How to Obtain a New Birth Certificate in the United States

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

You can get a new copy of your birth certificate or that of your child if you have valid identification and the money needed to pay the fee required to do so. Here are the steps you need to follow to request and receive this document.

Steps

Part 1 of 5: Preparation

Step 1. First, you need to know where you or your relative was born

The US federal government does not issue copies of birth certificates. You must apply for a certificate from the state of birth (not your current state of residence). Requirements for ordering and issuing a new birth certificate vary from state to state, so be sure to check before making an application.

Step 2. Think of an acceptable reason

Some states will require you to provide a specific reason to justify the request and may not accept it if you do not provide a valid reason.

• Valid reasons could include the following:

  • To get the passport.
  • To obtain the driving license.
  • For social security claims.
  • For work reasons.
  • For other personal identification needs, especially those of an official or legal nature.

  

  Step 3. Find out if you are qualified to apply for a birth certificate

  Right-to-Know laws only apply to records classified as public certificates, and birth certificates don't usually fall under this category. As a result, you can only request one if you have some kind of connection with the person you want to get it for. This person should be:

  • If it is your birth certificate, you can only get it if you are already 18 years old.
  • Married to you.
  • Related to you.
  • Your stepfather or stepmother.
  • Your brother, your sister, your step brother or your stepsister.
  • Your son or stepson.
  • Your daughter or your stepdaughter.
  • Your grandfather or your grandmother.
  • Your great grandfather or your great grandmother.
  • This person has delegated you.
  • You are its legal representative.
  • Remember that these requirements vary from one state to another. For example, in New York, you must have an injunction to apply for a birth certificate if you are the husband, wife, son, daughter, grandfather, or grandmother of the person whose name appears on the document, but you do not have one. need if the certificate is for you or you are the parent of the person for whom you are requesting the certificate, as long as your name appears on the document.

  

  Step 4. Know the costs

  The cost for a new birth certificate varies across states. Basic single copy rates range from $ 10 to $ 40.

  • Additional fees may apply if you request more than one copy. You may have to pay the full fee twice or you may receive a discount on the second copy depending on state regulation.
  • A $ 2-10 fee may be added for orders placed online.
  • They may add other fees if, among other services, you require expedited delivery or a special type of shipping and handling.

  

  Step 5. Collect documents to prove your identity

  Typically, you will need to present a primary photo ID and two secondary IDs that will show your name and address. Accepted forms of identification can change in different states.

  • The primary identity document could be:

    • The driving license.
    • A state-issued ID card with a photo.
    • An ID issued by the US military.
    • The passport.

  • Secondary identity documents can include:

    • Electricity or gas bills.
    • Your phone bills.
    • A letter recently received from a government agency.
    • Government issued employee identity badge.
    • Savings book or check book.
    • Credit card or credit card certificate.
    • Health insurance card.
    • Fine.
    • Recent rent.

    

    Step 6. Understand the difference between certified and uncertified copies

    A certified copy will have an embossed state seal and a signature of a registrar. It could also be printed on the paper that is used for official documents.

    • Only a certified copy can serve as a form of identification for legal purposes. Uncertified copies have no legal value. Uncertified copies are usually used for genealogical reasons or to keep personal records.
    • The restrictions for requesting an uncertified copy are usually less stringent. In some states, this register is available to anyone who wants to consult it, regardless of the relationship of the person requesting it to the person on the certificate.

    Part 2 of 5: Request it in person

    

    Step 1. Locate the nearest State Division of Vital Records office

    You can find the address online or in a telephone directory.

    • If you do not have access to a telephone directory or the internet, you can contact the municipality of your city and ask for the necessary information.

      

    • State Division of Vital Records offices are usually scattered across the state, but you may need to go to the largest city closest to you to find one. In the worst case, you will have to go to the state capital.

    

    Step 2. Present your ID

    Check the state requirements to find out which documents are accepted. Make sure you have it on hand when you visit the office, or your request may be denied.

    

    Step 3. Fill out the application form

    The office should have application forms available regarding Vital Records, including those to request copies of a birth certificate. Fill what you need in the office, with the supervision of an employee.

    • Fill out the form completely and accurately.
    • If you don't know all of the information required by the form, your state's Vital Records office may still be willing to do the search. Talk to the employee to see if this is possible. However, remember that searches with incomplete information may take longer and may not give the desired results.

    

    Step 4. Pay the taxes due

    You can do this via a check or a payment order.

    • Many states will also accept major credit cards.

    • Some states don't accept cash.

      

    

    Step 5. Wait for your new birth certificate to arrive

    The exact amount of time it takes to get your new birth certificate in the mail can vary by state, but typically takes 10-12 weeks.

    Expedited requests may take around two weeks

    Part 3 of 5: Request it by post or fax

    

    Step 1. Find the address or fax number of the State Division of Vital Records closest to you

    You can access the address through a telephone directory or online. The fax number, if available, can usually be found on the internet.

    • If you can't find the contact information yourself, ask your municipality for the address or fax number. Most municipalities have this data in their records.
    • Typically, the request is sent to the local office, usually located in the state capital. Sometimes, however, the request should be directed to the nearest branch of the Vital Records office. Consult the laws of your state to determine which office to contact.
    • Most states allow you to submit requests by mail, but not all states allow you to do so by fax.

