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How to Order a Replacement Birth Certificate

How to Order a Replacement Birth Certificate

Wondering how to order a replacement birth certificate? It’s not as difficult as you might expect! We’ll show you how to quickly and easily get your documents from any US state.

If you’ve misplaced a birth certificate for someone in your family, it can be very stressful. It’s important to have one of these for each member of your family. You’ll need to store them in a safe place where you can quickly and easily access them, especially if emergency strikes.

Of course, you already know that. What you really need to know is how to order a replacement birth certificate online!

woman wonders how to get replacement birth certificates online

How to Order a Replacement Birth Certificate

There are usually three ways that you can do this: You can appear in-person at the relevant government office, you can mail a form and a check or you can order it online.

Of course, online is the most convenient.

3 Things You Need to Know Before You Start

There are three important things you need to know before you order.

1. The prices we’ve gathered are from the state websites and the VitalChek services. The prices should be valid statewide but the costs may vary by county in some states.

2. Be sure to verify what payment methods are accepted! Usually, you can pay by cash, check or money order, but it may vary by state or even county.

3. When it says “duplicates” or “each additional copy,” this only refers to extra copies that you order on the same day.

Beware of Scams!

There are many online services that offer to assist you with this process but you need to be careful. Ordering a birth certificate online requires you to provide sensitive personal information, so many criminals run birth certificate scams.

The Florida Department of Health cautions, “Please be cautious when ordering online, as there are many online vendors offering to assist you with this simple process. VitalChek is the only vendor with the ability to download orders directly to our agency.”

In order to request a birth certificate, you have to provide sensitive personal information. Please remember that VitalChek is the service recommended by state governments. Using a different website can compromise your identity and cause you to be scammed.

Should You Order from VitalChek?

Online is obviously the most convenient way to order a replacement birth certificate. However, it is also more expensive. Although the VitalChek website does service almost every state in America, it costs extra. Sometimes, it can cost more than double!

If you are concerned about costs, scroll down to find the state you’re ordering from. We’ve done our best to break down the cost comparison of each state’s records so that you can make the best decision for your situation.

Costs for Replacement Birth Certificates in All 50 States

Please note that all prices are valid as of the date of this publication, but may have changed since then.

Alabama

If you order in-person or through the mail, it will cost $15 for the first copy and $6 for any duplicates.

If you order online through VitalChek, you will pay $39.50 for just one copy.  This cost does not include shipping or other fees.

Alaska

Replacement birth certificates from Alaska cost $30 for the first copy and $25 for any duplicates. You can expedite your request by paying an additional $11.

If you order online through VitalChek, you will pay $37. This cost does not include shipping or other fees.

Arizona

Arizona documents can be obtained in person from your local county health department’s Office of Vital Records or through the mail. The usual state fee is $20, but it may vary in specific counties. You can find the fee schedule here. 

If you order online through VitalChek, you will pay $31. This cost does not include shipping or other fees.

Arkansas

Ordering a replacement birth certificate from Arkansas will cost you $12 if you request it in person or by mail. If you order it online through the Arkansas Department of Records, you will pay an additional $5 processing fee and $1.85 verification fee, for a total of $18.95.

You can also order one through  VitalChek but it will cost you $21.75 before shipping and fees.

California

If you mail your request or pick it up in person, your document will only cost $25. Here’s how to order a replacement birth certificate from California. However, VitalChek will charge you between $31 and $44.95. This may not include shipping and fees.

Colorado

A Colorado certificate will cost you $20 for the first copy and $13 for duplicates if you order in-person or through the mail (instructions here). If you order online through VitalChek, you will pay between $27.50 and $46.50. This may not include shipping and fees.

Connecticut

Getting a Connecticut birth certificate can be tricky, but we found instructions here. You will pay about $30 per copy if you get it through the mail, but if you order online through VitalChek, you will pay up to $42.95 before shipping.

Delaware

You can order a Delaware birth certificate through the mail or pick it up from one of three locations. If you order directly through the state, you will pay $25 per copy. However, if you order online through VitalChek, you will pay $37.95 before fees.

Florida

One replacement birth certificate from Florida will cost just $9 and duplicates will cost $4. There are extra fees to order online through VitalChek, so if you use that service expect to pay $14 – $37.

Georgia

Ordinarily, a replacement birth certificate from Georgia will cost $25. You can choose to order online through ROVER for an extra $8 processing fee. If you order from VitalChek.com, you will pay between $34 and $37.95 plus shipping.

Hawaii

VitalChek does not serve Hawaii. However, Hawaii has established their own online portal for ordering replacement birth certificates. The documents cost $10 for the first copy and $4 for duplicates. There is also a $2.50 portal administration fee.

Idaho

A replacement birth certificate from Idaho will cost you $16 plus a $5 fee. If you order through VitalChek, it will cost you $26.50 to $41.50 before shipping and fees.

Illinois

A replacement birth certificate from Illinois will ordinarily cost you $10 for the first copy and $2 for any duplicates.  Ordering on VitalChek will cost you $10.50 and $52.95, before shipping and fees.

Indiana

You could pay $8 to order your birth certificate in person or through the mail. You can also order it online through the Indiana Stat Department of Health for just $17.52. A replacement birth certificate from VitalChek will cost you up to $37.95, before shipping and fees.

Iowa

Iowa birth certificates normally cost $15. Should you order from VitalChek, a birth certificate will cost you $28. This may not include shipping and other fees.

