I understand it to be parent(s) meaning parent or parents, not both parents. They will also accept secondary documents, even family bible entries qualify. Dolores In a message dated 1/22/2012 12:54:48 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: Folks, This from the page regarding passport application changes. Now, they require both parents names on a certified birth certificate for ID. In the past, how many unwed mothers omitted the father's names from birth certificates? This could impact someone's possibility of obtaining a passport later in life. It is my understanding that in NYS, for the past several years, a father's permission is required for his name to appear on a NYS birth certificate. This should not be at issue for a married couple, but once again puts the onus on the woman/birth mother, in an American society that has many children born outside of marriage, from each societal strata. Looks like Jerry Springer's show will be busier than ever performing paternity tests! Barb ========================================= "Beginning April 1, 2011, the U.S. Department of State will require the full names of the applicant’s parent(s) to be listed on all certified birth certificates to be considered as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship for all passport applicants, regardless of age. Certified birth certificates missing this information will not be acceptable as evidence of citizenship. This will not affect applications already in-process that have been submitted or accepted before the effective date. " http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_5401.html ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message