Obtaining a birth certificate is a crucial step for many life events, from enrolling in school to applying for a passport or social security benefits. If you were born in Florida, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics is the official source for your birth records. This guide provides you with detailed information on how to get a copy of your birth certificate, whether you prefer to apply in person or by mail. We aim to make this process as clear and straightforward as possible, ensuring you have all the necessary information at your fingertips.
Applying for Your Florida Birth Certificate: Walk-In Service
For those who need their birth certificate quickly or prefer face-to-face interactions, the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville offers a walk-in service.
Visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics
You can visit their office located at:
1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Lobby Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Going in person allows you to potentially receive your birth certificate on the same day, especially for photocopy certificates if available and with the rush service.
Payment Options for Walk-In Applicants
For walk-in applications, you have several convenient payment methods:
- Cash
- Check
- Money Order
- Visa
- Mastercard
Please note that all orders include a non-refundable $9.00 search fee.
Walk-In Service Fees
Here’s a breakdown of the fees for walk-in services:
- First computer-generated certification: $9
- Additional computer-generated certification: $4
- First photocopy certificate: $14 (Same day walk-in service requires a $10 rush fee, when available)
- Additional photocopy certificate: $4
Keep in mind that same-day service for photocopy certificates may depend on availability and incurs an additional $10 rush fee.
Applying for Your Florida Birth Certificate: Mail-In Service
If you are not in Jacksonville or prefer to apply from home, the mail-in service is a convenient alternative.
Mailing Your Application
Send your completed application, required documents, and payment to the following address:
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, Fl 32231-0042
Processing Time and Shipping
The normal processing time for computer-generated birth certificates is 3 to 5 business days, excluding shipping time to and from their office. Photocopy generated certificates and amended records require additional processing time.
A standard $1 Shipping and Handling Fee applies to all mail orders.
Payment for Mail-In Applications
For mail-in applications, acceptable payment methods are:
- Check or money order payable to “Vital Statistics”. Do not send cash.
- International payments must be made by Cashier’s Check or Money Order in U.S. Dollars drawn upon a U.S. Bank.
- A $15.00 service charge is imposed by Florida Law for dishonored checks.
Remember, fees are nonrefundable, except for fees paid for additional copies when no record is found, which are refunded upon written request.
Rush Orders via Mail
Need your birth certificate faster? Rush orders are available for mail-in service. To expedite your application:
- Include an additional $10 rush fee.
- Mark the outside of your envelope “RUSH”.
Even rush orders are sent via Standard U.S. Postal delivery unless you provide a special prepaid delivery envelope.
Information and Documents Required for Your Application
Whether you apply in person or by mail, you will need to provide certain information and documents. If you cannot access the official application forms, you can submit your request in writing, including the following details:
Information About the Person on the Birth Certificate:
- Full name on birth record
- Sex
- Date of birth (If unknown, specify a range of years and include an additional fee of $2.00 per calendar year for searches)
- City or County of birth
- Parent(s) full name(s) prior to first marriage.
Information About You (The Applicant):
- Full Name
- Relationship to person named on record
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Signature of Applicant
Type of Certificate Required:
Specify whether you need a:
- Computer generated birth certificate: Printed on security paper with the Florida embossed seal, accepted by all state and federal agencies.
- Photocopy generated certificate: Printed on security paper with the Florida embossed seal. Note that photocopy certificates are manually produced, require an additional fee, and take longer to process.
Photo Identification:
A valid photo identification of the applicant is mandatory. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Driver’s License
- State Identification Card
- Passport
- Military Identification Card
By preparing all necessary information and choosing the application method that best suits your needs, you can efficiently obtain a copy of your Florida birth certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Remember to double-check all requirements and fees before submitting your application to ensure a smooth process.
