The primary document for demonstrating ethnic or racial background is typically the long form of the majority owner's birth certificate. If the applicant's birth certificate does not specify ethnicity or race, a parent's or grandparent's birth certificate may be required to establish minority status through lineage. Alternatively, a death certificate of a parent or grandparent can sometimes be used to provide necessary ethnic or racial information. Affidavits or notarized statements from community leaders also serve as official confirmation of minority status. For those who need to obtain a certified copy of their birth certificate, many states offer an online application process. This typically involves filling out a form and paying state fees, with processing times averaging around 2 to 3 weeks.