How to Get Birth Certificate Copies

Having birth certificate copies around can be handy, and there are many circumstances when you may need a copy of your birth certificate to prove or verify important information. Obtaining birth certificate copies can be simple, so you should make sure that you follow the appropriate steps so that you can get your birth certificate copies as quickly as possible.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Decide whether you are interested in applying for birth certificate copies via mail or in person. Most states give out birth certificate copies out of an office in the state capitol. Therefore, if you live near your state capitol, it might make the most sense to go in in person to make sure that the birth certificate copies come through without any hitches. On the other hand, if you live far away from your state capitol or the state where you were born, you may want to apply for birth certificate copies via mail.

2. Organize your identification. When you apply to receive birth certificate copies you will need to provide alternate forms of identification to verify that you are who you say you are. Most states will ask for a passport or state-issued photo id to be used as verification, but you may also be able to use a credit card, parking ticket, or other form of identification to get your birth certificate copies.

3. Fill out an application for birth certificate copies. This application form should be available online from your state. Print out a copy and fill it out beforehand so that you will be certain you have as much information as you need.

4. Go into the birth certificate application office or mail in your birth certificate application. Be ready to pay any associated fees before you can collect your birth certificate copies.