Law / Do I already have a PESEL if I was born in Poland? [3]

Hi Everybody,

I was born in Poland (in the 1980s), and I am now thinking about applying for a passport. Current information from the NY consulate says that all passport applicants must apply for a PESEL if they don't already have one. Given that PESEL is based on birth date, it seems likely that I already have one if they are assigned at birth. If so, would I find that on my birth certificate? Or should I try to trace it first? Or can I just state that I don't know my PESEL?

Thanks all,
M