Birth certificate request/replacement

Birth certificates are issued by the state (or territory) where you were born, not by the federal government. Each state's vital records office maintains birth records and issues certified copies.

37 steps across 10 sections

1. Option 1: Online (Fastest)

  • VitalChek.com is the authorized online ordering service for most states
  • Pay by credit/debit card
  • Processing + shipping: typically 3-7 business days for expedited; 2-6 weeks for standard
  • VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the state fee (varies by state, typically $10-$20 extra)
  • Many states now offer their own online ordering systems
  • May be cheaper than VitalChek (no third-party service fee)
  • Check your state's Department of Health or Vital Records website

2. Option 2: By Mail

  • Download and complete your state's application form
  • Include required identification documents (copies, not originals in most states)
  • Include payment (check or money order to the state vital records office)
  • Mail to your state's vital records office
  • Processing: 4-8 weeks typically
  • Some states offer expedited mail processing for an additional fee

3. Option 3: In-Person

  • Visit your state or county vital records office
  • Bring valid photo ID
  • Pay the fee (cash, check, or card depending on the office)
  • Some offices issue certificates same-day or within a few days
  • May require an appointment in some jurisdictions

4. How to Get an Apostille

  • Obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate from the state vital records office
  • Request the apostille from the Secretary of State in the same state where the certificate was issued
  • Cost: Varies by state (typically $2-$25 per document)
  • Processing: 1-4 weeks depending on the state

5. Ordering with Apostille Through VitalChek

  • Select "Apostille/Authentication" as the reason for ordering
  • VitalChek routes the order to the Secretary of State after the certificate is issued
  • Available in states like Missouri, Washington, and others
  • Additional fees apply

6. Key Apostille Requirements

  • The birth certificate must be a certified copy from the official state vital records office
  • Must contain the registrar's signature and state seal
  • The apostille must come from the same state where the certificate was issued
  • Hospital-issued or commemorative birth certificates are NOT eligible for apostille

7. Born Abroad to US Citizen Parents

  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA/FS-240) issued by the US embassy/consulate
  • Replacement from the State Department's Office of Vital Records: $50
  • Apply by mail using Form DS-1350

8. Born in an Unincorporated Territory

  • Contact the territory's vital records office (Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, CNMI)

9. Adoption

  • Amended birth certificates may be available depending on state law
  • Contact the state vital records office and/or the court that handled the adoption

10. Name Discrepancies

  • If your current legal name differs from your birth certificate, you may need additional documentation (marriage certificate, court order)

Sources

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