Order a Birth Certificate Online in the US: A Complete Guide

In various online-based activities, a birth certificate is often required. Therefore, it is necessary to order a Birth Certificate online in the US or through another method within a specific period.

If someone’s birth certificate is lost, it needs to be replaced, and order a birth certificate online which can also be done through other methods.

In today’s discussion, we present how you can order a birth certificate online, where to do it, how to obtain it, and how much it will cost, along with detailed information related to these aspects.

Birth Certificate in the US

To obtain a birth certificate from any state in the United States of America, the condition is that the individual must have been born in the USA.

Additionally, those who were born abroad but are actual US citizens can also order a US birth certificate.

There is essential information needed to order a birth certificate online, which should be collected before placing the order.

Who Can Order a US Birth Certificate?

Before ordering a birth certificate, you need to know who can order a birth certificate online. Not everyone can order a birth certificate online. Below is a list of those who can:

Qualified applicants for a birth certificate and Heirloom birth certificate include:

• Self (requesting own record)
• Spouse/domestic partner
• Child
• Parent
• Stepparent
• Stepchild
• Sibling
• Grandparent
• Grandchild
• Great grandparent
• Legal guardian
• Legal representative
• Authorized representative
• Government agency
• Courts

Where to Get a Birth Certificate?

A birth certificate can be obtained in various ways. It can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Ordering a birth certificate online or by mail is more convenient than in person, as the latter involves more hassle.

How to Get a Birth Certificate in the US?

As mentioned above, you can get a birth certificate in three ways, with the first being online.

To get a birth certificate online, you must order it from VitalChek. Complete the form with the necessary information and apply. Detailed instructions are provided below.

Required Info to Get a Birth Certificate

To get or order a birth certificate, you need to provide the following necessary information:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Parents’ names

These details are required when ordering a birth certificate. Additionally, in some special cases, an advanced fee might be required, which will be notified by VitalChek.

Learn also about Getting a Passport from the Postal Service

Order a Birth Certificate Online in the US Step-by-Step Guide

Now, we will learn how to order a birth certificate online. To order a birth certificate online, gather the mentioned information and follow the instructions below:

• First, visit the official website of VitalChek
• You will see several options; click the “Birth Certificate” option.

• On the next page, you will see two options: “My Birth Certificate” and “Another Person’s Birth Certificate.” If you are ordering for yourself, click on the first option.

• Then, a form will appear where you need to enter your first, middle, and last names correctly.
• On the right side, select the suffix, such as Jr., Sr., etc (If Applicable.)
• Click the “Continue” button.

• On the next page, select your birth state and press “Continue“

• On the following page, select your Birth City.

• On the next page, provide your Date of Birth in the format: month, day, year.

• Select the reason for using the birth certificate on the following page.
• Click the “Continue” button.

• On the next page, select the Government Agency.
• A specific fee will appear below, which you need to pay.

• Select it, make the payment, and complete your birth certificate order.
• After VitalChek accepts your application, you will receive your birth certificate within 7 to 10 days, although it might take longer in some cases.

Order a Birth Certificate by Mail

Ordering a birth certificate online is the easiest, but if you prefer to do it by mail, you can. Follow the instructions below to order a birth certificate by mail:

• Fill out the form provided below.

Birth Certificate Application Form

• Save this form as a PDF or Docs file.
• Include a check or money order payable for the fee.
• Mail it to the following address:

Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, 150 Mt. Vernon St., 1st Floor, Dorchester, MA 02125

It may take around 30 days to process the order, and you may have to wait another 7 to 10 days to receive it.

Order Birth Certificate by Phone

A birth certificate can also be ordered by phone, though no research is available in this case. You can call (617) 740-2606 or (866) 300-8535 toll-free to order your certificate.

In-Person Birth Certificate Ordering

The final way to order a birth certificate is in person, directly at the office. You can order certified records at the Registry counter Monday–Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Payment can be made by check or money order, but you must bring the necessary information with you.

US Birth Certificate Ordering Cost

Let’s now look at the cost of ordering a birth certificate, which varies based on the order type. Below is a brief list of birth certificate ordering costs:

Name	Fee	Unit
Online or by phone	$54	For first copy
Online or by phone	$42	Per additional copy
By mail	$32	Per copy
In-person	$20	Per copy

How Long Does it Take to Get a Birth Certificate?

The time it takes to receive a birth certificate varies depending on the method.

Ordering online typically takes 7 to 10 days to process, but it may be faster if urgent, in which case you should contact the VitalChek Help Center.

Ordering by mail can take up to a month to receive, and another 7 to 10 days to get it after approval. The same timeframe applies to in-person orders.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers related to Ordering a Birth certificate in the USA.

• How long does it take to get the original copy of a birth certificate after ordering?

Ans: It can take about five weeks to receive the original copy of a birth certificate.

• What is the cost of obtaining an original copy of a birth certificate?

Ans: The cost of obtaining an original copy of a birth certificate is $20.

• Can I order an original birth certificate online or by phone?

Ans: You cannot order an original birth certificate online or by phone. You must be present in person with the necessary documents and a photo ID to place the order.

Final Words

Ordering a birth certificate in person is the most logical option since you will receive the original certified copy.

Ordering online or by phone will only provide a name-certified copy for temporary use. Follow the appropriate instructions to complete your order easily.