Children born in the United States are issued birth certificates.
A birth certificate is an important document to have on hand. Besides being a record of your official name and birthplace, it can also be a requirement to obtain certain things such as a passport or, in some states, a driver's license. Every state differs on the exact policy for obtaining your birth certificate, but the procedure is very similar in most areas.
Original birth certificates are kept by the state in which a person is born. You cannot obtain this document, but only a copy of it.
Instructions
1. Find out the state in which you were born. If you are unsure, you may be able to find this information in family documents such as scrapbooks, journals or genealogy records. If not, check with a relative who may recall where you were born.
2. Contact the authority in your birth state that records vital statistics. This varies from state to state. A complete list is available at the Centers for Disease Control link under Resources. Call ahead to verify the fee and if any identification will be required. You may be able to order your birth certificate directly from the office over the phone or online.
3. Mail a letter requesting a copy of the birth certificate if you were not able to order it on the phone. Include a check for the fee and any other documents required in your state. Ensure ample time for processing; in some states it takes four to six weeks to receive your birth certificate.
Tags: birth certificate, your birth, your birth certificate, able order, birth certificates, some states, state which