How to Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in Florida

Co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD

Last Updated: March 29, 2019 References

Having a copy of your birth certificate is useful for many different purposes, including applying for a passport or getting a driver’s license. Or maybe you want a copy of a birth certificate of a family member to construct a family tree. The State of Florida offers every individual born there the option of obtaining copies of their birth certificate. Family members and legal representatives may also apply to receive copies of the birth certificates of individuals born in Florida. By having the right information and documentation, you can get copies of birth certificates quickly and easily.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Getting a Birth Certificate in Person

1
Determine your eligibility to obtain a Florida birth certificate. In order to get a copy of a Florida birth certificate in person, you need to make sure you meet certain requirements for getting the document from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. If you know whether or not you may apply for a birth certificate copy, it will ensure you don’t make an unnecessary trip.
- Florida requires that you meet one of the following requirements to obtain the copy of a birth certificate: be the child named on the certificate and 18 years of age or older; be the parent, guardian or legal representative of the person named on the certificate; have a court order.^{[1]
  X
  Research source}
2
Prepare your documentation. You will need proper documentation to submit to the Bureau of Vital Statistics to ensure that there aren’t any delays in getting you the birth certificate by mail.
- You need to have a completed application form or letter of request for a copy of a Florida birth certificate.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
- If you are applying for a copy of your own birth certificate, you need to provide a copy of your official photo ID. For example, you can provide your driver’s license, military ID, passport, or a work ID.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- If you are applying for a copy of a birth certificate for another person, including for your child, you need identification and any other legal documentation, such as a court order.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
3
Fill out the application form or write a letter of request. In addition to your documentation, you need to submit either an application or letter of request for a birth certificate copy.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- The application is available online at http://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates/certificates/_documents/dh726-birth-app-7-2016.pdf.
- If you prefer to write a letter of request to file in person or by mail, you need to include the following information in the letter: full name of child at birth and any legal name changes; date of birth; city or county of birth; mother's full name including her maiden surname; father's full name (if his name is on the record); full name of the person ordering the certificate; relationship to person named on the certificate, such as father, mother, or self; mailing address, including city, state and zip code; a contact telephone number where you can be reached between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM (EST) Monday through Friday; and your signature.
- If you have any questions on the application, you can call the Bureau of Vital Statistics at 904-359-6900.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
- You also need a copy of your valid photo ID.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
- You have the option of Express Service with the US Postal Service. If you wish for expedited delivery of the birth certificate copy, you must provide a self-addressed expedited delivery envelope to receive this service.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
4
Have payment ready. You can request two different kinds of birth certificate copies in Florida, and the price ranges from $9.00 to $14.00. You must pay this by personal check, money order, or credit card when you file your application.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Both types of birth certificate copies are valid, official documents. Computer certification costs $9.00 and is processed within 1 to 3 days. Photocopy certification costs $14.00 and is processed within 3 to 5 days.^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
- Make the personal check or money order out to “Vital Statistics.”
5
File your application at the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Once you’ve collected the required documentation, completed your application or letter of request, and prepared the payment of your fees, you can file your application at the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
- The Bureau of Vital Statistics is located at: 1217 North Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202^{[11]
  X
  Research source}
- The Bureau is open Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
6
Wait for the copy of the birth certificate. It can take a few days to a few weeks to get the copy of the birth certificate for which you applied. If you have any questions about the process, you can contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics at the phone number listed above.
- If you paid the standard fee, it includes standard delivery by the U.S. Postal Service.
- If you provided a self-addressed express delivery envelope, you will receive your birth certificate more quickly.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Getting a Birth Certificate by Mail

1
Determine your eligibility to obtain a Florida birth certificate. In order to get a copy of a Florida birth certificate in person, you need to make sure you meet certain requirements for getting the document from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. If you know whether or not you may apply for a birth certificate copy, it can keep you from making an unnecessary trip.
- Florida requires that you meet one of the following requirements to obtain the copy of a birth certificate: be the child named on the certificate and 18 years of age or older; be the parent, guardian or legal representative of the person named on the certificate; have a court order.^{[13]
  X
  Research source}
2
Prepare your documentation. You will need proper documentation to submit to the Bureau of Vital Statistics to ensure that there aren’t any delays in getting you the birth certificate by mail.
- You need to have a completed application form or letter of request for a copy of a Florida birth certificate.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
- If you are applying for a copy of your own birth certificate, you need to provide a copy of your official photo ID. For example, you can provide your driver’s license, military ID, passport, or a work ID.^{[15]
  X
  Research source}
- If you are applying for a copy of a birth certificate for another person, including for your child, you need identification and any other legal documentation, such as a court order.^{[16]
  X
  Research source}
3
Fill out the application form or write a letter of request. In addition to your documentation, you need to submit either an application or letter of request for a birth certificate copy.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- The application is available online at http://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates/certificates/_documents/dh726-birth-app-7-2016.pdf.
- If you prefer to write a letter of request to file in person or by mail, you need to include the following information in the letter: full name of child at birth and any legal name changes; date of birth; city or county of birth; mother's full name including her maiden surname; father's full name (if his name is on the record); full name of the person ordering the certificate; relationship to person named on the certificate, such as father, mother, or self; mailing address, including city, state and zip code; a contact telephone number where you can be reached between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM (EST) Monday through Friday; and your signature.
- If you have any questions on the application, you can call the Bureau of Vital Statistics at 904-359-6900.^{[18]
  X
  Research source}
- If you are filling out the application, you do not need to write a separate letter of request for the birth certificate copy.^{[19]
  X
  Research source}
- You also need a copy of your valid photo ID.^{[20]
  X
  Research source}
- You have the option of Express Service with the US Postal Service. If you wish for expedited delivery of the birth certificate copy, you must provide a self-addressed expedited delivery envelope to receive this service.^{[21]
  X
  Research source}
4
Have payment ready. You can request two different kinds of birth certificate copies in Florida, and the price ranges from $9.00 to $14.00. You must pay this fee by personal check or money order when you send your application.^{[22]
X
Research source}
- Both types of birth certificate copies are valid, official documents. Computer certification costs $9.00 and is processed within 1 to 3 days. Photocopy certification costs $14.00 and is processed within 3 to 5 days.^{[23]
  X
  Research source}
- Make the personal check or money order out to “Vital Statistics.”
5
Send your application to the Office of Vital Statistics. Once you’ve collected all of your required documentation, send your application to the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
- Send your application to: Bureau of Vital Statistics, Attn: Vital Records Section, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042.^{[24]
  X
  Research source}
- Consider sending the application materials by registered mail so that you can ensure that it arrives at the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
6
Wait for the copy of the birth certificate. It can take a few days to a few weeks to get the copy of the birth certificate for which you applied by mail. If you have any questions about your application, follow up with of the Bureau of Vital Statistics at the phone number listed above.
- If you paid the standard fee, it includes standard delivery by the U.S. Postal Service.
- If you provided a self-addressed express delivery envelope, you will receive your birth certificate more quickly.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Getting a Birth Certificate Online

1
Determine your eligibility to obtain a Florida birth certificate. In order to get a copy of a Florida birth certificate in person, you need to make sure you meet certain requirements for getting the document from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. If you know whether or not you may apply for a birth certificate copy, it can keep you from wasting time on a questionable request.
- Florida requires that you meet one of the following requirements to obtain the copy of a birth certificate: be the child named on the certificate and 18 years of age or older; be the parent, guardian or legal representative of the person named on the certificate; have a court order.^{[25]
  X
  Research source}
2
Prepare your documentation. If you’re planning to use the online service provided by the State of Florida to apply for a birth certificate copy, which is called Vitalchek, have all of your documentation available as you fill out the online forms. This will ensure there are no delays in getting your copies.
- Have copies of your social security card or number and a photo ID. If you are applying for a birth certificate for someone other than yourself, make sure you have proof of your relationship to that person.^{[26]
  X
  Research source}
- Vitalchek accepts credit cards as a form of payment for their services and for the application fees. You can pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.^{[27]
  X
  Research source}
3
Access the VitalChek website to complete your request. In order to apply for a birth certificate copy online, access the VitalChek website to begin and complete your application. The service has the advantage that you can use it any time you’re ready.
- VitalChek’s website for Florida birth certificates is https://www.vitalchek.com/birth-certificates/florida/florida-vital-statistics.
- You can file your application 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.^{[28]
  X
  Research source}
4
Follow online application prompts. The Vitalchek website will ask you questions about your application for birth certificate copies. Follow these questions and any prompts for additional information or documentation until your application is complete and you receive a confirmation email.^{[29]
X
Research source}
- If you have any questions about the process, you can access Vitalchek’s online FAQ page at https://vitalchek-solutions.custhelp.com/app/home or call their hotline at 1-877-888-0248.
5
Pay for your birth certificate copies and Vitalchek’s service fees. At the end of filing your request online, the Vitalchek website will request your payment. Vital Chek charges not only for the copy of the birth certificate, but also for its expedited services.
- Vitalchek charges $19.00 for computer copies of Florida birth certificates and $24.00 for hard copies.^{[30]
  X
  Research source}
- Vital Chek accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
- The fee for Vitalchek’s services ranges from $5 to $16 for obtaining the birth certificate. In addition, Vitalchek will charge you an additional fee for whatever shipping method you choose. The price for that will also vary depending on how quickly you want the birth certificate copy.^{[31]
  X
  Research source}
6
Note your confirmation number and wait for your birth certificate copy. After you’ve filed your application with Vitalchek and paid the relevant fees, you will receive a confirmation number by email. You should receive your birth certificate relatively quickly by using the online service.
- Make sure to note the confirmation number for the requested birth certificate in order to check up on the status or ask questions you may have.
- Vitalchek offers fast turnaround on birth certificate requests. The will file your application within one business day to government office and you should expect your copy in about a week.^{[32]
  X
  Research source}
- You can also check on the status of your application at https://www.vitalchek.com/order_status_signon.aspx with the order and pin numbers that Vitalchek provide you.