How to Apply for a Copy of a Birth Certificate

A birth certificate is used to document a child's birth.

No matter which state you were born in, a birth certificate is a vital record that you will need at some point in your life. Birth certificates verify your identity and citizenship. In most states, you need a copy of your birth certificate to get an identification card and driver's license. The procedure to obtain a copy of a birth certificate may vary by state.

Things You'll Need

• Printer
• Vital information including name, date of birth and birthplace

Instructions

1. Determine the type of birth certificate copy needed. There are two forms of birth certificate copies. Only qualified individuals such as the individual or his parents can obtain certified copies. Anyone can obtain an informational copy of a birth certificate.

2. Locate the vital statistics office in the state the birth certificate was originally issued. The contact information for the vital statistics office can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) website.

3. Print out a birth certificate request form. After locating the state's vital statistics office, download the appropriate form and print it out.

4. Complete the birth certificate request form. In order to complete the application, you will need to provide information on the person you are requesting the birth certificate for. Requested information will include his name, race and location of birth.

5. Notarize the birth certificate request form. If you are requesting a certified copy of the birth certificate, you will need to have your signature on the form notarized. Some states may require an additional notarized statement demonstrating your interest in obtaining a copy of the birth certificate.

6. Mail the birth certificate request form and payment. The address to send the form and payment to will be listed on the same website you obtained the request form. Be sure to include the correct processing fee. Your request will not be processed without it.

Tips & Warnings

• Your state may require a photocopy of your picture ID before processing a birth certificate request.

• Birth records in each state only date back to a certain year. Check with the vital statistics office in your state to determine if the birth year you are seeking is covered.

References

• Minnesota Department of Health: How to Obtain a Birth Certificate
• Georgia Department of Community Health: Vital Records

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Where to Write for Vital Records