How To Get a Copy of Your Birth Certificate

It's necessary to have a copy of your birth certificate in many instances.  For example, you'll need to present your birth certificate to obtain a marriage license, to get a passport and in some states, to get a driver's license.  Fortunately, if you can't locate your original birth certificate, it's simple to get a certified copy.  The procedure and requirements vary a bit for each state, but the following is an outline of the basic steps.

1. Visit the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) web page.  This is part of the Center for Disease Control website.  It will provide you with basic instructions on how to acquire copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates.  It also has links to the website for each state that will give you more detailed instructions.  From this page, click on the link for the state in which your birth took place.

2. Carefully read the instructions on how to get a birth certificate copy.  If necessary, click on the link to the state's website for more information.  In general, most states have records dating back to at least 1900.
3. Determine what you will need to obtain a birth certificate copy.  Not just anyone can get a copy of your birth certificate.  Usually, requests for birth certificate copies are limited to you, your spouse, children, parents, siblings and/or a legal representative of one of the above.  In order to prove that you are entitled to a copy of a birth certificate, you'll need to prove your identity, most often by providing a copy of your driver's license.  You'll also need to list your full name at birth, your date of birth, sex, county or city of birth, hospital name, full (maiden) name of your mother, full name of your father, your signature (possibly notarized), your mailing address and your daytime phone number.  Once you have assembled all of this information, you're ready for the next step!
4. Decide how you want to submit your request.  Most states offer the option of requesting a birth certificate copy by mail, phone or in-person.  No matter which way you submit your request, it will still take about the same amount of time to process it.  Be careful to follow the correct procedure exactly to ensure that you will receive your birth certificate copy as quickly as possible.  It's especially important to submit any necessary fees only by using the payment methods listed.  Some states will accept personal checks, some will accept cash if the request is submitted in person, and some accept only cashier's checks or money orders.  The fees for birth certificate copies vary by state, but between ten and fifteen dollars is average.  If you need more than one copy, there's usually a discount offered.
5. Wait for your certified birth certificate copy to arrive.  The processing time for this request is usually between two weeks and sixty days, so if you need it for a specific event - say, to obtain a marriage license - allow plenty of time.  Most states offer an expediting service, but in most cases, this applies only to the mailing time, not the processing time.
6. In special circumstances...  If you are a U.S. citizen, but were born overseas, you were adopted at birth, or you were born on a boat or aircraft, these are considered special circumstances, and different rules will apply.  The NCHS website can guide you through this process, also.

Remember, submitting incorrect or incomplete information will result in your application being rejected.  Always read the directions for your state carefully and call the toll-free number provided if you have questions.