Have you lost your birth certificate?  Replacement is easy if you use the internet and a bit of common sense.  Since a birth certificate is the most common vital statistics document that is requested, you are in good company.  States fill this request constantly, so the process is routine, and usually fairly quick.

Don’t Wait Until You Need Legal Documentation
As quickly as the States can turn around a request for a replacement birth certificate, it pays to anticipate your need.  For example, if you need a passport in a few months but lack your birth certificate, apply early so your passport doesn’t get held up later.  Even the fastest workers will need a couple of weeks to send you a certified copy, so get on it!

Complete all your Vital Statistics Paperwork to Avoid Delays
Don’t skip any of the application’s questions.  There is a reason they want to know the purpose of your request, it protects your privacy.  Don’t send cash, only a check or money order will be accepted for the fees, and it is never a good idea to send cash in the mail anyway.

By giving yourself time, you will be able to ask your parents for information you may be missing or have forgotten.  I, for example, saw on my certificate that I was born in Richmond and assumed it was in Virginia.  It turns out that there is a Richmond in New York.  Who knew?  Fortunately I found out before I sent in my request.

Other Options for Birth Records Exist
If you no longer have the ability to ask your parents for missing bits of information or you are looking for the birth certificate of an ancestor, you can always use an online search service.

These great services will help you locate birth certificate replacements even if you don’t know everything the state asks.  If you still want a certified copy, you can then apply to the state with the completed information when you are ready.  If you don’t have enough information yet, start your birth certificate replacement search here.

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