How to Request Birth Certificates From the Department of State

• Step 1

  Locate the department where the given birth certificate is stored. Some states keep all records at a Department of State while others rely on cities or counties to keep such records. See the Resources section for the location and contact information for your state's records as provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Step 2

  Write a personal check or obtain a money order for the fee that will be charged by the state. See the CDC guidelines for the exact amount.

• Step 3

  Write a letter requesting a copy of the given birth certificate. Include as much of the following information as possible: the name of the person whose certificate you are requesting, gender, parents' names (including mother's maiden name), birth date, place of birth, your relationship to the person, and the reason for the request. In addition, be sure to include your contact information. A detailed letter helps ensure that you receive the correct birth certificate.

• Step 4

  Send the letter with the fee to the Department of State or alternative location.

• 3
• Address of office Check or money order Letter-writing materials
• Address of office
• Check or money order
• Letter-writing materials
• Call the state office of vital statistics to verify the fee amount as a state's websites may not all reflect a recent price change. Alternatively, if the office is nearby, visit instead of writing a letter. Be sure to neatly write or type your letter.
• Call the state office of vital statistics to verify the fee amount as a state's websites may not all reflect a recent price change.
• Alternatively, if the office is nearby, visit instead of writing a letter.
• Be sure to neatly write or type your letter.

References & Resources

• CDC.gov: Application Guidelines
• CDC.gov: Where to Write for Vital Records