How Much Does a Birth Certificate Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

A birth certificate is a vital record that holds information regarding a person’s birth and can be described as an original document that certifies the circumstances of a birth.  A birth certificate is necessary to do many things in life such as get a driver’s license or a passport.  If your birth certificate has been misplaced or ruined, a replacement can be issued by the government.

Anne’s Birth Certificate by John Fellner, on Flickr
Anne’s Birth Certificate” (CC BY 2.0) by John Fellner

How much does a birth certificate cost?

The price of getting a replacement birth certificate varies depending on the state you’re getting it in.  On average, getting a birth certificate copy from your state is going to vary anywhere from $5 to as much as $40.  Keep in mind that in order to get your birth certificate, you are going to need two forms of identification as well as your social security card.  We researched every state and included the fees we had found in our table below.

StateFees
Alabama
$15 / $6 for additional
Alaska
$30 / $25 for additional
Arizona
$20 / $20 for additional
Arkansas
$12 / $10 for additional
California
$20
Colorado
$17.75 / $10 for additional
Connecticut
$20 / $15 for additional
Delaware
$25
Florida
$20.25 / $9 for additional
Georgia
$25/ $9 for additional
Hawaii
$10 / $4 for additional
Idaho
$25
Illinois
$10 in person or $15 online/fax/mail
Indiana
$10 / $4 for additional
Iowa
$20
Kansas
$15
Kentucky
$10
Louisiana
$34
Maine
$15 / $6 for additional
Maryland
$24 / $12 for additional
Massachusetts
$12
Michigan
Minnesota
$26 / $19 for additional
Mississippi
$34
Missouri
$15 / $15 for additional
Montana
$12 / $5 for additional
Nebraska
$17
Nevada
$33 / $20 for additional
New
Hampshire
$15 / $10 for additional
New
Jersey
$25
New
Mexico
$10
New
York
$15
North
Carolina
$24
North
Dakota
$7 / $4 for additional
Ohio
$25
Oklahoma
$15 / $15 for additional
Oregon
$25 / $20 for additional
Pennsylvania
$20
Rhode
Island
$15
South
Carolina
$12 / $3 for additional
South
Dakota
$15
Tennessee
$15 / $15 for additional
Texas
$23
Utah
$20
Vermont
$10
Virginia
$12
Washington
$28
West
Virginia
$12
Wisconsin
$20 / $3 for additional
Wyoming
$8

NOTE:  These were prices from counties within the state.  While most counties will vary, the price seems to be similar across the board within the state lines.  Always refer to your local Health Department for exact prices.  All prices were taken from the official Health Department websites.

Birth certificate overview

Birth certificates are available at all local Department of Health buildings or depending on the state, it can also be available via email, fax or mail.  To find out where you can get your birth certificate, you can use the official CDC search.

While most states will have its own legal requirements to obtain a certified birth certificate, most will have similar protocols.  This will include filling out an application online or in person, showing a valid form of identification/s, signing the application and reason why you need the certificate.

Depending on the state and the demand, the average turnaround time can be 30 to 60 days on average.

On your birth certificate, it will include your full name, time/date of birth, the city/county you were born in and your parents’ full name, including your mother’s maiden name.  Some certificates, depending on the state, may also include additional information such as the birthplaces of your parents, additional information about your parents and the name of children your children may already have at the time of your birth.

What are the extra costs?

Additional copies of each record can be an additional cost, usually 20 to 40 percent less than the first copy.

Rush orders are available in some states.  If this option is available, it appears it can cost three to four times more; again, depending on the state.

Tips to know:

You will need a birth certificate to apply for a passport, apply for government benefits, enrolling in some schools, joining the military, claiming benefits or receiving your driver’s license.


Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links. Please read our disclosure policy for more info.

Null

Average Reported Cost: $45

100 %
0 %
Less Expensive $1 $1.5K $3K $5K $6.5K More Expensive $8k

How much did you spend?

Was it worth it?  

  1. greg kordek (detroit,  Michigan) paid $ and said:

    seeking estimate

    Was it worth it? Yes

  2. Rhonda (Wichita,  Kansas) paid $90 and said:

    Was it worth it? Yes

About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
Copyright © 2022 | Proudly affiliated with the T2 Web Network, LLC
The information contained on this website is intended as an educational aid only and is not intended as medical and/or legal advice.