Most states have birth certificate records that date back between 75 and 100 years, with some accuracy.  Although there are gaps in the record here and there, consistent records do exist.  Fires, floods, and other kinds of disasters have caused some data to disappear into the annals of time, but generally, you can search for your ancestor’s birth certificate with confidence.

Making a Birth Records Request
To acquire a birth certificate from the State, you will need to know the name of the individual, the date of birth, and the location as a minimum.  Any additional details, like the parent’s names or address can help as well.

The State will ask you to send along a letter or at least a paragraph explaining your relationship to the record you request and charge you a fee.  The fee varies from state to state.

Realize that genealogical searches aren’t exactly high priority.  People who need their own records will have a higher place in the pecking order.  It may take some time to dig up the record you want, especially if you don’t have complete birth information.  Still, this is a good way to get a certified copy of a birth certificate if you want one.

Another Route to Finding Birth Records
The truth is that you don’t need a certified copy of a birth certificate if you are merely establishing genealogy.  You just need proof of the birth.  With the same information (or even less) that you would give the State, an online search service can provide you with a scan of the certificate.

Quicker and easier than dealing with bureaucracy, search services help people find their roots.  Rapidly find birth certificate records without all the hassle today.

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