The Top Places to Search for Birth Certificates Online

Birth certificates online are a boon for anyone needing their birth records, especially if you need them FAST. Find out which sites to try and which ones to approach for more ‘hard-to-find’ birth documents.

Birth certificates online have become increasingly easier to find. In fact, most US states have put their public records on the Internet, causing issues to arise regarding how far federally legislated “public access” should go.

However, online access of birth records makes it so much easier for US citizens who are applying for a passport, searching for adoptive parents, or looking for records when born overseas.

Birth Certificates Online - Where to Look

Birth certificates online are available at different websites, depending on place and citizenship at the time of birth, and at varying prices depending on the state and the website you are purchasing them from.

This is because, although the vital records program is mandated by the federal government, each state runs its own program and prices vary across the country. Moreover, third-party websites have different computations for the fees they add on per state (perhaps, depending on their office's proximity to the issuing state).

United States Vital Records Information

The most popular place to find your birth certificate if you are a natural born US citizen is the US Vital Records website. State-run offices of vital records are often connected with each state's health, statistics, or social services department.

As mentioned, prices vary. Certified copies of birth certificates cost only $12 each in Alabama, but $30 in New York. Some states even have different rates depending on how you want to receive your birth certificate.

For instance, Massachusetts charges only $18 if you pick it up, $28 if sent via mail, or plus $37 if you want it sent overnight. Birth certificates can cost as much as $60, as in heirloom certificates in Texas.

Vitalrec.com, however, is still the least expensive place to buy a birth certificate, since third-party websites WILL add additional fees for the same service. Also, some states (e.g., New York) do not distribute public records through third-party vendors.

However, if you are looking for birth records other than your own, there are a lot of online databases to choose from.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services

For children adopted by US citizens or born abroad with at least one parent being a US citizen, finding a birth certificate online may be trickier if the state vital records office does not have a record.

The best place to request information would be the immigration office located in each state. US Immigration keeps records of birth certificates since birth records are often required for naturalization purposes.

Detailed instructions on what to do per state, along with instructions on how to get to the state office, are found in the website link above in case birth certificates online cannot be processed, or applications cannot be handled via e-mail or fax.

Typical documents needed would be adoption papers or proof of legitimization.

Before you go the long route though, try searching for your birth certificate first via the top providers reviewed at RecordsSiteReviews.
 
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