You can get a birth certificate from the vital records office of the state, territory, or country where you were born. Here are the general options:
- In the U.S.: Contact the vital records office of the state or territory where you were born. You can order a certified copy online, by mail, or in person. You will need to know the city and county of birth. Many states also allow ordering through authorized third-party services like VitalChek
- If born abroad to U.S. citizens: You may get a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) from the U.S. embassy or consulate where your birth was reported
- In the UK (England and Wales): Order from the General Register Office (GRO) website or local register office. Certificates cost £12.50 and can be sent by mail or ordered with priority service
- In France: Request a full copy or extract from the town hall (mairie) of your birth municipality either online, by mail, or in person. The service is free
- In Seychelles: Obtain from the Civil Status Office at Independence House, Victoria, Mahe. You need identification documents and pay a small fee (Rs50)
- In Norway: Order from the Norwegian Tax Administration for yourself or your children under 18
- Example for Illinois, USA: Request from the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records either in person, by mail, or online via VitalChek. Processing may take about 12 weeks by mail. Fees vary depending on the type of certificate requested
In summary, you go to the official vital records or civil registration office of the place where you were born, either physically or online, to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. Requirements and fees vary by location, but valid identification and knowledge of your birth details are generally needed
