If you request a birth certificate, it will be an official, sealed copy. You'll need to have sufficient funds available to make the purchase, as birth certificates and simple birth records are getting quite expensive in most states.

If you're seeking someone else's birth record, you'll need to have as much information about that person with you as possible. Typically you'll need at least the individual's last name and parents' names or the individuals first and last name. The city of birth and date of birth are also helpful information. The more information of these types you have, the better your chances of expedient access to birth records.

Another thing you'll need to bring with you is proof of your right to view the birth record. If it is your own record, you may need some sort of identification. What constitutes adequate identification varies by state. If you are obtaining someone else's birth record, you'll typically need proof of relationship or proof of a legal status that allows you access rights. There may be some exceptions made in some states for very old birth records of deceased individuals.

Typically, if you appear in person, you'll need to stand in a long line. Look around for birth record or birth certificate forms before you get in line so you can fill them out while you wait. This will save you from going through the line twice. Make sure you also have the appropriate information, identification, and funds with you before you get in line. Doing all of this may save you anywhere from minutes to weeks, depending on how busy that vital records office is and its particular processing procedures.

Using the Web to Obtain Birth Records

It is getting easier and easier to get important vital records documents without having to wait in lines at county offices. Most counties now have contracts with private companies to provide birth records via the Web. This is particularly useful if you live far from the county of birth.

You'll want to be very careful in choosing the websites you use to obtain vital records, as they will need to ask you for private information in order to look up your records. Most state and county records offices have links on their own websites pointing to officially contracted suppliers of these documents. So these are good starting points to begin your search.

The good news is these private Web companies often provide additional services beyond what you'll get at county offices, such as customizable search options. Of course, as these are companies in business to make a profit, they will typically charge more than the county records office for their services. They may also charge fees for specific search features. But they are often worth the price.