How to Get Birth Certificate Copies

You never know when you need a copy of a birth certificate. You may need one for some kind of social service, or if you want to file for a passport. Getting a birth certificate copy is simple as long as you know the state of your birth and you can part with a few bucks.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Check the vital records page on the Centers for Disease Control website.

2. Click on the state of your birth, or the city if you're from New York City.

3. Check the vital records contact information for that state or city. The site explains what a visitor needs to do to obtain birth, death, marriage and divorce records. For example, in 2011 the state of Nevada had birth records dating back to July of 1911. The applicant had to include a photo ID with a request for a birth record, and $20. The site also has links to the state division that handles the request.

4. Mail the request to the address listed on the state website. The CDC site also has the physical address of the state's vital records office for those who prefer to present the application in person.

References

• Center for Disease Control Vital Record Information