How to Get a Copy of Your Birth Certificate
Order certified copies from the vital records office in the state where you were born. You can order online, by mail, or in person. Skip third-party sites that charge $100+ to speed things up. The official state route costs less and is just as fast.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Varies by state (e.g. $12–$30 per copy)
- Total time:
- 1–6 weeks
- Steps:
- 6 steps
- Where to apply:
- cdc.gov
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(October 2026).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 15 min
Find your state's vital records office
Use the CDC directory at cdc.gov/vital-records to find the official office. Look for the state where you were BORN, not where you live now. Save the official .gov site.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 5 min
Avoid third-party scam sites
Sites like "US Birth Certificates" charge $100–$300 for a copy. The state charges about $12–$30 (the exact price varies by state). Only order from the official state site or from VitalChek. Many states use VitalChek to take orders.
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- Fill / Prepare 20 min
Complete the application
Write your birth details and your parents' names exactly as they appear on the original record. If the names do not match, your order may be rejected. This also causes delays.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay 20 min
Order online, by mail, or in person
Ordering online through the state's VitalChek portal is the fastest way. It takes a few days to 2 weeks. Ordering by mail takes 3–6 weeks. In big cities, you can order in person and sometimes get it the same day if you need it fast.
Click to mark as done
- Wait 3–6 weeks
Receive the certified copy
Your copy will come by mail. Check that it is a CERTIFIED copy. It should have a raised seal or a state stamp. Photocopies are not accepted for passports, Social Security, or the DMV.
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- Follow Up —
Order extra copies for the future
Agencies keep your certified copies when you apply for a passport or a name change. Keep 2–3 extra copies so you do not need repeat trips. Store them in a fireproof place. Never cover them in plastic.
Click to mark as done
Be Careful
Don't make these mistakes
Ordering from the wrong state. Order from the vital records office in the state where you were born, not where you live now. Use the CDC directory at cdc.gov/vital-records to find the official office.
Paying a third-party site. Sites like "US Birth Certificates" charge $100 to $300 for a copy. The state charges about $12 to $30. Only order from the official state site or from VitalChek.
Writing names that do not match the record. Write your birth details and the names of your parents exactly as they appear on the original record. If the names do not match, your order may be rejected. This also causes delays.
Accepting a photocopy. Check that your copy is certified. It should have a raised seal or a state stamp. Photocopies are not accepted for passports, Social Security, or the DMVDepartment of Motor Vehicles — Your state agency for driver's licenses, state IDs, and vehicle registration. Some states call it the BMV, DPS, MVD, or DDS.Click for official info ↗.
Ordering only one copy. Agencies keep your certified copies when you apply for a passport or a name change. Keep 2 to 3 extra copies so you do not need repeat trips. Store them in a fireproof place. Never cover them in plastic.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my birth certificate if I was born abroad?
US citizens born in another country get a different paper. It is called a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA, Form FS-240). Ask the State Department for it. A replacement CRBA costs $50 per record. You also need a notarized Form DS-5542. Citizens who were born abroad and later became US citizens use their naturalizationBecoming a US citizen by application — The process a green card holder goes through to become a US citizen — application, interview, test, and oath.Click for official info ↗ certificate as their main proof.
Who can order my birth certificate?
In most cases, only a few people can order it. You can order it if you are 18+. Your parents, spouse, children, or legal representative can also order it. Some states limit access to close family for 75–100 years.
How long are certified copies valid?
They do not expire. But some agencies want a recent copy. For example, USCISUS Citizenship and Immigration Services — The federal agency that processes green cards, work permits, naturalization, and most immigration benefits. Part of the Department of Homeland Security.Click for official info ↗ and the DMV may want a copy issued within the last 6 months to a few years. Order fresh copies for those uses.
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