You generally order a birth certificate from the government vital records office for the place where the birth happened, and you can usually do it online, by mail, or in person.

Main places to order

  • The official vital records office for that state, province, or country (for example, a state Department of Health or General Register Office).
  • A local city or county registrar or register office where the birth was originally registered.
  • Government‑approved online ordering portals that submit your request to the correct government agency (for example, services partnered with vital records offices in the US).

Typical options

  • Online:
    • Go to your state or national government’s vital records site (e.g., a Department of Health or General Register Office) and use their online order form.
* Some governments let you order through an authorized partner site that forwards your request securely to the official agency.
  • By mail:
    • Download and fill out a birth certificate application form from the official site, include copies of ID, payment (check/money order), and mail it to the vital records office address listed on the form.
  • In person:
    • Visit the local vital records or register office with your ID and payment; this is often the fastest way if you’re nearby.

What you usually need

  • Full name on the birth certificate, date and place of birth.
  • Your government‑issued photo ID (such as a passport or driver’s license).
  • Proof of your relationship if you’re ordering for someone else (child, spouse, etc.).
  • Payment method: card for online orders or check/money order for mail, plus any shipping/expedite fees.

Safety tip

Always start from your country or state’s official government website and follow their links to any approved ordering service, so you avoid unofficial sites that just resell public records at a markup.