The Intelligence Reform Act:

The events of September 11, 2001 brought the security of identity documents used in the United States to the forefront. Among other changes, Congress enacted the Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 which required minimum security features and controls to officially recognized identity documents, including the birth certificate. Section 7211 of the Act directly impacted all States by requiring:

• State or local certification of issued birth certificates
• The use of “safety paper” or an alternative equally  secure medium
• The display of the seal of the issuing custodian of record
• The addition of features designed to prevent document tampering, counterfeiting or duplication for fraudulent purposes.
• Proof and verification of identity  as a condition of issuance
• Standards for processing of birth certificate applications to prevent fraud

Click here to learn more about the Intelligence Reform Act of 2004