Whether you need to order a certified copy of your birth certificate, file for a delayed birth certificate or get a corrected birth certificate, this guide will teach you how to obtain your birth records. These documents are vital to prove your identity. If you don’t have a valid photo ID, you may have to get one from the Health Department.
Ordering a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate
If you plan to apply for a passport, get married, or register your child in school, you will need an authorized copy of your birth certificate. Otherwise, you can request an informational copy of your birth certificate. The informational document is not official or recognized as proof of identity.
You can order your birth certificate online or from a vital records office or at the US newspaper birth index. Either way, you will need to pay a $20 fee per certified copy. You can also request expedited shipping. You can also apply for a fee waiver if you are a member of the U.S. armed forces.
Certified copies are printed on special safety paper and have an embossed seal. These records are available as far back as 1867, although the year of registration varies by county.
Filing for a Delayed Birth Certificate
Filing for a Delayed Birth Certificate is an excellent way to get a copy of your birth records, even if you were born more than one year ago. A Delayed Birth Certificate can be a great way to prove your citizenship in the United States. You must provide the state vital records office with the proper documents to file for one. Generally, you’ll need a certified copy of your birth certificate, a signed statement from the doctor or midwife who delivered you, and an affidavit signed by both parents.
Typically, a birth certificate is mailed by the midwife or medical practitioner to the parent within 72 hours of birth. However, if you were born at a hospital, your birth record might not be filed with the vital records clerk in time. You will need to provide more documentation and pay additional fees in these cases. Even if you didn’t know that your birth certificate was delayed, you still need to get a certified copy because you need it for a passport or real ID.
Obtaining a Corrected Birth Certificate
If you’ve ever had a mistake on your birth certificate, you can request a corrected copy by filling out an affidavit. You must also provide proof of the change. A marriage certificate or death certificate is not sufficient. The correct birth certificate should include the right name and date of birth.
To request a corrected birth certificate, you must visit the department of vital records office, which maintains the records. They’ll help you sort out the mistakes and make the necessary changes there. Sometimes, you’ll need to provide proof of your identity, so bring it with you.
When you submit a request for a corrected birth certificate, you must provide some additional documents, which may include your earliest school records, medical records, and baptismal certificate. In addition, you should also provide a copy of your ID. There are fees associated with the birth certificate process, so make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.
Ordering a Replacement Birth Certificate
There are two methods for getting a replacement birth certificate: online and in person. In the online process, the customer pays $20 for each certificate. This fee is fixed by Pennsylvania’s Administrative Code of 1929. The payment is deposited at the time of receiving the application. The payment is not refundable if you order a replacement birth certificate online. You must also pay a service fee of $10 and any applicable delivery fees. Online customers may pay by credit card. If you order by mail, you must submit a check or money order payable to “VITAL RECORDS.” Cash is not accepted at the Vital Records Public Office.
The most convenient way to order vital records is through Vital Records Online. You can also request your birth record through an online application form if you have a photo ID. You can complete the application online, pay for it, and receive your replacement birth certificate in about two weeks. The other option is to visit the Vital Records Office in the location of your birth, which can be time-consuming and tedious.