What documents are needed to get a birth certificate?

Certificate of birth clipart image

A birth certificate is an official document that records the date, time, and place of a person’s birth, as well as the names of their parents and other relevant information. A birth certificate is essential for many purposes, such as applying for a passport, driver’s license, social security card, school enrollment, and other benefits. Therefore, it is important to have a copy of your birth certificate or to obtain one if you do not have it.

The process and requirements for getting a birth certificate vary depending on where and when you were born, and your relationship to the person whose birth certificate you are requesting. In general, you will need to contact the vital records office of the state or territory where the birth occurred and follow their instructions. You can find the contact information and website of each vital records office here1.

Some of the common documents you will need to get a birth certificate are:

  • A completed application form with the information of the person on record, such as their full name, date and place of birth, gender, and parents’ names. You can download the application form from the vital records office website or request one by mail or phone.
  • A proof of your identity, such as a photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or state ID card), or a sworn statement of identity if you do not have a photo ID. Some states may also accept other forms of identification, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or birth certificate of a relative.
  • A proof of your relationship to the person on record, such as a marriage certificate, adoption decree, court order, or affidavit. This is required if you are not the person on record or their parent, spouse, child, sibling, grandparent, or legal guardian. Some states may also require additional documents depending on your relationship to the person on record.
  • A payment for the processing fee, which varies by state and type of service. You can pay by credit card, check, money order, or cash depending on the method of application. Some states may also charge extra fees for expedited service, multiple copies, or shipping costs.

Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can submit your application online, by mail, or in person depending on the options available in your state. The processing time and delivery method may also vary by state and type of service. You can check the status of your application online or by contacting the vital records office.