What is the general process for getting a copy of my birth certificate?
It depends on what STATE you were born in. Each U.S. state maintains its own birth records.[11] The federal government does not keep records or issue copies of birth certificates.[12] Thus, the requirements and procedures for getting official copies of birth certificates vary from state to state.[13]
If you were born in the U.S., here is the general process:[14]
- For the state where you were born, find out which government agency in that state manages birth records;
- Get a request form from that government agency, fill it out, and send it in; OR write a request letter to the agency;
- Have the form or letter notarized[15] (if requesting by mail) (learn how to notarize a document in on PG. 32);
- Present a photo ID or swear an oath (if requesting in person);
- Pay the fee.
See PG. 33 for more information on each step.