Florida Birth Certificate: Choosing Between Photocopy or Computer

Are you ordering a certified copy of a birth certificate directly from the State of Florida?

Trying to understand the relationship between photocopy and computer certification? 

You'll need to decide whether to get a photocopy or a computer certification. It can get confusing figuring out the difference and which option you need. 

This blog post will explain photocopy and computer birth certificates in Florida. It will also discuss when you can and cannot use them. 

Additionally, this blog will guide how to obtain the correct certificate for your needs. 

1. The Differences Between Photocopy vs. Computer 

What is a photocopied birth certificate? 

A certified photocopy from Florida's Vital Statistics Office is an official copy of the original birth registration provided by the bureau. These copies provide more detailed information than computer certifications. 

Key points about Florida photocopy birth certificates: 

• Available only for births before 2004
• Displays the actual image of the birth registration document
• Officially issued by the state of Florida

In summary, photocopy certifications are ideal for obtaining an official copy of the original birth record for births before 2004. 

What is a computer birth certificate? 

Computer certifications are digital records from Florida's electronic birth registration database, not photocopies of paper documents. 

They include basic birth details like names, dates, and location. 

Key points about Florida computer birth certificates: 

• Available for births from 2004 to the present
• Contain basic birth facts, not images of original records
• Accepted by all government agencies
• Available for births back to 1917, without original document images

Computer certificates are ideal for obtaining a quick, basic birth certificate copy that's officially accepted for legal purposes. They cover any birth year but don't provide photocopies of original documents. 

2. When Should You Choose Each Type? 

Whether you should get a Florida photocopy or computer birth certification depends on a few key factors: 

Birth Year Needed 

• 2004 to present – Must use computer certification
• 1917 to 2003 - Can use the computer for basic facts or photocopy for an exact record image
• Before 1917 - Only photocopy available

Purpose 

• Computer certification meets requirements for legal/official purposes
• Photocopies show more detail than the original records

In general, photocopy certifications are best for genealogy research or if you want to see the actual paper document. Computer certifications work for most legal and travel needs. 

3. How to Obtain a Florida Birth Certificate Online 

You can order your birth certificate online from the Florida Department of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What documents do I need to order a birth certificate online? 
  • Generally, you’ll need the following:
    • Proof of identity: A valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
    • Information about the individual: Full name, date of birth, and parents’ names.
    • Payment method: A credit card or debit card for the processing fee.
• What’s the fastest way to get a copy of my birth certificate?
  • StateVitalRecords.org offers a convenient process to order your vital records and will send your application to the jurisdiction where it is processed.
• Is it safe to order a birth certificate online?
  • Ordering a birth certificate online from an official government website is generally safe and secure. To protect your personal information, ensure the website uses encryption (check for “https” in the URL, such as https://statevitalrecords.org/). Avoid third-party websites or services that may incur additional costs and are not linked to the government

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STATE VITAL RECORDS?

• How To Get Your Birth Certificate for Free?
• Is State Vital Records Legit?
• Safe Places To Store Your Birth Certificate
• The 5 Most Powerful Passports In The World