Celestar340- For American Passport renewals, you do NOT need your birth certificate. If the following is true:

1) I can submit my most recent passport.
2) I was at least 16 years old when my most recent passport was issued.
3) I was issued my most recent passport less than 12 years ago.
4) I use the same name as on my most recent passport, OR, I have had my name changed by marriage or court order and can submit proper documentation to reflect my name changes.

then, all you need to do is to mail it in with the following:

1) Obtain Form DSP-82 "Application For Passport By Mail." This form is available on our downloadable passport applications page for printing out or at your nearest passport acceptance facility. Fill it out, sign, and date it. Attach to it:
2) Your most recent passport;
3) Two identical passport photographs;
4) A $40 fee, and if applicable, a $35 expedite fee for urgent service. Make your check or money order payable to Passport Services. (The $15 execution fee is waived for those eligible to apply by mail.)

For more info: http://travel.state.gov/passport_renewal.html

Unfortunately, if you are Canadian, you are not allowed to renew your passport and must apply for a new one, therefore, you may be correct and need a birth certificate to obtain a new Canadian passport.

For more info see: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/passport/passport.htm

[This message has been edited by steve100 (edited 07-11-1999).]