advisable to make certified copies of the original birth certificate for routine use and keep the original stored safely. In the event of damage or loss, citizens can apply for a replacement or extract from the Registry, provided they meet the necessary identification and documentation requirements.


In conclusion, while laminating a document may seem like a harmless act of protection, when it comes to birth certificates, it can have serious legal implications. The general public is hereby advised to treat these documents with the utmost care and adhere to official guidelines. Protecting your identity starts with preserving your birth certificate in its original, verifiable form.




Source:

Births and Deaths Registry, Ghana (as referenced in official public advisories and video publications such as “Why Births & Deaths Registry Warns Never To Laminate Your Birth Certificate” – YouTube, https://youtu.be/H1-Ipe5GQ0Q)

Additional references: Ministry of the Interior, Ghana; Passport Application Guidelines.


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