Get a copy of a birth certificate
Certified copies come from the vital records office of the state where the person was born.
What you need
- The city and county where the person was born
- Identification (if you have none, many states accept a sworn statement or a parent's notarized letter)
- Payment of the state's fee
Step by step
- Find the vital records office of the birth state on the CDC directory
- Read that state's application guidelines
- Order online, by mail or in person
- Pay the fee and wait for the certified copy
Where to apply
CDC: Where to Write for Vital Records · cdc.gov
USA.gov: birth certificate · usa.gov
The app helps with
Tips to get it right the first time
- The federal government doesn't issue birth certificates: always go to the state.
- If you were born abroad to US citizen parents, the Consular Report of Birth Abroad serves the same purpose.
- For a passport, the certificate must show the seal and the date it was filed.
Save the checklist in the app and tick items off as you gather them.
Reviewed on October 19, 2026 · source: usa.gov. Requirements and costs are for reference and may change without notice: confirm them with the official source before you go. We are not affiliated with any institution.