How to Get a Birth Certificate

Step-by-Step Process

1. 1

   Identify your birth state and vital records office

   Your birth certificate is on file in the state or territory where you were born. If you were born in the U.S., contact that state's vital records office. If you were born in a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, etc.), contact the territory's vital records office. If you were born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, contact the U.S. State Department for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

2. 2

   Choose how to order: online, by mail, or in person

   Online: Most states partner with VitalChek (vitalchek.com) for online orders. This is the fastest option but costs more due to processing fees ($6 or more on top of the state fee). By mail: Download the application form from your state vital records website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order and a copy of your ID. Processing takes 2 to 12 weeks. In person: Visit your state or county vital records office. This is often the cheapest option and you may receive your certificate the same day or within a few days.

3. 3

   Gather the information you will need

   You will typically need to provide: your full name at birth, date of birth, place of birth (city/county and state), your mother's full maiden name, your father's full name, and the reason you are requesting the certificate. You will also need to provide your own ID to prove you are authorized to receive the certificate.

4. 4

   Provide proof of your identity

   Most vital records offices require a copy of a valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport). If you do not have a photo ID, many offices accept two forms of secondary ID such as a utility bill and a government letter. If you are experiencing homelessness, a letter from a shelter or social worker may be accepted. People who are incarcerated can often use prison identification or legal imprisonment documents. Check your state's specific requirements.

5. 5

   Pay the fee or apply for a fee waiver

   Fees range from $10 to $35 for the first certified copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time are usually cheaper ($3 to $10 each). If you are experiencing homelessness or recently released from incarceration, ask about fee waivers. Many states have programs that waive fees for people in these situations.

What You Need

Birth Certificate Cost by State (Common Examples)

Here are typical first-copy fees for some of the most populous states: Alabama $15, Alaska $30, Arizona $20, Arkansas $12, California $29-$34, Colorado $20-$25, Connecticut $30, Florida $9-$10, Georgia $25, Illinois $15, Indiana $10, Kentucky $10, Maryland $10, Massachusetts $20-$32, Michigan $34, Minnesota $26, New Jersey $25, New York $30 (NYC $15-$22), North Carolina $24-$30, Ohio $21.50, Pennsylvania $20, Texas $22, Virginia $12, Washington $20. These fees change periodically. Check your state vital records website for current pricing.

Ordering from a Different State

If you were born in a different state from where you currently live, you need to order your birth certificate from your birth state's vital records office. You cannot get your birth certificate from the state where you currently reside. The easiest options are: (1) Order online through VitalChek, which works with most state agencies and lets you order from anywhere. (2) Download the mail-in application from your birth state's vital records website and mail it with payment. (3) Some county clerks in your birth state can issue certificates faster than the state office. If you are unsure which county you were born in, the state vital records office can search their statewide database.

Certified Copy vs. Informational Copy

A certified copy of your birth certificate has an official raised seal or stamp from the issuing office and is accepted as legal proof of identity. An informational copy (sometimes called an abstract or short form) may not have the seal and typically says "not valid for identification purposes" or similar language. For getting a state ID, passport, or proving your identity for employment, you need a certified copy. Always request a certified copy unless you only need the information for personal reference.

Free Birth Certificates for People Experiencing Homelessness

Many states have laws or programs that provide free birth certificates to people experiencing homelessness. In New Jersey, a social worker or shelter coordinator can request a free birth certificate on your behalf. In Michigan, a 2020 law allows fee-waived birth certificates for people experiencing homelessness through the state Bureau of Vital Records. In California, homeless service providers can issue fee waiver forms. In Virginia, homeless youth can obtain free birth certificates as of 2025. In Pennsylvania, the Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) helps people obtain free birth certificates. Contact your local shelter, social services agency, or Legal Aid office to learn about programs in your state.

Free Birth Certificates for People Who Are Incarcerated

Multiple states now provide free or fee-waived birth certificates to incarcerated individuals as part of reentry preparation. Illinois, Oregon, Michigan, and New Jersey have established programs. California introduced legislation (AB 974) to waive fees for incarcerated people. In Rhode Island, a bill to waive vital records fees for reentering individuals has received legislative support. Colorado's Department of Corrections assists individuals in acquiring birth certificates and other identity documents. If you are currently incarcerated, ask your reentry counselor or case manager about birth certificate assistance. Many state DOC reentry units process hundreds of birth certificate applications each year.

If You Were Born Outside the United States

If you were born in another country, you will not have a U.S. birth certificate. Instead, you may need: (1) A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) if you were born to U.S. citizen parents overseas -- contact the U.S. State Department. (2) Your foreign birth certificate, which may need to be translated and certified. (3) A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship if you became a U.S. citizen through naturalization. (4) Your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a lawful permanent resident. Contact your country's embassy or consulate in the U.S. if you need a copy of a foreign birth certificate.

VitalChek: What It Is and How It Works

VitalChek (vitalchek.com) is a private company owned by LexisNexis that is the authorized online ordering partner for over 450 government vital records agencies across the U.S. It is not a government agency itself, but it is the official, legitimate way to order vital records online for most states. VitalChek processes over 4 million documents per year. When you order through VitalChek, you pay the state fee plus a VitalChek processing fee (typically $6 or more) and optional expedited shipping. The certificate is printed and shipped by the actual government agency, not by VitalChek. VitalChek is faster than mailing an application directly but more expensive. If cost is a concern, order directly from your state vital records office by mail or in person.

Beware of Scam Websites

There are many unofficial websites that charge high fees to "help" you order a birth certificate. These sites are not affiliated with any government agency and simply submit the same application you could submit yourself, while charging $50 to $100 or more on top of the actual certificate fee. The only authorized third-party online ordering service for most states is VitalChek (vitalchek.com). You can also order directly from your state vital records office. If a website is not your state government site (.gov) or VitalChek, be cautious.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a birth certificate cost?

A certified copy costs $10 to $35 depending on the state where you were born. Online orders through VitalChek cost more due to processing fees. Many states offer free birth certificates for people experiencing homelessness or incarceration.

How long does it take to get a birth certificate?

In person: often same day or within a few days. Online through VitalChek: 1 to 3 weeks with standard shipping, faster with expedited shipping. By mail directly to the state: 2 to 12 weeks depending on the state. New York state, for example, quotes 10 to 12 weeks for mail-in orders with regular handling.

Can I get a birth certificate from a state I no longer live in?

Yes. Birth certificates come from the state where you were born, not where you currently live. You can order online through VitalChek from anywhere, or mail an application to your birth state's vital records office.

What if I do not have any ID to show when ordering?

Some vital records offices accept two forms of secondary identification instead of a photo ID. These can include utility bills, government letters, or a letter from a shelter or social worker. If you are incarcerated, prison ID and release documents may be accepted. Call the vital records office to ask about their specific requirements.

Can I get a birth certificate if I do not know my exact birth information?

Vital records offices can often search their databases with partial information. Provide as much as you know -- your name, approximate date of birth, city or county of birth, and parents' names. They may charge a search fee even if no record is found.

What is the difference between a long form and short form birth certificate?

A long form (or full) birth certificate contains all the details recorded at birth, including parents' names, birthplace, and often the attending physician. A short form (or abstract) contains only basic information like your name, date of birth, and place of birth. For most official purposes including getting a passport or state ID, you need a certified long form birth certificate.

Can someone else request my birth certificate for me?

In most states, a birth certificate can be requested by the person named on it, a parent listed on it, a legal guardian, a legal representative, or an authorized agent with a notarized letter of authorization. Some states are more restrictive than others. A reentry case manager or social worker may also be able to request it on your behalf.