Receive Greetings from the White House

Receive Greetings from the White House

You’ll probably receive a lot of congratulatory cards from your family and friends when your baby is born. But did you know you can get a welcome to the world card from the president and first lady for your baby?

The card is a nice keepsake, and regardless of your politics how cool is it to have a note from the leader of the free world (or at least his office)?

Here’s what you have to do.  Once your baby is born, mail your request to:

White House Greetings Office
Room 39
Washington, DC 20500

Include the following information in your request:

  • Name and address of the baby
  • Exact date of birth
  • Requestor’s name and daytime phone number
  • Both parents’ names
  • Any additional mailing instructions (if other than baby’s residence)

I mailed in my request for my first daughter in 2012, but since then the White House has added an online option for submitting a request. So I used that for my daughter born this year.

The notes are very similar except for the envelope. In 2012 I received a hand addressed and hand stamped envelope, but in 2016 the envelope had the name, address and stamp printed electronically. I certainly prefer the handwritten address, but it’s not a big deal. I’m not sure if it’s a change over the last four years or if it’s the difference between submitting the request in writing or filling out the online form.

It takes a few weeks to get the card, but anticipating mail is part of the fun. I’ve framed the cards along with a picture taken of my daughters with their notes the day they were received.

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