State Requirements for Birth Certificates
Each state has its own depository of birth certificate records and its own procedures for obtaining them. A birth certificate is an important legal document that is used as the basis for all other forms of identification. Due to the possibility of identity fraud, certain safeguards have been put in place that you will be required to observe, particularly if you are ordering a birth certificate for someone else.
Other People Are Reading
-
Request Form
-
Most states have birth certificate application forms that can be downloaded from the Internet, although some require you to compose your own request letter. Most states allow you to submit the application form online; however, you will have to print out the application, sign it and mail it to the state office responsible for the issuance of birth certificates (usually called the Department of Vital Records or something similar).
Information about the Birth Subject
-
You will need to provide your mailing address, the full name and date of birth of the person for whom you are requesting a birth certificate, his place of birth and the full names of his parents as they appear on the birth certificate. In many cases you may be able to obtain the birth certificate even if some of this information is missing. You will be required to attest, under penalty of perjury, that all of the information you provided is true. You may also be required to provide a copy of your photo ID.
-
Information about Yourself
-
If you are requesting someone else's birth certificate, you will need to provide certain information about yourself, such as your full name, your relationship to the person whose name appears on the birth certificate, your purpose for ordering the birth certificate and perhaps your phone number and your residential address. Some states require documentary evidence of your relationship and your reason for requesting the birth certificate.
Restrictions
-
Different states have different restrictions on who may obtain someone else's birth certificate. Commonly permissible bases include an immediate family relationship or certain purposes such as demographic or genealogical research. Many states will issue only an informational copy for certain purposes (an informational copy cannot be used for identification or other legal purposes).
Fees
-
A fee will be assessed for each copy of a birth certificate issued. These fees typically range from $10 to $20 per copy, although some states charge more. You may pay by credit card, money order, bank transfer or certified check.
Delivery
-
Most states will mail the birth certificate to your home or mailing address within three business days if you are ordering for yourself or your immediate family. Unless you qualify only for an informational copy, you will be issued a certified copy, which is a valid legal document. It will feature a raised official seal, which means that photocopies of a certified copy are not valid for any legal purpose.
-
