Order your Georgia birth, marriage, and death certificates with Vital Records Online: a safe, simple, and US-based online service. Your documents will be delivered quickly and securely, and your personal information will remain private and confidential.
Summary:
The 1875 Act of the Georgia General Assembly mandated statewide registration of births, deaths, and marriages. Few counties complied with this law, and even fewer citizens within those counties reported the required information. The Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) was formed in July 2009 to reorganize the former Georgia Department of Human Resources, which had served Georgia since 1972.
The Georgia Department of Public Health – Office of Vital Records (GDPH-VR) is responsible for protecting and archiving Georgia’s vital records. Birth and death records are available from January 1919, and marriage certificates are available between June 1952 and August 1996. Some counties have older records in their files or contact the Georgia Archives. Georgia birth records are generally presumed to be public information. However, birth records sealed or rendered confidential by statute or court order are restricted from public perusal. Anyone can order a marriage or death certificate copy.
If you are conducting an ancestry search, the Center for Health Statistics can assist you through its many public archives, or you can search many of the public archives that may be able to help. Find out what information they contain, how to obtain them, and how they are used.
Get the information you need about obtaining official Georgia vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, how they are used, and how to get certified copies.
Start your application online for GA vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Birth, death, and marriage certificates are integral to many of life’s milestones. Vital records are essential documents to demonstrate one’s identity, nationality, and familial connections. Vital records are necessary for settling legal disputes, claiming an inheritance, and unearthing family history. Such records can provide details about ancestry, including full names, dates of birth and death, and locations. If you’ve lost a birth, marriage, or death certificate, immediately file a police report and get a certified replacement without delay.
Each county is responsible for certifying and issuing vital records that initially occurred within its jurisdiction. To find out where to request a replacement, search the list of county vital record issuing agencies below. The list includes locations, contact details, and links to online birth, death, and marriage certificate applications.
❗️ If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Georgia, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Georgians have a few options for requesting vital records from their home state. Rather than relying on in-person or mailed-in options, the most convenient way to submit requests is via the internet – and sometimes, the most reliable method. The Georgia Department of Public Health – State Office of Vital Records issues certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates. Here we provide information to meet the requirements and instructions to request certified replacements for each ordering method.
It is essential to carefully examine the costs, eligibility criteria, requirements, and processing times related to the type of certificate and method of ordering before requesting a certified vital record copy from the DPH-SOVR, whether via mail, in person, or online.
Ordering Georgia Vital Records online is quick and effortless and involves 2 simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
If you are eligible as an authorized individual, you can start the application online today to order your Georgia Birth, Death, or Marriage Certificate. Ensure you have all of the necessary documents on hand before beginning the secure online application process so you’re ready to upload copies during the secure online application process.
With Vital Records Online’s simplified system, you can avoid the tedious and lengthy process of collecting and generating the required documents. You can upload the required documents quickly from any device with an internet connection. The process only requires around five minutes to complete. Vital Records Online helps to significantly reduce the possibility of your application being rejected due to an oversight or missing documentation, as the system verifies your information to avoid errors.
✔︎ Our processing fee includes your automated document processing and shipping & handling.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is required when the spouse or a legal representative submits the request. The notarized sworn statement required by the DPH-SOVR can be conducted virtually during the online application process.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning, printing, and providing an online notary for your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and premium handling process works.
Going to the state health department office to apply for a certified copy of your vital records is only possible for some, particularly those who live far away. If you live close to the issuing agency, you still may face lengthy if you visit the physical location in person. You can rely on mail or take advantage of the convenience of ordering online.
Regardless of whether you request your vital records in person, via mail, or online, the required documents are similar. If you decide to apply in person, prepare to complete the following steps:
Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need the following:
You can order online or by mail if you’d rather not wait in a long line or when the office is closed. Mailing may be ideal if you reside outside the state that issued your vital record. For those who live abroad, ordering online is often the most convenient method.
