Contact the vital records office in the state, county, or country where the birth certificate was issued
Request a certified copy of the birth certificate
Ask whether the agency provides notarized copies or if a certified copy is accepted instead
Visit the vital records office in person if required
Bring valid government-issued photo identification
Complete the request form for the birth certificate copy
Pay the required fee
If needed, have the copy notarized by a licensed notary public after obtaining the certified copy
Check whether the receiving agency accepts a certified copy, since many do not require notarization
Use the official government-issued copy for legal, school, passport, or immigration purposes