How to get a replacement
birth certificate
If your birth certificate has been lost, damaged, or stolen, it’s important to get a replacement as soon as possible.
How to get a replacement
Legal Disclaimer: Birth Certificate Copy is a privately owned website that is not affiliated with, owned, or operated by any government agency. Birth Certificate Copy is an independent preparer that assists with vital record applications. You can access the necessary forms and apply for vital records directly with the corresponding government office.
Your birth certificate is a vital document that allows you to prove your identity and U.S. citizenship. If you are a U.S. citizen with a U.S. government-issued birth certificate, you have the legal right to get a copy of your birth certificate at any time.
U.S. Birth Certificates
A U.S. Birth Certificate registers the birth of a child in the United States and can be used throughout their life as proof of citizenship, identity, and age.
U.S. birth certificates are most often used as proof of ID when requesting other government-issued identification documents.
Certified Birth Certificate Copies
You’ll need a Certified Copy of your Birth Certificate to apply for other government-issued IDs, apply for social benefits, enroll in school, and even get married. So, if you don’t already have a certified copy, you should get one as soon as possible, so you have it available when you need to:
- Apply for, renew, or replace a Social Security card, passport, state photo ID, driver’s license or other government-issued ID
- Apply for government or social benefits
- Apply for a loan or credit card
- Research your genealogy
- Get a marriage license
- Sign yourself or your child up for sports
- Register for unemployment or other employment-related benefits
- Enroll in school
- Prove your identity or citizenship abroad (you’ll also need an apostille)
So, as you can see, a birth certificate is an important document to have. If you’ve lost your birth certificate, or it has been stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you should apply for new copyright away.
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How to Get a Copy of Your Birth Certificate
To get your birth certificate replacement, you must submit an application to the Vital Records Office in your birth state.
The easiest way to do this is to use our safe and simple online form. You can complete your application in just a few minutes, then we’ll provide you with all the information you need on what documents to include and how to submit it.
Our customized instructions will ensure that your application is submitted successfully and processed right away, so you can get a certified copy of your birth certificate fast and with zero hassle.
Ordering your vital records online
Vital records are simply government records of major life events, such as birth, death, divorce, and marriage. They include information about the event itself, as well as details on the individuals involved.
You may need your vital records, especially your birth certificate, to prove your identity, age, and citizenship. Fortunately, you can get your birth certificate quickly and easily.
All you have to do is complete the online application to apply for a copy of your birth certificate. You can do this from your phone, tablet, or computer, and it only takes a couple of minutes.
Each application is reviewed by our team of experts, and they will make sure that all of the information is accurate and filled out correctly. This will ensure that your application is accepted, without delay.
So, if you don’t already have one, take 5 minutes and get your birth certificate replacement online today.
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Requirements to get a
Birth certificate replacement
To get a copy of a birth certificate, you’ll need to fill out and sign the correct application. The form will ask for the:
- Full, legal name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Gender
- Parents’ information
- Applicant’s relationship to the certificate holder (if applying for someone other than yourself)
- Mailing address (this is where the birth certificate copy will be sent)
- Payment information (to cover the processing fees)
You must complete the application, sign it, then mail it to your birth state’s Vital Records Office. You’ll also need to send a copy of your government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, to prove your identity, as well as payment for the processing fee (varies by state).
If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, certain states may accept other forms of identification. Check out our quick guide to documents needed to get a U.S. birth certificate for more information on alternative forms of ID.
In addition, keep in mind that some states have closed birth records. This means that birth certificate copies can only be accessed by the certificate holder and their immediate family members.
States may even require a sworn statement verifying the identity of the applicant. In which case, you will need to sign the application in front of a notary public.
Requirements for birth certificates of U.S. citizens born abroad
U.S. citizens born abroad or on a U.S. military base must have their birth registered with the local consulate or U.S. Embassy.
Instead of a standard birth certificate, they are issued a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). However, this document functions the same way a birth certificate does, and it can be used for all of the same purposes.
If you need to request a replacement CRBA form (FS-240), you can do so through the U.S. Department of State, which is the agency responsible for maintaining the records of all registered births abroad.
