How to Get an Official Birth Certificate

Over the years, birth certificates may become lost or damaged. If you need a certified birth certificate for yourself or a loved one, you can request one by contacting, online or by telephone, the vital records branch of the department of health in the state where the subject was born. Birth certificate requests also can be made through the mail. You must complete an application form and provide a check or money order for the processing fee. Some states also require identification for obtaining vital records.

Instructions

• 1

  Locate the vital records website for the state from which you want to request a birth certificate. If you do not know where to begin, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has a comprehensive list of information on obtaining vital records, sorted by state. At the website, click on the state from which you are requesting birth records. There will be a link to the website for your state's department.

• 2

  Look for information on obtaining a birth certificate on the vital records website. This information will generally be found under the heading "Birth Certificates" or "Vital Records."

• 3

  Download and complete the application form from the state's website. This form is usually in PDF format, so you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.

• 4

  Review the guidelines on the form and provide any additional documents requested. For most states, you will need to provide a copy of a photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, and a check or money order for the processing fee. Carefully review all details; fees vary by state.

• 5

  Mail all required documents to the vital records office. You can find the address on the website.