Obtaining a birth certificate is a necessary step for many life events, from enrolling in school to applying for a passport or driver’s license. If you were born in Florida, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics is the primary source for obtaining your official birth certificate. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to get a copy of your birth certificate from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, whether you prefer to apply in person or by mail.
Applying in Person: Walk-in Service
For those who need a birth certificate quickly or prefer face-to-face service, the Bureau of Vital Statistics offers a walk-in service at their Jacksonville office.
Location:
The Bureau is located at:
1217 N Pearl Street,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Lobby Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Payment Options:
When applying in person, you can pay using various methods for your convenience, including:
- Cash
- Check
- Money Order
- Visa
- Mastercard
Please note that same-day walk-in service for photocopy certificates may incur an additional $10 rush fee, when available.
Applying by Mail: Mail-in Service
If visiting the Jacksonville office is not feasible, you can conveniently apply for a birth certificate by mail.
Mailing Address:
Send your application to:
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics,
P.O. Box 210,
Jacksonville, Fl 32231-0042
Processing Time:
The standard processing time for computer-generated birth certificates is approximately 3 to 5 business days, excluding mailing time. Photocopy certificates and amended records require additional processing time.
Rush Orders:
For urgent requests, rush order processing is available for an additional $10 fee. To expedite your application, mark “RUSH” clearly on the outside of your envelope. While rush orders are prioritized, standard U.S. Postal delivery is used for all orders unless a prepaid special delivery envelope is provided.
Required Information for Your Application
Whether you apply in person or by mail, providing accurate information is crucial for processing your request efficiently. If you are unable to use the official application forms, you can submit a written request. Make sure to include the following details:
Information About the Person on the Birth Certificate:
- Full name as it appears on the birth record
- Sex
- Date of birth (or a range of years if the exact date is unknown, with an additional $2.00 fee per year for searches)
- City or County of birth
- Full names of both parents prior to their first marriage
Information About the Applicant (You):
- Your Full Name
- Your Relationship to the person named on the birth record
- Your Mailing Address
- Your Phone Number
- Your Signature
Type of Certificate:
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 certificate: Also printed on security paper with the Florida embossed seal, but manually produced and requiring additional fees and processing time.
Payment:
- Include a check or money order payable to “Vital Statistics.” Do not send cash.
- International payments must be made via Cashier’s Check or Money Order in U.S. Dollars drawn on a U.S. Bank.
- Be aware that Florida Law imposes a $15.00 service charge for dishonored checks.
- Fees are nonrefundable, except for fees paid for additional copies if no record is found (refunds require a written request).
Photo Identification:
A photocopy of your valid photo identification is required. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Driver’s License
- State Identification Card
- Passport
- Military Identification Card
Birth Certificate Fees
Understanding the fees associated with obtaining your birth certificate is important for budgeting and ensuring your application is processed smoothly.
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Search Fee (Non-Refundable) | $9.00 |
| First Computer-Generated Certification | $9.00 |
| Additional Computer-Generated Certification | $4.00 |
| First Photocopy Certificate | $14.00 |
| Additional Photocopy Certificate | $4.00 |
| Rush Fee (if applicable) | $10.00 |
| Shipping and Handling Fee | $1.00 |
By following this guide, you can confidently navigate the process of obtaining your Florida birth certificate, whether you choose to visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics in person or apply by mail. Having your birth certificate readily available ensures you are prepared for various legal and administrative requirements throughout your life.
