Birth certificates by state: order a certified copy

A certified copy is an official copy issued by the state or territory vital records office, printed on security paper with the office's seal or certification. It is the version accepted for passports, driver's licenses, Social Security and school enrolment. We order certified copies only.

Each state sets its own rules. Parents and the person named on the certificate can almost always order; spouses, children, grandparents, siblings and legal representatives can in many states, sometimes with proof of the relationship. The application shows you the relationships your state accepts before you pay.

A current government photo ID in your own name: a driver's license, state ID, passport or military ID. After payment you photograph the front and back (a passport needs only the photo page) and sign on screen.

The issuing office sets the processing time, and it differs a lot from state to state. We show the office's current estimate for standard and expedited service when you choose a speed at checkout, and the office mails the certificate directly to you.

The office tells us when a record cannot be located or the request is rejected. We let you know right away, explain the reason the office gave, and apply our refund policy to your order.

You can cancel from your order page at any time. Before we file with the office you receive a full refund. After filing, the government and filing fees are no longer recoverable, and the refund policy explains what is returned.

No. BirthChek is a private company. We prepare and file your request with the issuing office and keep you informed; the office itself issues the certificate. You can always order directly from the office, usually for less.

Your answers and ID images are encrypted, stored only as long as needed to complete your order, and never sold or shared for advertising. The privacy policy lists exactly what we keep and for how long.