To ensure your application arrives successfully at the correct office, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking if you choose to send your application and documents by mail. Double-check the requirements for each vital record type to avoid any unexpected rejections due to errors or missing information that may lead to a rejection of your application.
❗️ Ensure that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies of the preserved original record.
Understanding the conditions and requirements is essential before gathering the required documents for your vital record application.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization
Search the table below for the requisite information and documents to order new Georgia vital records. A secondary form of ID might be accepted if you don’t possess valid identification.
When ordering a vital record from the Georgia Department of Public Health – State Office of Vital Records, you must verify your identity by submitting a copy of your ID. In most cases, a driver’s license or state photo ID is sufficient, though other forms of identification may be required depending on the specific vital record you need.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Georgia?
The DPH-SOVR has specific conditions for each type of certificate and personal circumstance. Ensure review of eligibility requirements and conditions for DPH-SOVR birth, death, and marriage certificate replacements. The DPH-SOVR stipulates that an individual seeking a certified vital record must present the following information to authenticate their request:
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Current Age, Date of Birth, Email, Ethnicity, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Parents Names, Phone Number, Place of Birth, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
College ID, Consulate Card, Corrections ID, Debit Card with Photo, Driver's License, Military Dependent ID, Other State ID, Out-of-State Driver's License, Passport, State Driver's License, State ID, State Weapons Carry License, Transportation ID, US Military ID, Veteran ID, Work ID |
| Death Certificate | Age at Death, Date of Death, Email, Full Name of Person of Record, Funeral Home Name, Hospital of Death, Mailing Address, Phone Number, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
College ID, Consulate Card, Corrections ID, Debit Card with Photo, Driver's License, ID Card, Military Dependent ID, Out-of-State Driver's License, Passport, State Driver's License, State ID, State Weapons Carry License, Transportation ID, US Military ID, Veteran ID, Work ID |
| Marriage Certificate | Bride Name, Bride's Name Before Marriage, Date of Marriage, Email, Groom Name, Groom Name Before Marriage, Mailing Address, Phone Number, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record |
College ID, Consulate Card, Corrections ID, Debit Card with Photo, Driver's License, ID Card, Military Dependent ID, Out-of-State Driver's License, Passport, State Driver's License, State ID, State Weapons Carry License, US Military ID, Veteran ID, Work ID |
Who can request vital records in Georgia?
The certificate holder can obtain a certified copy of their vital records and must demonstrate their identity when acquiring a notarized sworn statement for their request.
If you’re applying for a vital record on behalf of someone else, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. First, determine if you are authorized to obtain a birth, death, or marriage certificate. Unless the requester is a family member or legal representative of the individual, a third party may lawfully request a duplicate of a vital record issued by the DPH-SOVR.
Third-party applicants such as spouses and legal representatives must obtain notarized statements when applying for a birth or death certificate.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Attorneys, Children, Government Officials, Legal Guardian, Parents, Person on Record, Siblings, Spouse |
| Death Certificate | Attorneys, Children, Government Officials, Grandparents, Legal Guardian, Parents, Siblings, Spouse |
| Marriage Certificate | Person on Record |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record for that person.
Do I need a notary with my application?
Most applicants do not need to obtain notarized statements when ordering their vital record copies. However, if you are ordering certificates on behalf of someone else, you may be required to submit a notarized statement. Third parties who must obtain notaries include spouses and legal representatives.
❗️A Notarized sown statement may be required when a third party who is not blood-related to the record holder is requesting a birth or death certificate (this includes spouses and legal representatives)
A Georgia Birth Certificate requires a notarized sworn statement from third-party legal representatives. They must include a notarized letter containing the attorney’s signature, bar number, supporting documentation, and the required fee with the statement. If a case involves an adoption, the legal representative must also provide a notarized release from the biological mother. Remember to check with the State Office of Vital Records or the local county office to confirm you have all the required documentation.
Only those with a “direct, tangible interest,” such as family members or legal representatives, may obtain certified death certificates; in some cases, a notarized sworn statement is required.
