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How Do You Get a Birth Certificate?

Learn how to get a birth certificate from the correct state, county, city, or territorial vital records office and avoid fake one-size-fits-all forms.

Direct answer

To get a birth certificate, request it from the state, county, city, or territorial vital records office for the place where the birth occurred. The federal government does not issue ordinary state birth certificates directly. The CDC/NCHS vital records directory is the official starting point for finding the correct office and instructions.

birth place determines issuing office; use official vital records directory to find that office

Birth certificate request paths

Born in a U.S. state

State or local vital records office

Rules and fees vary by state

Born in a U.S. territory

Territorial vital records office

Use the correct territory listing

Need certified copy

Issuing vital records office

Photocopies usually are not enough for official use

Born abroad

Foreign birth or consular-record path

Not the same as state vital records

Unsure which office handles it

CDC/NCHS directory

Choose the place of birth, not current residence

Situation	Where to start	Caveat
Born in a U.S. state	State or local vital records office	Rules and fees vary by state
Born in a U.S. territory	Territorial vital records office	Use the correct territory listing
Need certified copy	Issuing vital records office	Photocopies usually are not enough for official use
Born abroad	Foreign birth or consular-record path	Not the same as state vital records
Unsure which office handles it	CDC/NCHS directory	Choose the place of birth, not current residence

There is no single national birth-certificate form

Birth certificates are local vital records. The correct request depends on where the birth happened and what that office requires for identity, relationship, fees, delivery, and certified copies.

Request a birth certificate

1Identify the state, territory, county, or city where the birth occurred.
2Use the CDC/NCHS directory to find the official vital records office.
3Read that office's identification, relationship, fee, and delivery rules.
4Request a certified copy if the certificate is for passport, school, ID, or legal use.
5Avoid private sites that hide fees or do not clearly link to the issuing office.

FAQ

Can I order a birth certificate online?

Often, but the correct online path depends on the state, territory, county, or city where the birth occurred. Start with the official vital records office listed by CDC/NCHS.

Does the federal government issue birth certificates?

No for ordinary U.S. state birth certificates. CDC/NCHS points you to the state or local vital records office because those offices issue certified copies.

What if I was born abroad?

Foreign birth records follow a different path than state vital records. Use the appropriate U.S. Department of State or foreign-record process rather than a state birth-certificate office.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.