How to Get a Birth Certificate After a Homebirth

The laws for obtaining birth certificates after home births differ by state. If you used a midwife or obstetrician during your home birth, she is authorized to prepare the birth certificate paperwork for you. If you did not use a licensed midwife or doctor, the process becomes more complicated. You'll need proof of your pregnancy from a licensed doctor or midwife who treated you during your pregnancy, a witness of the birth and medical records of your pregnancy.

Instructions

• 1

  Obtain a birth certificate application form. Your midwife or obstetrician will provide you with one or you may obtain one from your county health department.

• 2

  Enter the information required on the birth certificate application form, which includes the name of the child, date of birth, time of birth, birth weight and length and the place of birth. You must provide your first, middle and maiden name, date of birth and the state and country of your birth. If you are married you must list your husband's name, date of birth and place of birth on the certificate. If you are unmarried the father's information is optional.

• 3

  Provide the medical information given to you by the midwife or obstetrician who assisted you with your home birth. If you didn't use one, you must be able to provide proof of your pregnancy, proof of a live birth, proof that you gave birth in your state and any other information your state's health department requires.

• 4

  Mail the birth certificate information and all other required paperwork to the health department in your county. If all of the information is correct and accounted for, your child's birth certificate will be mailed to you within a few weeks of submitting your information.