    

    Step 2. Print and fill out the form

    Access the form on the State Division of Vital Records website closest to you. Print a copy and fill it out using black pen.

    • Fill out the form completely and accurately.
    • Some states will allow you to leave some areas blank, but you need to ask which fields are optional and which are required.
    • If you can't use a printer, call your local State Division of Vital Records office and have a form sent to you by mail.

    

    Step 3. Make a copy of your ID documents

    Requests by post and fax must be accompanied by all mandatory forms of identification. Make copies and attach them to your request.

    Make sure the copies are clear and complete

    

    Step 4. Include a notarized affidavit if required

    Some states will require you to sign one stating that the information and identity documents submitted are accurate. This declaration must be signed in front of a notary public, an official who, among other duties, bears witness to the signatures, and sealed by the same.

    • You can find a notary public at a local bank branch or municipal government office.
    • A notary public may require payment of a small fee for its services.

    

    Step 5. Submit the application form, a copy of your ID, the affidavit and payment of the fee by check or payment order

    • Don't send cash.
    • Make a copy of the application form in case you need to send it back.

    

    Step 6. Wait

    The data processing time varies by state, but after 10-12 weeks, you should receive the required birth certificate by mail.

    • Expedited requests take approximately two weeks.
    • There may be delays if the information provided is incomplete or inaccurate.

    Part 4 of 5: Apply for it online

    

    Step 1. Find the State Division of Vital Records site closest to you

    This information can usually be found by doing a simple internet search.

    • If you can't find the URL for your local State Division of Vital Records, you can call the office and ask what the website is.
    • This office page can typically also be found through the main state government site.

    

    Step 2. Log in and fill out the form

    Your state office may have a downloadable version that you will need to fill out and then send to an email address. Otherwise, he can submit a "live" form which you will need to fill in and submit through a secure server on the site itself.

    • If the form requires a real signature (and not a digital copy), you should download the form, print it, fill it out entirely (including your signature) then scan and email it.
    • Fill out the form completely and accurately.
    • The required fields are usually indicated on the form. Make sure you fill them all, especially the mandatory ones.

    

    Step 3. Attach digital copies of your identification records

    Scan copies of the required ID.

    • If you send the form by email, please attach the digital identity document separately.
    • If you send the form through a secure server, upload your ID on the site using the instructions provided on the screen.

    

    Step 4. Pay with your credit card

    If you apply online, you will need to have a valid credit card to pay.

    • You will not be allowed to send the payment separately.
    • Some states may require you to use a credit card issued by a large company.

    

    Step 5. Wait for your copy to arrive

    The exact waiting time may vary by state, but requests made online take a significantly faster process. You may receive your birth certificate after a month or two.

    • The birth certificate will arrive via email.
    • Expect delays if the information you provide is incomplete or inaccurate.

    Part 5 of 5: Other Countries

    

    Step 1. Apply for a US birth certificate for an overseas-born citizen

    If you (or a member of your family) were born in another country but are a citizen of the United States, you can obtain a copy of your consular birth overseas report from the Department of State. You can order a birth certificate by following the instructions below.

    • Only the person himself, a parent or guardian, an authorized government agency, or a person with written authorization can apply.
    • Obtain the FS-240 form from the Department of State website. You will need to fill in the information: your full name, date and place of birth, parent information and mailing address.
    • The application form must be authenticated. The State Department will not process unauthenticated forms.
    • Submit the application form, a check or money order for payment (currently the cost is $ 50), and a copy of your ID to the State Department. You will receive a copy of the consular report of birth abroad by post, or by paying an extra (currently $ 14.85) it can be received within 24 hours.

    

    Step 2. Apply for a birth certificate in Canada

    To do this, you will need to contact the website of the province or territory of birth of the person listed on the document.

    • Typically, you will be allowed to apply for a birth certificate in person at the Vital Statistics Office, online (using a secure electronic ordering system) or by mail.
    • Additional ID will be required and there will be restrictions. You can generally order a certificate if you are over 19 and you are the person on the certificate. You can also apply if you are a legal guardian or parent of someone under the age of 19 or if you are a government official.
    • Taxes are expected, but they vary according to the province and territory.

    

    Step 3. Apply for a UK birth certificate

    The easiest way to do this is through the General Registrar Office website.

    • You can also request it by post or in person at the local registry.
    • Certificates usually cost £ 9.25, but priority service certificates £ 23.40.
    • You can call the General Registrar Office to get more information. The number is 0300-123-1837. Note that you can only type it this way if you are making the call in the UK. If not, you will need the international prefixes.
    • You will need to provide details on the right application form. Additionally, you will need to provide your contact information.

    

    Step 4. Apply for an Australian birth certificate

    You can do this in person at an Australia Post office that is active from this point of view.

    • You will need to provide at least three forms of identification with your application.

    • You can request a birth certificate as a person whose name appears on the document or as a parent. Otherwise, you can provide proof that you have been delegated by the person whose name appears on the certificate. You may also be a lawyer or welfare group acting on behalf of an individual or because you have been given the legal authority to act in their stead.

      

    • The fee is $ 48, while urgent requests cost $ 71.