# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Obtain a Copy of a Birth Certificate in Las Vegas, Nevada

Obtaining a copy of a birth certificate in Las Vegas, Nev., can be confusing at first. However, once you know how the system is set up, it’s actually one of the quickest and easiest to use in the country. Some people become confused because where you apply depends on when the person was born. If you or a family member were born in Clark County after 1973, you get the birth certificate directly from the Southern Nevada Health District (Clark County). If the date of birth was prior to 1973, the application needs to be made to the state Office of Vital Records (although you can apply for people born after 1973 as well—but it will take longer). Steps 1 to 3 below explain how to obtain a copy of a birth certificate in Las Vegas from the Southern Nevada Health District. Steps 4 and 5 tell you how to order from the state Office of Vital Records.

Photo ID
Application form (choose the appropriate link below to download in PDF format)

Instructions

- 1
  Order in person from the Southern Nevada Health District at one of their two offices in Las Vegas. You will need to bring a photo ID. The fee is $20 and can be paid in cash, by money order or with Visa/MasterCard (they do not accept personal checks). The offices are located at the Ravenholt Public Health Center (625 Shadow Lane) and the East Las Vegas Public Health Center (560 N. Nellis Blvd., Suite E-12).
- 2
  Place a mail order by filling out the application form (follow the link below to download it) and a photocopy of your photo ID. Enclose a money order for $20 per copy and mail to: Southern Nevada Health District, PO Box 3902-625 Shadow Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89127.
- 3
  Fax your application to pay by MasterCard or Visa. You will need to fax the application form, a photocopy of your photo ID and your credit-card information. The fax number is (702) 383-4095. Allow about four to six weeks for delivery.
- 4
  Obtain copies of birth certificates dated before 1973 from the state Office of Vital records. You can mail the application form (download their version from the link below), along with a check or money order and a copy of your photo ID, to: Nevada Office of Vital Records, 4150 Technology Way, Carson City, NV 89706. Note that the Office of Vital Records does accept personal checks. The fee is $13 per copy.
- 5
  Order online from the state Office of Vital Records by choosing the VitalChek link below. This is a commercial service and is more expensive, but they can expedite your order. You will receive your copy of a birth certificate from Las Vegas in about two weeks.