How much does a birth certificate cost?
How much does a birth certificate cost?
$10 – $35 average birth certificate cost
Average birth certificate cost
The cost of a birth certificate in the United States ranges from $10 to $35 for the first certified copy when ordered in person or by mail. When ordering online or by phone, a birth certificate costs $20 to $60 on average, depending on the state and whether you choose any expedited services.
| Order method | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| In-person or by mail | $10 – $35 | Cheaper but slower turnaround time |
| Online or by phone | $20 – $60+ | Faster service with added processing fees |
Most states include regular shipping in the certificate fee and offer faster shipping options at an extra cost.
Some states offer decorative keepsake birth certificates for $40 to $60 on average.
Although it's an essential document to have, the state does not automatically send you a birth certificate when you have a baby.
Birth certificate cost by state
Each state sets its own fees based on administrative expenses, local laws, and funding for vital records. The table below shows the current birth certificate cost by state. Keep in mind that these figures can change, and counties within a state may have slightly different fees.
Always check the official government website or local county clerk's office to get the most accurate, up-to-date information.
| State | Birth certificate cost* |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $15 |
| Alaska | $30 |
| Arizona | $20 |
| Arkansas | $12 |
| California | $29 |
| Colorado | $20 |
| Connecticut | $30 |
| Delaware | $25 |
| Florida | $10 |
| Georgia | $25 |
| Hawaii | $10 |
| Idaho | $16 |
| Illinois | $15 |
| Indiana | $10 |
| Iowa | $15 |
| Kansas | $20 |
| Kentucky | $10 |
| Louisiana | $15 |
| Maine | $15 |
| Maryland | $10 |
| Massachusetts | $20 |
| Michigan | $34 |
| Minnesota | $26 |
| Mississippi | $17 |
| Missouri | $15 |
| Montana | $16 |
| Nebraska | $17 |
| Nevada | $25 |
| New Hampshire | $15 |
| New Jersey | $25 |
| New Mexico | $10 |
| New York | $30 |
| North Carolina | $24 |
| North Dakota | $15 |
| Ohio | $22 |
| Oklahoma | $15 |
| Oregon | $25 |
| Pennsylvania | $20 |
| Rhode Island | $22 |
| South Carolina | $12 |
| South Dakota | $15 |
| Tennessee | $15 |
| Texas | $22 |
| Utah | $22 |
| Vermont | $12 |
| Virginia | $12 |
| Washington | $25 |
| West Virginia | $12 |
| Wisconsin | $20 |
| Wyoming | $25 |
*Certificate fee only; does not include processing fees, online or phone order convenience fees, or expedited processing or shipping fees.
Factors that affect the cost of a birth certificate
Several factors besides the state of birth impact the cost of a birth certificate:
Age: Older birth records may require additional search fees due to the extra effort involved in locating them. In some states, however, the records become public 75 to 125 years after birth.
Type of birth: For births outside of a hospital, there might be additional administrative steps or fees to ensure proper documentation. Stillbirth certificates sometimes cost less.
Type of certificate:
Some states charge less for non-certified copies, but these documents may only be used for informational purposes.
Heirloom birth certificates, also called keepsakes or commemorative birth certificates, are decorative, not legally valid, and often come with a higher price tag of $40 to $60.
Waiver eligibility: Some individuals may qualify for fee waivers based on circumstances such as military service, homelessness, or natural disaster relief.
Search fee: Many states keep all or a portion of the base fee as payment for the record search when you order a birth certificate, even if the search is unsuccessful.
VitalChek birth certificate cost
VitalChek is an authorized third-party vendor that provides certified birth certificates online. While convenient, using VitalChek involves additional service fees, with total costs ranging from $25 to $60 or more, depending on the state and shipping options. Many states use only VitalChek as their authorized vendor.
Online ordering
VitalChek is just one of several third-party agencies offering online ordering for birth certificates. While each platform has its own fee structure, most charge an additional $8 to $15+ service fee that you would not pay when ordering in-person or by mail.
