Birth certificate replacement costs between $10 and $40 in most states, depending on where you order and how fast you need it
The price you pay depends on three things: which state issued your original certificate, whether you order by mail or in person, and how quickly you want it. A standard replacement ordered by mail typically costs $15 to $30. Rush orders — usually delivered within 3 to 5 business days instead of 2 to 3 weeks — add $10 to $20 to that price. A few states charge less than $10; a handful charge more than $40 for expedited service.
You cannot order a birth certificate from a federal office. Each state, plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, keeps its own records and handles its own orders. The state where you were born is the only place that can issue a replacement. If you were born outside the United States, the process and cost are different and handled by the U.S. State Department.
Key Takeaways
- Standard replacement birth certificates cost $15 to $30 by mail in most states, with rush orders adding $10 to $20 more.
- You must order from the state where you were born — no other state or federal office can issue a replacement.
- Ordering in person at your state's vital records office is usually faster and sometimes cheaper than ordering by mail.
- You will need to prove your identity and your relationship to the person on the certificate before any state will send you a copy.
- Certified copies cost more than uncertified ones, but most government and financial institutions require the certified version.
How to find your state's exact fee
Each state posts its birth certificate fees on its vital records website. Search "[your state] vital records office" or "[your state] birth certificate replacement" to find the official page. The site will list the fee for a certified copy ordered by mail, the fee for in-person orders, and the cost of rush processing if available.
Write down the exact fee before you order, because states do not always accept personal checks or credit cards. Some accept only money orders, cashier's checks, or specific payment methods. The vital records page will tell you which forms of payment work and where to send your money.
Certified versus uncertified copies and why it matters
A certified copy has an official seal and signature from the vital records office. Banks, employers, schools, and government agencies almost always require a certified copy. An uncertified copy is a photocopy without the seal — it costs less but is rarely accepted for official purposes.
Order certified copies unless you have a specific reason not to. The price difference is usually small, and you will almost certainly need the certified version eventually. Ordering twice costs more than ordering the right version the first time.
In-person versus mail orders
Ordering in person at your state's vital records office is usually the fastest option if you live near one. You can often walk out with a certified copy the same day or within a few hours. The fee is usually the same as a mail order, sometimes slightly less. Some states charge a small additional fee for same-day service.
Mail orders take 2 to 3 weeks for standard processing. Rush orders — available in most states — arrive in 3 to 5 business days and cost $10 to $20 extra. A few states offer overnight shipping for an additional fee, though this is rare. If you live far from your state's vital records office or cannot take time off work, mail order is usually the practical choice. If you need the certificate within a week and live within driving distance, in-person is faster and sometimes cheaper when you factor in shipping costs.
What you need to send with your order
Every state requires proof of your identity and proof that you have a right to the certificate. Identity proof is usually a driver's license, passport, or state ID. Proof of relationship depends on who you are: if you are the person on the certificate, you need only your ID. If you are a parent, spouse, or child, you need a document showing that relationship — a marriage license, divorce decree, or your own birth certificate.
Some states also require a notarized form or a photocopy of your ID. Check your state's vital records website for the exact list before you mail anything. Sending incomplete paperwork delays your order by weeks while the office contacts you for missing documents.
Fees for multiple copies and certified versus uncertified
| Order Type | Typical Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| One certified copy by mail | $15–$30 | 2–3 weeks |
| One certified copy, rush mail | $25–$50 | 3–5 business days |
| One certified copy, in person | $15–$30 | Same day or within hours |
| Multiple certified copies (same order) | $5–$15 each additional | Same as single copy |
| Uncertified copy | $5–$15 | Varies by state |
Ordering multiple copies at once is cheaper than ordering them separately. If you need three copies, order all three in a single request rather than placing three separate orders. The first copy costs the full fee; each additional copy usually costs $5 to $15 extra.
Most people need at least two certified copies — one for when ready use and one as a backup. Ordering two or three at the same time saves money compared to ordering a second copy later when you realize you need it.
What happens if you were born outside the United States
If you were born in a U.S. territory — Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands — you order from that territory's vital records office, not from a state. The process and fees are similar to state orders, though costs vary by territory.
If you were born outside U.S. territory, you cannot get a birth certificate from any U.S. state or territory. You will need a birth certificate from the country where you were born. If you need a document for U.S. government purposes, you may be able to use a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the U.S. State Department, which costs around $100 and takes several weeks to process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a birth certificate for someone else?
Only if you have a legal relationship to them — you are a parent, spouse, or adult child — and you can prove it with a document like a marriage license or your own birth certificate. Most states will not send a certificate to someone unrelated to the person on the document. Some states require a notarized request or a court order for certain relationships.
What if I do not know which state I was born in?
Check your passport, driver's license, or Social Security card — they often list your state of birth. If those do not help, ask your parents or older relatives. If you still cannot find it, you can contact the National Center for Health Statistics at 1-800-232-4636, though they cannot issue certificates themselves. They can tell you which state to contact.
Do I need a certified copy or will an uncertified one work?
Almost all official uses — opening a bank account, getting a passport, enrolling in school, getting married — require a certified copy with the state seal. Order certified copies unless you are certain you need only an uncertified photocopy. The cost difference is small, and you will almost certainly need the certified version eventually.
How long does a birth certificate take if I order it by mail?
Standard mail orders take 2 to 3 weeks from the time the vital records office receives your request. Rush orders take 3 to 5 business days. Processing time does not include mail delivery time, so add a few days on each end. In-person orders are usually ready the same day or within a few hours.
What if the vital records office says my birth was never registered?
This is rare but does happen, especially for births before 1920 or in rural areas. You may be able to file a delayed birth registration with your state, which requires documents like a hospital record, baptism certificate, or affidavit from someone present at your birth. The process and cost vary by state. Contact your state's vital records office to learn what documents they will accept.