Go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. You will find a list of links to each state's vital records department.
Choose the state from which you need the birth certificate. There you will see the cost to obtain the record that you are requesting (birth, death, marriage and divorce) along with the address to which you have to write to request a certified copy of birth. A phone number and website are also included.
Decide how you want to request the birth certificate. Most states will accept both a written request or you can order online. If you want to order online, follow the link on the CDC website to go to that state's department of vital records. Follow the instructions on the website to order online.
Write a short letter requesting a certified copy of your or your child's birth certificate, if you choose not to order online. In that letter you must include:
Full name on certificate
Sex
Date of Birth (month, day and year)
Mother's full maiden name
Father's full name
Place (city or town, county, and state; and name of hospital, if known) of birth
Your purpose for needing a copy
Your relationship to the person whose record you are requesting
You could also include a phone number in case they have to contact you.
Include the fee in the form of a check or money order and mail. You should expect to receive your birth certificate within two to four weeks if no other info is needed.
