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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.

Yes, as long as it is a certified copy that shows your full name, date and place of birth, your parents' full names, the registrar's signature and seal, and a filing date within one year of your birth. Some short-form abstracts leave out the parents' names, so check which versions your state issues on its page before you order.

No. States record only births that happen inside their borders. A child born abroad to US citizen parents may have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, which the US Department of State issues and replaces. BirthChek orders birth certificates from US states and territories only.

Yes. The certificate shows the name you were given at birth. If the name on your ID is different, some states ask for the document that links the two, such as a marriage certificate or a court order, and your order page tells you if yours does.

Email is the fastest way: write to the support address at the bottom of every page, or use the form on this page. Include your tracking number if you have one. We answer every message.

Use Check order status with your tracking number and PIN, both of which are in your confirmation email and on your order page.

Contact us with the form on this page or by replying to your order email. If we cannot use a document, we ask for a new one on your order page, and you upload it there.