How to Get a New Birth Certificate
Don't worry if you need to get a new birth certificate to obtain a driver's license, passport, or to make an insurance claim. These vital records are easily secured from state government offices.
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You Will Need
- Application
- Proper identification
- Money for fees
- Means to submit an application
Steps
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Step 1
Determine type of certificate needed
Determine whether you need a certified birth certificate with an official seal or just a photocopy. A certified copy is needed for obtaining most formal documents.
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Step 2
Go online for contact information
Go online to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov/ and search for "vital records." Find your state of birth for contact information of the appropriate records office you can write to for a new birth certificate.
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Step 3
Be aware of state rules
Be aware of what different states require in order to obtain your birth certificate. Each will be different, so make sure you know ahead of time.
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Birth certificates are usually only available to the individual and immediate family. A century after a birth, birth certificates become declared public record.
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Step 4
Obtain an application
Obtain an application in person, online, by fax, or by mail. Gather the acceptable identification documents required.
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Step 5
Submit the application
Submit the application for the new birth certificate in person, by mail, by fax, or online in accordance with state rules, including proper identification documents and fees.
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In some states, such as New York, you can submit an application via smartphone.
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Step 6
Hire an attorney
Hire an attorney to get a new birth certificate if you want to avoid the hassle of dealing with government offices. While it may still take up to a month or longer to obtain, the document will be the same authoritative record of birth.
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More than 135 million babies are born each year worldwide.
