Both certificates are legal certified copies of birth records and have a raised seal. However, some agencies or other governmental entities may not accept the birth card for certain purposes. It is recommended that you check with the agency or governmental entity prior to obtaining a birth card to verify that this document will be accepted.
Short-form birth certificates (birth cards) are $9.00 and include the name at birth, date of birth, parish of birth, father's initials, mother's last name and first initial, file date and issue date.
Long-form birth certificates are $15.00 and include the name at birth, date of birth, parish of birth, hospital of birth, mother's residence at time of birth, mother and father's full names, parent's place of birth, age of parents at the time of birth, file date and issue date.