Legal birth certificates are valid forms of primary identification for all U.S. citizens. In today's increasingly insecure times, this is important to your personal security. You don't want to be caught in a bind with no access to primary ID such as your driver's license, or, if you need it, a certified copy of birth certificate.

Granted, few of us walk around with a copy of our birth certificate, and that's a wise thing. However, all of us should have a copy on hand should we need it. Legal birth certificates should always be stored in a safe, secure space.

The ABC's of Legal Birth Certificates

Let me emphasize the above point. No one should have access to your birth certificate but you and your closest kin. This is for your own protection against identity theft and other nefarious activities.

However, you also don't want to store legal birth certificates in a place that makes them inaccessible to you when you need it. Use your judgment. Most importantly, if you've lost your birth certificate, make sure it hasn't fallen into anyone else's hands. Then order a replacement copy right away.