Can you have a birth certificate mailed
In the United States, birth certificates are typically issued by the state or county where the birth occurred, and the process for obtaining a copy of a birth certificate can vary depending on the state or locality. However, in most cases, you can request a copy of a birth certificate to be mailed to you.
Here are the general steps to request a copy of a birth certificate to be mailed:
- Determine which state or locality issued the birth certificate: You can find this information on the birth certificate itself or by contacting the vital records office in the state or locality where the birth occurred.
- Gather the required information: You will typically need to provide the following information to request a copy of a birth certificate:
- The name of the person whose birth certificate you are requesting
- The date of birth
- The place of birth (city, county, and state)
- The parents' names (if available)
- Contact the vital records office: You can contact the vital records office in the state or locality where the birth occurred to request a copy of the birth certificate. You can usually find the contact information for the vital records office on the state or locality's website or by searching online.
- Request a copy: You can typically request a copy of a birth certificate by mail, phone, or online. You may need to provide proof of identity and/or relationship to the person whose birth certificate you are requesting.
- Pay the fee: You will typically need to pay a fee for the copy of the birth certificate. The fee can vary depending on the state or locality, but it is usually around $10 to $20.
Some states and localities may also offer expedited shipping options for an additional fee.
Here are some examples of how to request a copy of a birth certificate to be mailed in different states:
- California: You can request a copy of a birth certificate by mail or online through the California Department of Public Health's Vital Records office. The fee is $21 for a certified copy.
- New York: You can request a copy of a birth certificate by mail or online through the New York State Department of Health's Vital Records office. The fee is $30 for a certified copy.
- Texas: You can request a copy of a birth certificate by mail or online through the Texas Department of State Health Services' Vital Statistics Unit. The fee is $22 for a certified copy.
It's always a good idea to check with the vital records office in the state or locality where the birth occurred to confirm their process and fees for requesting a copy of a birth certificate.