If you're not in a rush and you only need one certificate, your total cost when ordering online will likely fall at the low end of the price ranges in the table below. If you need multiple copies or expedited shipping service, expect pricing closer to the high end.
| Agency | Average total | Details |
|---|---|---|
| VitalChek | $25 – $60+ | Widely used third-party agency, partners with most state vital records offices |
| GO Certificates | $18 – $40+ | Another widely used third-party agency, currently serving 47 states |
| State Vital Records | $29 – $49+ | A smaller third-party service offering birth certificates for California, Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, and Oklahoma |
| Request Official Vital Event Records (ROVER) | $33 – $43+ | The state of Georgia's official online ordering service for certified copies (Georgia only) |
Many states partner with one or more third-party agencies to offer both online and phone ordering options.
Some states also offer expedited processing and shipping options, but not all do.
IMPORTANT: To avoid scams and illegitimate websites, always check your state and local government websites first to confirm which, if any, third-party agencies are authorized to provide birth certificates in your state.
Additional fees and hidden costs
Most states charge a base fee for birth certificates, but there may be extra costs:
Processing & shipping: Rush services and expedited shipping add anywhere from $15 to $50 or more to the cost, depending on the state, how quickly you need the document, and where you need it shipped.
Service charges: Online orders may include convenience fees of $5 to $15 or more.
Credit card transactions: Some offices or third-party services add a small percentage if you pay by credit card.
Additional copies: Many states charge one fee for the first certificate and a reduced fee—anywhere from $3 to $25—for each additional copy requested during the same transaction. However, some charge the same price per copy, regardless of the number of copies ordered.
Authentication: If you need to use your birth certificate in a foreign country, you may need an apostille or authentication certifying that the document is genuine, which incurs separate fees and processing times.
Corrections
If there are errors on a birth certificate, correcting them may involve additional fees. Correction fees range from $15 to $40 on average, which typically includes one corrected copy. However, the specific process and costs vary by state. Check with the appropriate vital records office for specific instructions.
Birth certificate FAQs
Do states automatically send a birth certificate when you have a baby?
No, states do not automatically send a birth certificate. In most states, parents must request a certified copy from the vital records office.
How soon can you get a baby's birth certificate?
Typically, you can apply for a birth certificate within a few weeks after the birth. It takes time for the hospital and vital records office to process the birth registration. You may receive a record of your child's birth from the birth facility but note that this is not an official birth certificate.
What is a certified copy of a birth certificate, and who can obtain one?
A certified copy is a legally valid document with a raised seal or stamp, issued by the vital records office. In most cases, only the individual named on the certificate, their parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives can obtain it.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate?
The processing time to get a birth certificate varies by state and how you place the order. Online orders may take 1 to 2 weeks, while mail-in requests can take up to 10 weeks. Expedited services are usually available for faster processing.
Some vital records offices offer in-person appointments where you can get a certified copy of your birth certificate on the day of your appointment.
Where to get a birth certificate
You can get a birth certificate at:
State vital records office: The primary source for obtaining a birth certificate is the vital records offices, sometimes called vital statistics offices, in the state where the birth occurred. You can find contact information on the state's official website.
County health department: In some states, county health departments also issue birth certificates. Check with your local county to see if this is an option.
Authorized vendors online: Services like VitalChek and GoCertificates provide a convenient way to order birth certificates online, though this option comes with added fees.
How to get a copy of your birth certificate
Follow these steps to get a certified copy of your (or your child's) birth certificate:
Identify the correct vital records office: Determine the state and, if necessary, the county where the birth occurred.
Gather required documentation: Requirements vary by location, but you will typically need to provide:
A completed application form
A copy of your valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
Proof of relationship (if you are not the person named on the certificate)
Payment for the certificate
Submit your request: You can submit your request online, by mail, or in person, depending on the options available in the specific jurisdiction.
Pay the fee: Ensure you include the correct payment amount and method as required by the vital records office. Some offices do not accept cash.
Wait for processing: Processing times can vary, so check with the vital records office for an estimate.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.