In order to request a copy of your U.S. birth certificate if you were born abroad, you will need:
- A valid photo ID
- Your full, legal name at birth
- The date and place of your birth
- Your mailing address and phone number
- The full names of your parents or legal guardians (along with adoption information, if applicable)
- The serial number of your Consular Report of Birth Abroad (if available)
- Your passport information (if available)
If you were born abroad but were adopted by a U.S. citizen, then you can request a U.S. birth certificate replacement at any time after the adoption is finalized.
Applying for Your Birth Certificate Replacement
Our simple application process has made applying for a replacement birth certificate easier than ever.
To get a certified copy of your birth certificate, all you have to do is:
- Complete the online form for your birth state
- Submit your application and let our experts review your form. (They will make sure everything is accurate and help you avoid rejection or delays.)
- Sign your error-free application and follow the personalized instructions to submit it to your birth state’s Vital Records Office.
- Sit back and wait for your birth certificate to arrive in the mail.
Our online application process saves you time and the hassle of standing in line at a government office, and ensures that your application will be accepted the first time and processed as soon as possible.
Our experts will be here to help you with every step of the application process to make sure that you get your government-issued certified birth certificate replacement with no hassle and no delays.
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FAQs about Birth Certificate Replacements
What should I do if I’ve lost my birth certificate?
If your birth certificate has been lost or stolen, you should:
- Report the theft or loss to the police, the state Vital Records Office, and on the government Identity Theft website.
- Protect yourself from identity theft and fraud by monitoring your credit reports, contacting the credit bureaus, and placing a fraud alert or freeze on your credit.
- Order a certified copy of your birth certificate by filling out the online application and submitting it, along with proof of identity and payment for processing fees, to the Vital Records Office in your birth state.
How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate?
If you need a certified copy of your birth certificate, the most convenient way to get one is to order it online and have it mailed to you.
By ordering a certified copy of a birth certificate online, you can avoid a trip to your birth state’s Vital Records Office, saving you time and hassle.
There are just a few simple steps to take to get a copy of your birth certificate issued and delivered to your door:
- Fill out the short, online application form.
- Let our experts check for any errors, then print the application and sign
- Follow the personalized instructions and place the application form and supporting documents into an envelope and mail it to the Vital Records Office.
How much is a copy of a birth certificate?
Unfortunately, birth certificate copies are not free. However, the cost varies by state. So, you’ll need to check with your birth state to determine the exact state fees for certified copies.
It’s a good idea to keep multiple copies on file, and many states offer reduced fees if you order more than one copy at a time.
You must include payment for all fees along with your birth certificate application, otherwise, your application will be denied.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate copy?
The amount of time it takes to have a birth certificate copy issued in the U.S depends on a number of factors, so there is no set amount of time.
Processing times for birth certificate applications vary by state, and offices in metro areas are usually busier than those in more rural areas.
However, many states do offer rush services. This costs more, but also allows you to get your birth certificate copy in just a few days, rather than a few weeks.
You may also be able to go to an office that offers walk-in services. However, you should be prepared to get there early, soon after opening, and wait in line for several hours.
Whichever way you choose to apply, the surefire way to avoid delays or rejection is to let our experts review your application before you submit it. They will catch any mistakes and help you correct them, so you can be assured that your application is error-free and will be accepted the first time.
Obtain Your Birth Certificate Replacement
Thanks to our simple application process renewing or replacing a lost birth certificate has never been easier.
To obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate, you will need to:
- Complete the online form specific to your birth state
- Submit your online application so one of our experts will review your form to make sure all information is correct, helping you avoid any possible delays in getting a copy of your certificate
- Once your application form is revised, you will then receive your mistake-free application with a set of personalized instructions so you can print, sign, pack and mail your application with the required documents and fee to get your birth certificate delivered to your home
This process will not only save you time, but it will also eliminate all the hassle and headache that comes with having to go to local state offices to get your birth certificate.
We offer expert assistance every step of the way and our turnaround-time is unbeatable. Our online platform allows you to obtain your government-issued certified birth certificate renewal or replacement all in one place.