A birth certificate is the foundational legal document for your child, required for obtaining a Social Security number, enrolling in health insurance, getting a passport, and eventually enrolling in school. For hospital births, the registration process begins before discharge.
15 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Complete the birth registration paperwork at the hospital — Before discharge, hospital staff will provide a "Certificate of Live Birth" form and birth certificate application. Both parents should b...
- Full legal names of both parents
- Social Security numbers for both parents
- Mother's maiden name
- Photo identification (driver's license or passport)
- Choose the baby's legal name — The name on the birth certificate is the child's legal name. Double-check spelling carefully. Changing it later requires a court order.
- Decide on the SSN application — You will be asked whether you want to apply for a Social Security number at the same time. Say yes (it is the easiest method).
- Hospital submits paperwork — The hospital is required to register the birth with the local department of vital records within 5-10 days.
- Birth registration processing — It can take up to 30 days for the birth to be fully registered with your county or state vital records office.
- Order certified copies — You will NOT automatically receive a certified copy. You must order them through:
2. Key Details
- Hospital birth vs. home birth Hospital births are registered by the hospital. Home births require parents to register directly with the local vital records office (see topic 0283 for details).
- How many copies to order Order at least 3-5 certified copies. You will need them for insurance enrollment, passport applications, school enrollment, and legal matters. Certified copies cost $10-30 each depending on the state.
- Paternity If parents are unmarried, the father typically must sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) form at the hospital to be listed on the birth certificate.
- Name changes If you change your mind about the baby's name after filing, the process varies by state but generally requires a court petition and amendment fee.
- Apostille If you need the birth certificate for international use, you may need to get an apostille from the Secretary of State.
Common Mistakes
- Not double-checking spelling
- Assuming you will receive a copy automatically
- Ordering only one copy
- Delaying the order
- Forgetting to bring ID to the hospital
Pro Tips
- Complete as much paperwork as possible before labor (some hospitals allow pre...
- Bring a pre-printed card with both parents' full legal names, SSNs, and other...
- Order certified copies as soon as your state vital records office confirms re...
- Keep certified copies in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box
- Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee
Sources
- US Birth Certificates -- How to Register a Birth and Get Your Baby's Birth Certificate
- Texas Health -- Obtaining a Birth Certificate and Social Security Number
- Sutter Health -- Your Baby's Birth Certificate and Social Security Number
- Memorial Hermann -- Newborn Birth Certificate Information
- VitalChek -- Order Birth Certificates Online