How to Get a Certified Copy of Birth Certificate

Birth certificate is one of the most important things for the citizens of the United States. It is usually needed for enrolling in school, applying for jobs, getting a driver’s license, accessing government services, or so on. For those who want to get a certified copy of birth certificate, whether you lost it or someone stole it, stay calm as you will be able to find out how to get a copy below.

How to Get a Certified Copy of Birth Certificate

Getting a Certified Copy of Birth Certificate for Individuals Born in the United States

The method to get a certified copy of your birth certificate for those who were born in the United States varies, depending on the state. In general, the steps that you have to follow are as follows:

    1. The first thing that you need to do is to contact your birth state or territory’s vital records office. You will be able to get the information on how to order a certified copy of your birth certificate from them. Here is the link that you can visit: Where to Write for Vital Records – Homepage (cdc.gov).
    2. When you are on the page, you have to choose your state. Feel free to do it by clicking the state on the map or by clicking it on the list.
    3. Just like that you will be taken to a page where you find the information about how to get a certified copy of your birth certificate.

For example, you were born in California and you want to get a certified copy of your birth certificate from California. According to the official website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you can get a certified copy of your birth certificate in California by completing the sworn statement.

Keep in mind that the sworn statement should be signed under the penalty of perjury and must be notarized. Besides, it should be included with the birth certified application form. It is also worth noting that your request will be rejected if it is written in it that you want a certified copy of your birth certificate but a notarized statement sworn under penalty of perjury is not included. In this case, it will be returned to you without being processed.

On the other hand, you do not have to provide a notarized sworn statement if you request a certified informational copy of the record. For anyone who wants to know more about the informational copies, you are suggested to go to the official website of California Department of Public Health or CDPH at cdph.ca.gov/.

Getting a Certified Copy of Birth Certificate for the United States Citizens Born Abroad

Were you born abroad or outside the United States? If the answer to the question is yes, then you likely have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or CRBA if your birth was reported by your parents to the United States embassy or consulate. This report is basically the same as the U.S. birth certificate as it serves the same thing.

If you want to replace or amend a CRBA, you will be able to do it if:

    • You are 18 years old or older and your name is listed on the birth record
    • You are a parent for minors under age 18
    • You are an authorized government agency
    • You are someone with written authorization from the person who is listed on the birth record

To be able to replace or amend a CRBA, it is a must for you to gather three things, as follows:

    • Notarized, completed Form DS-5542. The form can be found at eforms.state.gov/forms/ds5542.pdf: It is better for you to fill out the form on your computer. In case you prefer to complete it by hand, make sure to use black ink. After completing it, sign it in front of a notary public. If you want to amend the form, you need to provide original or certified documents that show the change you are requesting. Remember that photocopies are not allowed. Besides, you should also give back all birth records that were previously issued to you by the U.S. Department of State. In case it is unlikely for you to submit these things, you must submit a notarized statement with an explanation in it.
    • Photocopy of your valid photo ID (front and back): The valid photo ID can be driver’s license issued by the state, non-driver photo ID, military ID, passport, veterans affairs ID, or prison ID.
    • Check or money order: The fee that you have to pay is $50 per each record request. Make sure to pay the fee to the U.S. Department of State. Do not forget to include a complete mailing address on the check. It should be noted that it is a must for both checks and money orders to be payable in U.S. dollars through a U.S. bank. In case the cash lost in the mail, the department will not take the responsibility as they are not responsible for this.

Once you have completed and prepared these three, it is time for you to submit them by mailing them to the following address:

U.S. Department of StatePassport Vital Records Section
44132 Mercure Cir.
PO Box 1213
Sterling, VA 20166-1213

Getting a Copy of Your Birth Certificate If You Lost All Your IDs

In case you want to get a copy of your birth certificate but you lost all your IDs, you can follow the following instructions:

    1. First of all, you should reach out to your birth state’s vital records office.
    2. Before obtaining a copy of your birth certified, you are recommended to replace your driver’s license first.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the method of getting a copy of your birth certificate may vary, depending on where you were born. It should be noted that having a certified copy of your birth certificate is necessary for various purposes, including enrolling in school, applying for jobs, getting a driver’s license, and accessing government services. Make sure to visit the official websites of the authorities regularly to find the latest information about the process and fees.

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