Contact the vital records office in the state, county, or country where the birth occurred
Request a certified copy of the birth certificate
Provide the required identification and proof of relationship, if needed
Complete the application form for a birth certificate request
Pay the required fee
Submit the request by mail, online, or in person, depending on the issuing office
If you are an adopted person seeking an original pre-adoption birth certificate, contact the adoption registry or court in the state where the adoption was finalized
If the record is sealed, follow the legal process required in that jurisdiction to request access
If the birth occurred outside the United States, contact the appropriate foreign civil registry or the nearest consulate or embassy
Use official government sources only when requesting the record