A birth certificate is an official document that records the birth of a child. It typically includes important information such as the child's name, date of birth, place of birth, and the names of the parents. This document serves as proof of identity and age, and it is often required for various legal purposes, such as enrolling in school or applying for a passport. In many countries, a birth certificate is issued by a government authority, such as a local or state health department. It is important to keep this document safe, as it may be needed throughout a person's life for identification and legal matters.