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Can Anyone Get Someone Else's Birth Certificate?
You could be a parent ordering for your child. You might be an adult asking if your spouse can order for you. Or you could be a researcher interested in family vital records.
...So, can anyone get someone else's birth certificate?
Short answer: No. The only person that can get their certificate of live birth is the person labeled on the certificate. The only other way someone else can request the record is specific close relatives and legally authorized parties.
Birth certificates are state records kept by vital records offices and not by the federal government.
You must order from the state, city, or county that recorded the birth.
In this article, we will explain who can get a birth record. We will also discuss the difference between a birth record and a birth certificate.
You will learn what "official" and "informational" copies mean. We will explain how notarization plays a role. Finally, we will show you the easiest way to apply online.
Who owns your birth certificate?
You don't "own" the original record.
The state (or local) vital records office is the legal custodian.
In the U.S., there are 57 locations that keep important records. This includes 50 states, Washington D.C., New York City, and U.S. territories.
Who can request it legally?
Eligibility to request someone else's birth certificate varies by jurisdiction.
- The registrant (the person named on the certificate)
- Parents or legal guardians
- Certain immediate family (e.g., spouse, child, sibling, depending on the state law)
- Legal representatives with proof (e.g., attorney with signed/notarized authorization)
- Others only with a court order or proof of legal interest (government or law enforcement officials)
- By court order, any other party can get a court order. They must show a direct legal interest in the record.
New Mexico allows only immediate family or people with "tangible proof of legal interest" to access a birth certificate.
Important: The list of eligible requestors and needed proof can change by state. Be sure to check the rules for the state you are in.
Most states follow a similar approach of limiting access to the registrant, close family, or others with legal authorization.
Why does "birth record" vs "birth certificate" matter when you're requesting someone else's?
A birth record is the data a government agency keeps on file.
A birth certificate is the official copy the office issues to you.
That difference matters because access rules apply to the certificate you're requesting, not the internal record. Like mentioned before, only specific parties can get an official copy of a birth certificate from someone else.
When you ask, "Can I get my cousin's certificate?", the answer depends on your eligibility. It does not depend on whether the government has the record, because it always does.
But, you can access this...
If your state offers it, you may be able to access this information from an Informational Copy. This looks similar to an official copy of the birth certificate but not valid for identity or legal use. Some states allow broader access (e.g., for genealogy), even if you're not an immediate relative.
Summary
So, not anyone can just get someone else's birth certificate.
If you are not the person named on the record or a close relative, you cannot get a certified copy of the birth certificate. You can only access it for legal reasons.
You may also need other legal proof to get a certified copy of a birth certificate. States publish their eligibility lists and forms, which is why the CDC directory is the best starting point.
Do I need a birth certificate in-person appointment or can I order online?
Most jurisdictions let you request a copy of a birth certificate online, by mail, or in person (policies vary). '
To apply in person, visit the vital records office where you were born. This could be a county clerk or health department.
In many places, requesting a certified copy of a birth certificate, requires booking an appointment for in-person service. Delays may occur for all in-person orders, and limited walk-in slots may exist.
Ordering online saves time and avoids the trip.
When does notarization come into play?
You don't "notarize the certificate". You may need to notarize the application. Many states need a notary public to check your identity. This is important if you are asking for someone else.
How does State Vital Records help with requesting birth certificates online?
Receiving your vital records through our website only gets better from here. You can receive a state-issued birth certificate, death certificate or any other information needed regarding vital information.
Here’s how State Vital Records works:
- Order online – Submit an application through our online order form. This may all be
- Location - Order is completed by the jurisdiction that holds the record.
- Receiving Documents - You’ll receive the requested information by mail.
- A. Upload Your Document
- B. Verify Your Identity
- C. Connect Online With An Online Notary
- D. Download Your Notarized Document Through Email.
- If you require assistance in notarizing your document, please contact [email protected]. Interested in the notarization process? Click here to learn more.
Looking to order your state vital records? Click here to make a request. Have any questions? Contact us!
- Simple. Safe. Legit.
Need It Notarized?
In some states, you’ll need to get your application notarized before you can request your record. You can use an online notary service like NotaryLive to complete that part without going anywhere.