FAQs
Vital Record Information
What is a vital record?
Why do I need a Birth certificate?
- Applying for a passport
- Applying for government benefits
- Enrolling in some schools
- Joining the military
- Claiming pension or insurance benefits
- Getting your driver's license
- Getting a replacement Social Security card
- Genealogy information
- International use
- Court proceedings
- Social security
What is the difference between a long form and a short form?
Short Form Birth Certificate Format
A short form birth certificate contains almost all of the important information that is on a long form birth certificate except it may not have signatures or detailed parents information on it depending on the state location. It is usually used as proof of identity or citizenship. However, some states may not accept this version and require you ro request the long form. If you need the long form you will need to specify that in your application.
Long Form Birth Certificate Format
A long form birth certificate, which is often referred to as the official version, typically has all the information regarding an individual's birth birth. However, the information included varies from state to state (e.g.; time and place of birth, parent’s names,address, signatures of those present at birth, etc.) A long form is often used to start an adoption process, if you are applying for a dual citizenship, or to obtain a passport.
How can I get a certified copy of a vital record?
A certified copy of a birth certificate will usually include the following information (valid for obtaining a passport):
- Issued by the office of vital statistics of the state, county, or city where the birth occurred
- the full name at birth
- the parent's full name(s)
- Indicate the date and place of birth
- Bear the embossed, impressed, multi-colored, OR raised seal and signature of the issuing authority (the state that you are ordering the certificate from decides on what type of certification seal to use)
- Indicate a registration / file date within one year of the birth.
It is very important that if you need your certificate for a Passport application that you select this as the 'Reason' for ordering the record. If you require a certified document for use overseas (Marriage abroad, International Adoption, Dual Citizenship, etc.,) you will need a separate certification referred to as an 'Apostille' or 'Certification Certificate'.
VitalRecords-Online makes the process of requesting vital records easy, safe, and fast! Our application assistance services guarantee you get the right certificate.
Does a birth certificate have an expiration date?
About requesting your birth certificate
How do I request a birth certificate?
What documents to I need to request a birth certificate?
What information am I required to provide to get a copy of a birth certificate?
- Full name of person at birth
- Date of birth
- Sex
- County or city of birth
- Hospital where birth occurred
- Full maiden name of mother
- Full name of father
- Your name
- Your signature
- Your relationship to the person whose certificate you are requesting
- Reason for requesting the certificate
- Address where the certificate is to be mailed
- Your daytime phone number
Who is eligible to request a birth certificate?
Can I request a vital record in Spanish?
How do I replace a birth certificate?
How do I request a birth certificate for a newborn?
How can I request a birth certificate if I changed my name?
I’m adopted. How can I request a copy of my birth certificate?
About birth certificate processing times and fees
What are the fees to request a birth certificate?
VitalRecords-Online charges a transparent service of $59.00 fee for our filing assistance service.
Our fees include :
- All 11 states forms that guarantee the fastest, easiest, and most reliable services
- Our filing assistance service includes the filled out form as well as a verification process from one of our expert team members
- Dedicated Customer Service 24/7
- Customized instructions
- Your certificate in your hand guaranteed!.
How long does it take for the state to process my request for a birth certificate?
What is rush service?
About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
What is Coronavirus?
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Difficulty in breathing
Who can catch coronavirus?
- Are 70 years old or over
- Have a long-term condition
- Are pregnant
- Have a weakened immune system
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
- Always wash your hands when you get to work or home
- Wash your hands with soap and water and do this for at least 20 seconds
- Always keep hand sanitizer with you and use it when needed
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing
- Immediately put the tissue in the bin and wash your hands afterward
- Avoid close contact with people who appear to be sick or have coronavirus
- Avoid social activities
- Avoid events with large groups
- Use services from home if available
Don’ts
- Do not touch your nose, mouth or eyes with unwashed hands
- Do not have visitors to your home, including family and friends
What precautions you should take?
- Avoid close contact with others
- Wash your hands often
- Keep a sanitizer with you
- Do not touch your face or mouth without washing your hands