Is it important to report/replace lost birth certificate?

[jcs609]

I have a family member who lost a Hong Kong birth certificate a few years ago. Its sad as it was such a priced procession in the household with such a history it was issued back in 1949 and been through so much moves and been salvaged through disasters. I wonder though since she has photocopies of the birth certificate as well as Hong kong PIC and Hong Kong SAR passport is it still important or a good idea to report the loss and obtain a certified copy? It does cost money and paperwork especially now we are residing overseas. What are the risks if we don't, or in what cases she will need a certified copy?
We believe it was never found as the birth certificate would have enough information for someone to trace it back to us or turn into the proper authorities.

[wtbhotia]

HK$275 for a certified copy for overseas application + postal fee to send the cert back to you. If you have photocopies of it then i wouldn really bother.

Application for Birth Certificate(s) | Births registration | Births, Deaths & Marriage Registration | Public Forms | Immigration Department

[jcs609]

Thanks for your answer though I do wonder when is necessary to have a original or certified copy of birth certificate?
I.e if we loose the HKPIC, HKSAR passport, and the photocopies or its destroyed?
I might not want to do it overseas maybe I will do it next time I go to Hong Kong. Though I wonder is it necessary for the family member to be there in person to do so.

[M Khan]

I would get it replaced. You ought to be able to rely on the Government to keep your records safely so that you don't need to get a copy until a specific need arises, and you probably can. But I still like to have a copy of all my important personal documents with me in any case.

[jgl]

Thanks for your answer though I do wonder when is necessary to have a original or certified copy of birth certificate?
I.e if we loose the HKPIC, HKSAR passport, and the photocopies or its destroyed?
I might not want to do it overseas maybe I will do it next time I go to Hong Kong. Though I wonder is it necessary for the family member to be there in person to do so.

You should probably Google this. It's probably going to be slightly different for different countries.

[jcs609]

May I have a better explanation of slightly different for different countries? I.e now places in more concern is Hong Kong, mainland, Taiwan, and US. I know in US certain situations require birth certificate or certificate of citizenship. Though in most cases a passport will suffice. I am uncertain about Hong Kong. Of course I know that to initially apply for the HKID and other documents I needed the birth certificate.

[jgl]

Just Google what a birth certificate is needed for in your country and decide whether you need one. Presumably this person is going to stay living in that country.

If she's going to move to another country, Google what a birth certificate is required for in the destination country.

Overall, there are not a huge number of things that a birth certificate is required for.

If you are really worried about it, pay the small sum mentioned at the above link and get one.

> May I have a better explanation of slightly different for different countries?

Seriously? Do you really need to be spoon fed everything?