On a recent trip to the local Office of Vital Statistics, I discovered you had to order a birth certificate via mail. When I tried to get my husband’s birth certificate (via mail) the document didn’t arrive for over seven weeks. My own birth certificate arrived via mail about a week later. When you want a US passport and you need your birth certificate, you may be in for a long wait. In fact, many people are finding it takes longer to receive your birth certificate than it does to receive your US passport.

There are many reasons a person may need their own birth certificate or the birth certificate of a family member. Whether for your own personal records, a family scrapbook, a family tree, or a passport having your birth certificate on hand is a vital part of your own records.

How can a person get a copy of their birth certificate?

There are numerous ways you can get a copy of a birth certificate…

1)    Contact the local Vital Statistics Office in the county of birth. All counties generally have their own Vital Statistics Office. However, some counties have elected to allow the state office to store birth records.

2)    Search online. Searching online for a way to get your birth certificate will definitely leave you confused. Even an expert will find they encounter numerous websites all promising your birth certificate tomorrow rather than later. It is important to remember that even if you elect to order your birth certificate online via a third company, that third company still has to follow the same path you would.

3)    Ask a parent or guardian. If you are lucky, your mom, dad, or guardian kept a copy of your birth certificate. This is by far the easiest method, but those people will not necessarily want to give up their own copy.

What information do I need to get a birth certificate?

Most states have their own requirements. However, there are some basic questions you will find on the application for your birth certificates.

1)    Name(s). The office will want to know your full name and any other names you may have used including your birth name or maiden name.

2)    Parents name. The office will want your parents name at the time of birth. This generally includes the mother’s maiden name.

3)    Address. You will need to give your current address. Sometimes, you will also need the address of the hospital or facility in which you were born as well as past addresses.

4)    Relationship to the person named on the birth certificate. States will vary on who can get a copy of a birth certificate. Generally, you will find the closer you are to the person the easier it is to get a copy of the birth certificate.

Getting a copy of your birth certificate whether for your US Passport or another purpose can be difficult. Having someone hunt down and follow the proper protocol for getting a copy of your birth certificate is often better left up to the professionals such as VIP Passports.