Kansas

You will pay $15 to order your Kansas replacement birth certificate through the mail or in-person. Should you order from VitalChek, a birth certificate will cost you $27.50. This may not include shipping and other fees.

Kentucky

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services charges $10 for a birth certificate. Should you order from VitalChek, a birth certificate will cost you $15.50 to $19.50. This may not include shipping and other fees.

Louisiana

The Department of Health charges $15 per copy. However, a replacement birth certificate from Louisiana, when ordered through VitalChek, will cost $21.95 to $30.95, plus additional fees.

Maine

A replacement birth certificate will ordinarily cost $15 from Maine, but VitalChek charges $27.95 and $58.95. There may be additional fees and shipping charges.

Maryland

A replacement birth certificate from Maryland ordinarily costs $10, but VitalChek charges $21.75, plus additional fees.

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, the fees for birth certificates vary based on how they are ordered. They cost $20 in person, $32 by mail or $51-$42 through the online service.

Michigan

The basic fee for one of these documents is $34. If you order through VitalChek from Michigan, you will pay up to $79.95.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, one copy of your certificate is just $26. If you order through VitalChek from Minnesota, you will pay $33 plus any additionally required fees.

Mississippi

One of these documents is usually $17. However, it costs $25.50 when ordered through VitalChek. The website does caution that this does not include shipping nor any added fees.

Missouri

A replacement birth certificate from Missouri usually costs $15, but it costs between $24.50 and $27.99 when ordered through VitalChek. The website does caution that this does not include shipping nor any added fees.

Montana

If you order in person or through the mail, then you will pay $12 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy. However, a replacement birth certificate from Montana costs $25.50 when ordered through VitalChek. The website does caution that this does not include shipping nor any added fees.

Nebraska

VitalChek does not serve Nebraska because the state has its own online service. Birth certificates in Nebraska cost $17.

Nevada

Nevada birth certificates cost $20. If you order yours through VitalChek, you will pay $32.50 plus shipping and other related fees.

New Hampshire

A New Hampshire form will cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for any duplicates. If you order your replacement birth certificate from VitalChek,  you will pay between $23 and $34, plus shipping and other related fees.

New Jersey

Ordering from New Jersey usually costs $25 for the first copy and $2 for each additional copy. However, if you order through the online portal, you will pay up to $33 before fees.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, you will pay $26 plus any related fees to order your paperwork through VitalChek. If you order them in person or through the mail, it’s only $10.

New York

In New York, you will pay up to $57.95 plus any related fees to order your paperwork through VitalChek. It’s only $30 if ordered directly through the state.

North Carolina

In New Carolina, you will pay up to $51.70, plus any related fees to order your paperwork through VitalChek. It’s only $24 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy when ordered from the states.

North Dakota

A North Dakota birth certificate usually only costs $15, but it cost you $27.95 through VitalChek. The site cautions that there may be additional fees, such as shipping.

Ohio

An Ohio birth certificate usually only costs $21.50 per copy, but may cost up to $41 through VitalChek. The site cautions that there may be additional fees, such as shipping.

Oklahoma

An Oklahoma birth certificate will cost you $15, unless you order it online. They cost between $27.95 and $48.95 through VitalChek.

Oregon

The prices in Oregon are complicated. According to our research, it’s $25 through the mail, $28 in person or $44.95 over the phone. They cost up to $41.25 when ordered through VitalChek.

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, you will pay $20 per copy unless you order online. VitalChek charges $30.

Rhode Island

It’s cheapest to pick it up in person, where you’ll pay just $22 for the first copy and $18 for duplicates. If you order by mail, it’s $25 for the first copy and $18 for duplicates. In Rhode Island, you will pay $35 for a birth certificate ordered through VitalChek.

South Carolina

If you order by mail or in person, it’s $12 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy. It will cost more over the phone. VitalChek will allow you to order a South Carolina replacement birth certificate online for $27.50, plus shipping and fees.

South Dakota

In South Dakota, you’ll pay $15 per certificate and a $6.50 vital check fee. There may be an additional $2.50 charge if you pay on a debit or credit card.

VitalChek will allow you to order a South Dakota replacement birth certificate for $21.50, plus shipping and fees.

Tennessee

In Tennessee, birth certificates usually cost $15. VitalChek will allow you to order a Tennessee replacement birth certificate for $26, plus shipping and fees.

Texas

If you are ordering a replacement birth certificate from Texas, it will cost you $22. It will  cost $35.95 to order from the VitalChek website.

Utah

Utah birth certificates are $20 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy. If you order through VitalChek, it will cost up to $47.50.

Vermont

Birth certificates in Vermont are just $10 and can be ordered online through the government website. VitalChek does not serve Vermont.

Virginia

If you are ordering a replacement birth certificate from Virginia, it will cost you $12 per copy through the mail or $14 in-person. If you choose to order online, it can cost up to $32.75.

Washington

You’ll pay $20 per copy through the mail or in-person. Washington State replacement birth certificates cost $26.50 through VitalChek. If you prefer, you can order over the phone for $31.50.

West Virginia

West Virginia replacement birth certificates cost $12 per copy. However, they are $30.50 through VitalChek.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin replacement birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $3 for duplicates. However, they cost between $30 and $53 through VitalChek.

Wyoming

Birth certificates in Wyoming cost $20. VitalChek does not serve Wyoming.

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Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.