The costs for replacing your vital records depend on the fees set forth by the DPH-SOVR for each type of record. Additionally, the method of application submission will determine the total cost.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $25.00 | $5.00 |
| Death Certificate | $25.00 | $5.00 |
| Marriage Certificate | $10.00 | $5.00 |
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Georgia?
The time it takes to process or replace birth, death, or marriage certificates may differ. Refer to the chart below for current processing and delivery times. With Vital Records Online, you have flexible packages to select from to accelerate the document generation and processing of your application submission. The method chosen for submission can influence the duration before your vital record arrives in your mailbox.
| Certificate | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 8 to 10 weeks |
| Death Certificate | 8 to 10 weeks |
| Marriage Certificate | 8 to 10 weeks |
❗️ We also advise allowing 2-3 additional days in your application process to ensure you obtain a notary and meet your state’s application submission deadline.
If you send your application in electronically via Vital Records Online, you monitor the progress of your application. First-class prepaid mail postage to track your application package to the Georgia Department of Public Health.
It is recommended to purchase first-class mail tracking if you manually mail the application packet to the vital records health department to confirm when your application has arrived. The DPH-SOVR ships all vital records to you through USPS first-class mail for added security; however, the DPH-SOVR is not responsible for misdirected or lost certificates. A small typo or missing document can double the waiting period, incur repeated shipping costs, or put your personal information at risk. If your birth certificate is lost, file a report immediately.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Georgia counties office locations directory.
An Apostille is required when a vital record is submitted to a foreign government. You can obtain an apostille to certify that vital records were initially filed with the DPH-SOVR Georgia Superior Court Clerk – including birth, death, and marriage certificates.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
You can secure Apostilles for Georgia vital records digitally via Vital Records Online or through the DPH-SOVR Georgia Superior Court Clerk.
Offering apostille services for Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates, Vital Records Online is recognized by governments and organizations across all 50 US states. Their services are also legally valid in over 100 countries. With professional support, the process can be completed entirely online in three simple steps. The cost for these services commences at $149, exclusive of government fees.
Whether you reside in the U.S. or overseas, your apostille document is shipped via FedEx or DHL to deliver your apostille document to any location worldwide. In most instances, there’s no need for physical copies of your documents, enabling you to accomplish the entire process online. Once your document is prepared, it will be dispatched to your doorstep.
If you are manually sending your vital record for apostilles, they must be submitted to the DPH-SOVR Georgia Superior Court Clerk at the following address:
Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority
1875 Century Boulevard Suite 100
Atlanta, Georgia 30345
You can reach the office at (404) 679-4701 or their official website at https://sos.ga.gov/page/receive-great-seal-certification
DPH-SOVR has assembled a list of scenarios for amendments to birth or marriage certificates. Individuals can follow a simple procedure provided by the Georgia Department of Public Health – State Office of Vital Records (DPH-SOVR) to make corrections or amendments to birth, marriage, or family members’ death certificates, as stipulated by law. Depending on what needs to be changed, there are specific forms available. When something needs to be changed, an amendment is added to the original document – with additional alterations noted as addendums. However, the original document cannot be altered.
The requirements for requesting the changes or amendments vary depending on which vital record needs changing.
Typically, requests to correct or amend vital records will require
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
The State of Georgia provides public access to various vital records, but locating free records may take time and effort. You can access Georgia’s confidential birth, marriage, and divorce records from third-party websites, but prepare to invest substantial time to research the relevant records and find the information you seek.
Are Georgia Vital Records Open to the Public?
In Georgia, most public records are readily available, although the accessibility of particular records depends upon the type of vital record you’re seeking and the year the birth, death, or marriage took place.
Some third-party websites can help locate certain vital records. Generally, these websites do not have geographic restrictions for access, making them a helpful resource for researching records. Be aware that the data on third-party websites may differ from official government records. When searching for vital records on third-party websites, you will need to know the following information:
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Georgia government website at https://dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords
