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Legal · Important documents

Getting a copy of your birth certificate

Only the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born can issue a certified copy; the federal government doesn't. Find the office through the CDC's state list, order online, by mail or in person, and have the city and county of your birth ready. You'll need it as proof of citizenship for a first passport, and it's one way to prove your name, birth date and status for a REAL ID. Lost all your ID? Most states have another way to verify you.

Easy20 min to order; delivery time varies by stateSet by your birth state, per copyChecked October 2, 2026

You'll need

  • The city and county where you were born
  • Your parents' names as they'd appear on the certificate
  • A photo ID, if you have one
  • A payment card for the state's fee

What to know

  1. Find the right office. Pick the state or territory where you were born on the CDC's Where to Write for Vital Records list. New York City has its own office, separate from the rest of New York. Source: CDC1
  2. Check that office's rules: how to order online, by mail or in person, how to get a copy fast, and the cost of each certified copy. Source: USA.gov2
  3. Have the city and county where you were born ready. Source: USA.gov2
  4. Order a certified copy. For a passport, you must send original proof of citizenship. Source: USA.gov2
  5. Order through the state office or a vendor it links to. The federal government doesn't distribute birth certificates. Source: CDC1
  6. Store it flat, dry and safe with your Social Security card and passport, not in your wallet.
Watch out Start from the CDC's list, which links straight to each state's official office, rather than a search result. The federal government doesn't sell birth certificates, so a site claiming to be the federal source isn't. Source: CDC1

What you'll use it for

Common times a certified birth certificate comes up.

NeedWhy the birth certificate matters
First U.S. passportYou must submit original proof of citizenship, plus a photocopy. Source: USA.gov4
REAL ID license or IDYou must document your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address and lawful status. States can add requirements. Source: DHS5
Replacing other documentsUSA.gov's vital documents guide covers replacing Social Security cards, marriage certificates and more. Source: USA.gov3

See it done

Video by nycgov Government

How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate?

Watch on YouTube: How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate?

2012 · Checked October 3, 2026

Heads up: this one's only for people born in New York City, and it's from 2012. Born anywhere else? Start from the CDC's list in step 1.

Video won't load at school or work? No problem. Everything you need is in the steps; the video's just a bonus. Watch it on YouTube later.

If it doesn't work

  • Lost all your ID? Check with your birth state's office. Most states have another way to verify you, like your sworn statement of identity, or a notarized letter and a copy of the photo ID from a parent listed on the certificate. If you can't get a copy, try replacing your driver's license first. Source: USA.gov2
  • Born abroad to U.S. parents? A Consular Report of Birth Abroad serves the same purpose as a U.S. birth certificate. Source: USA.gov2
  • Need a death, marriage or divorce record? The same CDC list covers those. Source: CDC1

Good to know

The details, if you want them. Tap a line to open it.

REAL ID deadline has passed

REAL ID enforcement began May 7, 2025. A standard license without the REAL ID star won't get you through airport security as ID. Source: DHS5

No Social Security card?

For a REAL ID, a W-2, SSA-1099 or pay stub showing your name and full SSN can prove your number. Source: DHS5

Take it with you

Printable cardDownload card (PDF)

Sources

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Where to write for vital records
  2. USA.gov How to get a certified copy of a birth certificate
  3. USA.gov Replace your vital documents
  4. USA.gov How to apply for an adult passport
  5. U.S. Department of Homeland Security REAL ID frequently asked questions

Lesson L1.1 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed.

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