Obtaining a copy of your birth certificate is a crucial step for various life events, from enrolling in school and applying for a passport to accessing government services and proving your identity. This guide provides you with detailed information on how to get a copy of your birth certificate, focusing on procedures and essential requirements to streamline the process.
Understanding Your Options for Obtaining a Birth Certificate
Depending on your location and urgency, you typically have two primary methods to request your birth certificate: walk-in service and mail-in service. Let’s explore each option to determine the best approach for your needs.
Walk-in Service: Immediate Assistance
For those who need their birth certificate quickly and are located near the Bureau of Vital Statistics, walk-in service offers the most immediate solution.
Location and Hours:
The Bureau of Vital Statistics is located at 1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Their lobby hours are Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visiting during these hours allows you to apply in person and potentially receive your certificate the same day, especially for photocopy certificates (availability permitting).
Walk-in Payment Methods:
For walk-in applications, you can pay using various methods, including cash, check, money order, Visa, and Mastercard. This flexibility ensures convenient payment options for all applicants.
Fees for Walk-in Service:
Understanding the fee structure is essential for budgeting your application. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
- First computer-generated certification: $9
- Additional computer-generated certification: $4
- First photocopy certificate: $14 (Same-day walk-in service for photocopy certificates may require an additional $10 rush fee, when available)
- Additional photocopy certificate: $4
Note that a non-refundable $9 search fee is included in all orders. If you require same-day service for a photocopy certificate, be prepared for a potential $10 rush fee, depending on availability.
Mail-in Service: Convenient Application from Afar
If you cannot visit the Bureau in person, or prefer the convenience of applying from home, the mail-in service is an efficient alternative.
Mailing Address:
Send your application via mail to:
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Processing Time for Mail-in Requests:
The standard processing time for computer-generated birth certificates requested via mail is 3 to 5 business days, excluding shipping time to and from their office. Photocopy generated certificates and amended records require additional processing time due to their manual processing nature.
Rush Orders via Mail:
For urgent requests, mail-in service also offers a rush order option. To expedite your application, include an additional $10 rush fee and clearly mark “RUSH” on the outside of your envelope. While rush orders are prioritized, standard U.S. Postal delivery is used for mailing unless you provide a special prepaid delivery envelope.
Essential Information and Documents for Your Application
Whether you choose walk-in or mail-in service, gathering the necessary information and documents beforehand will ensure a smoother application process.
Information About the Person on the Birth Certificate:
You will need to provide the following details about the person named on the birth record:
- Full name as it appears on the birth record
- Sex
- Date of birth (If the exact date is unknown, specify a range of years for searching and include an additional $2.00 fee per calendar year for the extended search)
- City or County of birth
- Full name(s) of parents prior to their first marriage
Information About the Applicant (You):
Provide details about yourself as the applicant:
- Full Name
- Relationship to the person named on the birth record
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Your signature
Type of Certificate:
Specify the type of birth certificate you require:
- Computer-generated birth certificate: Printed on security paper with the Florida embossed seal, accepted by all state and federal agencies. This is the standard and most commonly requested type.
- Photocopy certificate: Manually produced and also printed on security paper with the Florida embossed seal. Note that photocopy certificates incur an additional fee and require longer processing time.
Payment Details:
Include the correct payment with your application.
- Acceptable Payment Methods: Check or money order payable to “Vital Statistics”. Do not send cash through the mail.
- International Payments: Must be made by Cashier’s Check or Money Order in U.S. Dollars drawn upon a U.S. Bank.
- Dishonored Checks: Be aware that Florida Law imposes a $15.00 service charge for dishonored checks.
- Non-refundable Fees: Application fees are nonrefundable, except for fees paid for additional copies when no record is found. In such cases, refunds for additional copies are provided upon written request.
Photo Identification:
A valid photo identification of the applicant is mandatory for verification purposes. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- Driver’s License
- State Identification Card
- Passport
- Military Identification Card
Conclusion: Getting Your Birth Certificate Efficiently
Obtaining a copy of your birth certificate in Florida can be straightforward by understanding the available options and preparing the necessary documentation. Whether you opt for the immediacy of walk-in service or the convenience of mail-in application, ensuring you have all required information, proper identification, and the correct fees will facilitate a smooth and efficient process. Remember to consider rush order options if you need your birth certificate urgently. By following this comprehensive guide, you can confidently navigate the process of getting your birth certificate copy.
