Can I Get a Birth Certificate Same Day? How Possible Is It?

A birth certificate is one of your most important identification documents. Losing it can be quite inconvenient, especially if you need it for an urgent application. You may also need a copy if you’re a U.S. citizen born abroad. But can I get a birth certificate same day?

In most states, you can get a copy of your birth certificate within a day if you’re eligible. This is also possible if you provide all the needed information. Read this article to understand the exact process of getting your birth record promptly!

How To Obtain Birth Certificate in the U.S.

The process of obtaining a birth certificate in the U.S. differs depending on where you were born. In all cases, you’ll need to contact the vital records office in the state you were born in. Here is the general process of getting this document.

1. Find out the Place of Birth

Each state, county, or city in the U.S. has its own different process for getting birth certificates. That is why you must determine the birthplace, whether you’re pulling your birth certificate or someone else’s.

Also, you can only request this birth record from the birth or county where the birth took place. This step lets you figure out how to get certified or urgent copies of this document. 

2. Prepare Your Needed Information

Before starting your request for your birth certificate, prepare all the necessary information. First, you’ll need a sworn statement of your identity. This statement should include your full name as written on the birth certificate and the date.

Also, determine the place or birth, including the city, county, and state. You’ll also need your parents’ full names, as well as your mother’s maiden name. If you’re requesting a deceased person’s certificate, you must establish your relationship with that person. 

3. Choose Your Preferred Application Method

Usually, there are three methods you can use to order your birth certificate. Most states allow people to order online, by mail, or in person. Here is how to use these methods:

1. Online: First, you can apply through Vital Records, VitalChek, or any state website. This option usually comes with multiple expedited shipping options. Processing times usually range from one to two weeks plus shipping time.
2. By mail: You can also request birth certificates by mailing your completed application to the relevant government agency. You’ll also have to mail checks or money orders and copies of accepted IDs, like your social security card.
3. In-person or walk-in: Another way to obtain a birth certificate in the U.S. is via walk-ins. To do this, visit your state’s department of vital health records. Take a valid form of identification along with you.

4. Pay the Required Fee

Fees for birth certificate applications vary depending on your preferred application method and the state. However, copies cost between $10 and $30. You can pay an extra fee in some other locations for fast-tracked service.

If you’re getting your certificate online or through walk-ins, you can pay through a debit or credit card. When applying in person or via mail, you can also pay cash, checks, or money orders. 

5. Wait for Your Order’s Processing

After completing your request and paying, wait for the government agency to process your order. Usually, online and mail requests take from a week to a month. On the other hand, walk-ins take a day or more.

Either way, you’ll receive it at your current mailing address. You may need to translate your birth certificate if you’re sending an application to another country.

How Can I Get a Birth Certificate Same Day?

You can get a birth certificate on the same day by applying at the vital records office in-person. However, not all offices offer same-day services. Hence, you must first confirm with them when creating an appointment. Here is how to get these certificates within a day:

1. Confirm their availability: Visit the state or county vital records office’s website to confirm their availability. Then, call ahead to find out if they offer same-day birth certificate issuance. Some locations only offer this service during specific periods.
2. Visit the vital records office: Go to the vital records office in person in the state or county where you were born. Once there, find the office that handles birth certificates. 
3. Tender the needed documents: You must provide a government-issued identification document and details like your full name and date of birth. If you’re requesting the certificate on behalf of someone else, you’ll need to prove your relationships.
4. Fill out the application: Complete the application form, which you’ll get from the office. You can also choose to download the form and fill it out beforehand. 
5. Pay the fee: The agency charges $15 to $30 for same-day birth certificate issuance. Other extra fees may also apply.
6. Receive your birth certificate: The office will give you your certified birth certificate within a couple of hours. 

It is important to confirm from the records office before visiting to confirm that they offer same-day services. Also, since these offices attend to customers on a first-come, first-serve basis, ensure they arrive early.

Where Can I Get a Birth Certificate Same Day?

You can get a birth certificate on the same day by visiting the vital records office. You can also get them from health departments. You can only get these documents from the state or county where you were born. Here are the places to get these documents.

1. State Vital Records Office

Most states have a vital records office that deals with birth certificate results. These offices are mostly found in the state capital or other big cities. They offer same-day service if you visit their location in person.

2. City Vital Records Office

Cities also have vital records offices. These city offices usually issue birth certificates for people born within their confines, and many of them issue these certificates within one day.

3. County Health Departments

County health departments also handle birth certificate requests for births in the county. Some departments also issue these certificates in one day. Yet, it is important to check before visiting to verify that they offer this service.

What To Do if Same-Day Birth Certificate Issuance Is Unavailable

Since some vital records offices do not issue birth certificates on the same day, you may need quick alternatives. Depending on how urgent you need the documents, you can opt for expedited online services, overnight services, and temporary documentation. 

Here are your options:

1. Use expedited online services: Third-party services like VitalChek can expedite birth certificate processing and delivery. Since states often partner with them, you can choose that option and get your orders in one or two days.
2. Request overnight mail services: If you can’t secure a same-day issuance, you can get a next-day delivery. You may have to wait for a day or two to receive it.
3. Obtain temporary documentation: It is a valid urgent option if you can get temporary documentation in your state. Temporary digital certificates are useful for different applications.

Translate Your Birth Certificate at Rapid Translate

Are you sending an application that requires an identification document and looking for where to translate your birth certificate? Consider getting a translation of your birth certificate from Rapid Translate, our reputable translation company. We offer certified translations with the fastest delivery times.

With only $27.99 per page, you can get your documents translated by our certified professionals. Besides the question, “Can I get a birth certificate same day?” you can also get same-day translations. Get your certified translations today!

FAQ

Now that you’ve learned to get a birth certificate within a day, let’s answer some frequently asked questions!