How to Get a Birth Certificate in the United States
A birth certificate is an essential document that proves your identity and citizenship. It is required for a variety of purposes, including:
- Getting a driver’s license or ID card
- Enrolling in school
- Applying for a passport
- Voting
- Getting married
- Filing for Social Security benefits
If you need to get a birth certificate, there are a few things you need to do.
1. Determine where you were born.
This information is usually found on your parents’ marriage certificate or your hospital discharge papers. If you don’t have this information, you can contact the hospital where you were born.
2. Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born.
Each state has its own vital records office. You can find the contact information for your state’s vital records office on the National Center for Health Statistics website: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm.
3. Request a birth certificate application form.
You can usually download a birth certificate application form from the website of your state’s vital records office. If you can’t find a form online, you can contact the office and request one by mail.
4. Complete the birth certificate application form.
The application form will ask for information such as your name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents’ names. You will also need to provide a copy of your photo ID.
5. Submit the birth certificate application form and fee.
The fee for a birth certificate varies from state to state. You can usually pay the fee online, by mail, or in person.
6. Wait for your birth certificate to arrive.
The processing time for birth certificates varies from state to state. You can usually expect to receive your birth certificate within a few weeks.
How to Get a Birth Certificate for Someone Else
If you need to get a birth certificate for someone else, you will need to provide the following information:
- The person’s name
- The person’s date of birth
- The person’s place of birth
- The person’s parents’ names
- A copy of your photo ID
You will also need to provide a notarized statement explaining why you need the birth certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to get a birth certificate?
A: The fee for a birth certificate varies from state to state. You can usually expect to pay between $10 and $25.
Q: How long does it take to get a birth certificate?
A: The processing time for birth certificates varies from state to state. You can usually expect to receive your birth certificate within a few weeks.
Q: Can I get a birth certificate online?
A: Yes, you can get a birth certificate online in most states. However, you may need to pay an additional fee for this service.
Q: What if I don’t have a photo ID?
A: If you don’t have a photo ID, you can usually provide another form of identification, such as a passport, driver’s license, or social security card.
Q: What if I need a birth certificate for someone else?
A: If you need to get a birth certificate for someone else, you will need to provide the person’s name, date of birth, place of birth, parents’ names, and a copy of your photo ID. You will also need to provide a notarized statement explaining why you need the birth certificate.
