The process for getting a certified copy of your birth certificate is different depending on whether you were born inside or outside the U.S.
Born in the U.S.: how to get a certified copy of your birth certificate
Contact your birth state or territory’s vital records office to find out:
- How to order a certified copy of your birth certificate online, by mail, or in person
- How to get a copy fast
- The cost for each certified copy
You will need to know the city and county where you were born.
U.S. citizen born abroad: how to get a copy of your birth certificate or report
The U.S. embassy or consulate in your birth country issued a consular report of birth abroad (CRBA) if your parents reported your birth to them. The CRBA serves the same purpose as a U.S. birth certificate. See how to replace a consular report of birth abroad.
Lost all your IDs: how to get a copy of your birth certificate
Check with your birth state’s vital records office for what it requires. Most states have another way to verify your identification, such as:
- Your sworn statement of identity
- A notarized letter and a copy of the photo ID from the mother or father listed on your birth certificate
If you cannot get a copy of your birth certificate, try to replace your driver’s license first.
Last updated: January 6, 2023
