How to get original copy of birth certificate

New York State Department of Health can provide copies of birth certificates for individuals born outside of New York City’s five boroughs.

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Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate

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Overview

Who is eligible to obtain a birth certificate copy?

  • The person named on the birth certificate
  • A parent of the person named on the birth certificate whose name appears on the birth certificate
  • A spouse, child or other person who has an order from a New York State Court to obtain a copy of a birth certificate

*For births in the five boroughs of New York City, contact the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Guidance

Download the mail-in application to obtain a copy of a birth certificate.

How To

Refer to this step by step process to order a birth certificate:

  1. Gather the necessary identifying information (See list below)
  2. Complete the application online, by telephone or by mail
  3. Pay the required fees with credit card (internet only), check drawn from a U.S. bank or with a money order - DO NOT send cash.
  1. Submit the application

Ready? Have with you:

Applications must be submitted with either:

  • A driver’s license
  • A state-issued non-driver photo ID card
  • Passport
  • U.S. military-issued photo ID

Or applications may be submitted with TWO of the following:

  • Utility or telephone bills
  • Letter from a government agency dated within the last six months

What if I’m making a request from a foreign country?

If the country you are in requires a U.S. Passport for travel, you must also provide a copy of your passport with your application along with the other identification documents.

Fees

ORDER TYPE FEES (per copy)
Online or Phone Orders $45 + $8 vendor processing fee per transaction (not per copy)
Walk-in Orders $45
Mail Orders $30

Apply

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By Telephone:

Call VitalChek Toll Free at 1-877-854-4481
The Service is Available in English and Spanish
Call 24 hours a day, seven days a week

By Mail:

Send requests for regular handling to the following address:

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602

How To Order Birth Records

Louisiana is a "closed record" state. This means that birth and death certificates are not public records. All requests for birth or death certificates must include proper identification, appropriate fees, and a completed application.

Who May Order A Birth Certificate:

  • The person named on the document
  • The current spouse of the person named on the document
  • Mother or father of the person named on the document
  • An adult child of the person named on the document
  • Sister/brother of the person named on the document
  • Grandmother or grandfather of the person named on the document
  • Grandchild of the person named on the document
  • An attorney representing one of the above with a signed contract of representation or authorization.

When another adult other than the legally entitled individuals listed above is requesting the record of a child, they must present a judgment of custody for the child. Notarized custody papers or provisional custody mandates are not acceptable.

You may also request Apostille copies of vital records.

There are three ways to obtain a certified copy of a Louisiana birth certificate:

IN PERSON

New Orleans VItal Records Walk-In Services are currently available by using VitalChek ordering and choosing the "Will Call" option for delivery. Customers will receive an email once the order has been processed and is ready to be picked up. 

Walk-in Service Hours: 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. (excluding state holidays)

You may complete an application for a certified copy of a birth certificate, bring your photo identification and correct fees to the Vital Records Central OfficeWalk-in services accepts cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards as forms of payment.

Please fill out the application to obtain a certified birth certificate.

Participating Louisiana Clerks of Court offer certified copies of birth records (long and short form) at locations around the state. There is an additional fee for this service.

Kiosk Service Locations Hours of Operation: 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. (excluding state holidays)

You may also order in person from a kiosk service location. Kiosk orders require the user to successfully complete an identity authentication screening. Once the kiosk order is placed, the order is shipped via USPS or expedited shipping, or made available for pickup at Vital Records Central Office.  A security fee and shipping costs apply to kiosk orders.

MAIL

You may mail your completed request, a copy of your photo identification and correct fees to:

Vital Records Registry
PO Box 60630
New Orleans, LA 70160

Please complete the application to obtain a certified birth certificate and allow approximately 8-10 weeks for delivery.

INTERNET, FAX AND TELEPHONE

You may use a major credit card to place internet, fax or telephone orders through VitalChek Network, an authorized service provider. There are additional fees when using this service provider or requesting expedited services.

To order using the VitalChek Network, visit their website or call 1-877-605-8562.
If you have already placed a VitalChek Network order, you may also check the status.

To inquire about an order placed with VitalChek, please call 1-877-605-8562.

Louisiana Office of Public Health does not directly accept credit cards or online orders; however, for your convenience, you can process online requests through the independent company that we have partnered with above in order to provide you with this service, VitalChek Network, Inc. An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for using this service and all major credit cards are accepted, including American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® or Visa®.

How do I get a certified copy of my US birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born to get a copy of your birth certificate. Follow the instructions for requesting copies and paying fees. If you need a copy fast, ask about expedited service or shipping when you place your order.

How do I get my original birth certificate Philippines?

You can get a Certified True Copy of Certificate of Live Birth (COLB) at the Local Civil Registrar's office of the city of municipality where you were born. Proceed to the LCR office and provide your: Complete and registered name. Birth date and birthplace.

Can you get a birth certificate the same day in PA?

You may need to prove your relation to the person you're requesting a certificate for. It costs $20 per certificate. If you apply online or by mail, the process takes 2-3 weeks. If you apply in person, you can get it the same day.

Can I get a CA birth certificate same day?

Same-day service is available for births 1964 to present (Informational Certified Copies, however, are not available the same day). Births prior to 1964 will be mailed within 20 working days.