Can I use original documentation for jure sanguinis?

[aerocerulean]

Hi,
I am US citizen starting the jure sanguinis process through my grandfather on my Dad's side. My family has been very good about record keeping, and I have the original documents for almost all the required paperwork. I have the original birth certificate for my grandfather from 1906 in Italy, and the original US naturalization certificate for my grandfather and original marriage certificates and birth certificates for my parents and my self. They all have official signatures and seal.

My question is do I still need to get new certified copies when I have the originals? It seems I can get the originals apostilled according to my secretary of state because they have the county clerk signature. This question includes the original Italian birth certificate from 1906 - it is handwritten but has the official stamp of the comune - do I still need to request a certified copy from the comune?

Thank you

[DRuss]

The certificates will not be returned to you. For that reason, I suggest that you acquire new ones so the originals can be kept for historical value.

In any case, you may find it difficult to get an apostille for a very old certificate. The authority which checks the signature may not have older ones on file and may take a long time to verify the authenticity of the document.

[TerraLavoro]

In any case, you may find it difficult to get an apostille for a very old certificate. The authority which checks the signature may not have older ones on file and may take a long time to verify the authenticity of the document.

I agree. The Secretary of State Office is only able to apostille a document when they have the signature of the official on file. I learned this personally when attempting to have an original document from the 1970s apostilled. Since the signature was so old, I had to obtain a newly certified copy. (for a final divorce decree)

[Harryquin]

Would be great if many people came to read and published.