Obtaining a birth certificate is a crucial step for various life events, from enrolling in school and applying for a passport to accessing government services and proving your identity. If you were born in Florida, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics is the primary authority for issuing certified copies of birth certificates. This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview of how and where to obtain your birth certificate, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Understanding Your Options: Walk-In and Mail-In Services
The Bureau of Vital Statistics offers two convenient methods to request your birth certificate: walk-in and mail-in services. Choosing the right method depends on your urgency and personal preferences.
Option 1: Walk-In Service for Immediate Assistance
For those needing a birth certificate quickly, the walk-in service at the Bureau’s Jacksonville office is a viable option.
Location and Hours:
You can visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics at:
1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
The lobby is open to the public from:
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
What to Expect at the Walk-In Center:
- Speed: Walk-in service is generally faster, especially for photocopy certificates (availability may vary for same-day rush service).
- Payment Flexibility: They accept various payment methods including cash, checks, money orders, Visa, and Mastercard for walk-in transactions.
- Potential Rush Fee: Same-day walk-in service for photocopy certificates may incur a $10 rush fee, when available.
Option 2: Mail-In Service for Convenience
If you are not in a rush or prefer to apply from home, the mail-in service is a convenient alternative.
Mailing Address:
Send your application and required documents to:
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, Fl 32231-0042
Steps for Mail-In Application:
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Download and Complete the Application Form: Access and download the application form DH726 Application for a Florida Birth Record (English) or DH726S Application for a Florida Birth Record (Spanish) and fill it out completely.
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Gather Required Information: Even if you cannot access the forms, you can submit a written request. Ensure you include the following details:
Information about the Person on the Birth Certificate:
- Full name as on the birth record
- Sex
- Date of birth (or a range of years if unknown, with an extra $2 fee per year)
- City or County of birth
- Full names of parents before their first marriage
Information about You (the Applicant):
- Your Full Name
- Your Relationship to the person on the record
- Your Mailing Address
- Your Phone Number
- Your Signature
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Specify the Type of Certificate:
- Computer-generated certification: Printed on security paper with the Florida embossed seal, accepted by all agencies.
- Photocopy certificate: Also printed on security paper with the Florida embossed seal, manually produced, requires extra fee and processing time.
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Include Payment:
- Make a check or money order payable to “Vital Statistics”. Do not send cash in the mail.
- For international payments, use a Cashier’s Check or Money Order in U.S. Dollars drawn on a U.S. Bank.
- Be aware of a $15.00 fee for dishonored checks under Florida Law.
- Fees are non-refundable, except for fees for extra copies if no record is found (refunded upon written request).
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Provide Photo Identification:
- Include a copy of your valid photo ID: Driver’s License, State ID Card, Passport, or Military ID.
Understanding the Fees and Processing Times
Getting your birth certificate involves certain fees, and processing times vary based on the type of service and certificate you request.
Fee Structure:
| Fee | Description |
|---|---|
| $9.00 (Non-Refundable) | Search fee (included in all orders) |
| $9.00 | First computer-generated certification |
| $4.00 | Each additional computer-generated certification |
| $14.00 | First photocopy certificate |
| $4.00 | Each additional photocopy certificate |
| $1.00 | Shipping and Handling Fee |
| $10.00 (additional) | Rush fee (for priority processing) |
| $2.00 (per year) | Additional search fee if date of birth is unknown (specify year range) |
Processing Times:
- Normal Processing (computer-generated): 3 to 5 business days, excluding mailing time.
- Photocopy certificates & amended records: Require additional processing time.
- Rush Orders: Given priority processing with an extra $10 fee. Mark “RUSH” on the envelope. Standard U.S. Postal delivery applies unless a prepaid special delivery envelope is provided.
Key Takeaways for a Successful Application
- Accuracy is Crucial: Double-check all information provided on your application or written request to avoid delays.
- Non-Refundable Search Fee: Remember the $9.00 search fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the certificate is found.
- Payment Methods: Be mindful of acceptable payment methods for walk-in and mail-in services, especially regarding cash and international payments.
- Photo ID is Mandatory: A valid photo ID is essential for processing your request.
- Choose the Right Service: Decide between walk-in and mail-in based on your urgency and convenience.
By following these steps and providing accurate information, you can efficiently obtain your Florida birth certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Whether you choose the speed of walk-in service or the convenience of mail-in, understanding the process will help you navigate it smoothly.
