US Citizenship How to Get a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in the U.S. – Step-by-Step Guide

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How do I get my birth certificate in U.S.?​

Need a copy of your birth certificate? Learn how to request it online, by mail, or in person from your state’s vital records office. Find official sources and processing times.​

Getting a birth certificate in the U.S. depends on where you were born. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you obtain a copy:​

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1. Determine Where to Request Your Birth Certificate​

In the U.S., birth certificates are issued at the state or county level. You’ll need to request it from the Vital Records Office in the state where you were born.

Find your state’s vital records office here:
CDC Vital Records Directory

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2. Choose How to Request It​

You can order your birth certificate through:

Online – Fastest method (via official state websites or third-party services).
By Mail – Slower but reliable (requires filling out a form and mailing it).
In Person – Immediate pickup (if available in your state).
Phone – Some states allow ordering by phone with identity verification.

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3. Gather Required Information​

You’ll need:

✔ Full Name on Birth Certificate
✔ Date & Place of Birth (City & State)
✔ Parent(s) Names (as listed on birth certificate)
✔ Your Relationship to the Person (if ordering for someone else)
✔ Valid ID (Driver’s License, Passport, or other government-issued ID)
✔ Payment (Fees vary by state, usually $10-$50 per copy)

Pro Tip: If you don’t have an ID, some states allow alternative forms of identity verification.

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4. Order Through Official Sources​

Online Orders (Fastest method)

• Use your state’s official vital records website or a trusted third-party servicelike:
  • VitalChek (government-authorized provider)

Mail Orders

• Download and fill out the Birth Certificate Request Form from your state’s vital records website.
• Include a copy of your ID and payment.
• Mail it to the address provided by your state.

In-Person Requests

• Visit your state or county Vital Records Office.
• Bring proof of identity & payment.
• Some locations offer same-day processing.

Phone Orders

• Some states allow ordering by phone with identity verification.
• Find your state’s phone number via the CDC Vital Records Directory.

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5. Processing Time & Delivery​

Standard Processing: 2-6 weeks (varies by state).
Expedited Service: Available in most states (for an extra fee).

Pro Tip: If you need it urgently, visit the Vital Records Office in person or request expedited shipping.

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6. Special Cases​

For Newborns: It usually takes 2-3 weeks after birth for the certificate to be available.
For Adopted Individuals: Request through the state where adoption was finalized.
For U.S. Citizens Born Abroad: Apply through the U.S. Department of State (Travel.State.Gov).

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Final Thoughts​

✔ Always request your birth certificate from official sources to avoid scams.
✔ Keep multiple copies for legal purposes.
✔ Double-check your state’s requirements before applying.