How to get your newborn a birth certificate

A birth certificate is one of the most important documents your baby will ever own. The hospital will help you prepare and send a completed birth certificate to the Department of Public  Health for proper registration .

To obtain your child’s birth certificate, you have to visit your county’s  department of vital records  for an order form. To locate the Vital Records office for your state, call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 800-232-4636 or visit their website to access a database of links to state offices. Some hospitals will provide you with an order form during your hospital stay. There is no limit to the number of certificates you can order.

How to get a birth certificate for your baby

1. Get a midwife or nurse to help you fill out a certificate of live birth for your newborn by supplying required information. The information you need includes your baby’s name, your current full name and maiden name, if applicable, residence and mailing address, father’s name, if applicable, and social security numbers for both parents.
2. Read through form and look for supporting documents and any applicable fees. These supporting requirements depend on the state in which you live, but they usually involve personal identification, such as a photocopy of your driver’s license or ID card.
3. You need to fill out the order form, attach photocopies of supporting documentation, include appropriate payment for fees and a self-addressed, stamped return envelope if you plan to mail the order form.
4. You can submit the document in person for faster service or mail the application if you can wait for about 30 days. You will need an the application , documentation, application fee and return envelope .

NOTE

Most states allow  you  to apply for social security  at the same time the hospital registers for birth.State laws require hospitals to file the live birth certificate with the city or town where the birth takes place and with the state’s department of health within 5 to 10 days of the birth. It will take approximately 30 days for the city to process the application and make it public record.