How to Obtain Your Child's Birth Certificate

It is important to have a copy of your child's birth certificate to enroll her in school, file for government benefits or sign her up for recreational activities. If you have never obtained a copy of your child's birth certificate or if you've lost the original, you can request a new official copy from the state and county in which your child was born.

Things You'll Need

  • Photo ID
  • Social Security card
  • Processing fee
  • Notary public

Instructions

  1. Obtaining a Birth Certificate In-state

    • 1

      Submit a birth certificate application to the hospital or county health department soon after your baby is born. With this information, your county's health department or office of vital statistics can create a birth certificate for your child. Allow four to six weeks after the birth for these records to be available to you.

    • 2

      Visit your city or county Health Department or Office of Vital Statistics. These offices will provide you with your child's printed birth certificate.

    • 3

      Present your social security card and photo ID as well as the social security card of your child if applicable.

    • 4

      Pay the required processing fee.

    Obtaining a Birth Certificate Out-of-State

    • 5

      Write to your child's birth county office requesting a copy of your child's birth certificate. Include your child's name, date and place of birth, the name of the hospital where your child was born, the names of both parents (including the mother's maiden name), and a photo copy of your identification.

    • 6

      Have your request notarized. A notary must check your identification prior to notarizing any document. This will serve as verification to the county records office that you are the child's parent or guardian, and that you have a right to obtain the birth certificate.

    • 7

      Include a money order for the amount of the processing fee.

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