disregard the question, I didn't think I had time to order a certificate before I leave, but I do.

I was born in st. thomas and i now live in NJ, I have a US passport and a birth certificate but the birth certificate is falling apart and i need a new copy. Can anyone please tell me where i download a form from to obtain a copy of my birth certificate?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Emile Elliott: Here is a site I found. I hope this helps you.
http://www.vitalrec.com/vi.html

Nick: You need to have a passport to go from the US Virgin Islands to the British Virgin Islands.

phmo
If you are traveling by boat you don't need a passport till jan 2008

You do NOT need a passport to enter or leave the BVI. They still accept birth certificates for entry. The problem arises upon your departure from the BVI and your return to St. John/St. Thomas. This is where we are required to have passports ONLY to re-enter the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition, a passport is NOT required to fly into the USVI yet, IF, you are flying in from the U.S. or a U.S. Territory/Possession.
In addition, a passport is NOT required to depart the USVI, yet. If you do not receive your passport prior to your scheduled departure, the only limitation you will have is the inability to visit the BVI.

I had always thought that a baptismal certificate was just as valid as a birth certificate, but in the last 2 years, Baptismal Certificates have become useless in terms of proof of citizenship as they are not issued by a government agency. Also, some of the older birth certificates are not acceptable as they are issued by the hospital where you were born and not by the county or state. Last trip to the BVI( last year) before the passports were required to get back into the US, we had a double whammy. My DH had one of these older birth certificates and my son had his baptismal certificate and US customs was very nice about it but pointed out that both of these documents would become useless in the near future, even to use when applying for a passport.

The following quote from the U.S. CBP official website: Yes, they were allowing other documents prior to 01 january 2008 ("may be required") BUT sooner if they could. Well, guess what. It is the local CBP office decision and St. John, VI is now only accepting passports. This is reinforced with telephone inquiries to CBP, local ferry companies, SMITH FERRIES, INTER-ISLAND TRANSPORT and NATIVE SON.

As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons*, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.