Get your certified Georgia Birth Certificate

How to Get a Georgia Birth Certificate Without ID

The Georgia Department of Health does not offer a list of accepted alternative forms of identification, so you must show a valid ID from the table above to request a birth certificate.

If you don't have a valid ID, you can have an authorized third party, such as your parent or adult child, apply on your behalf.

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in Georgia?

Processing and replacement times for Georgia birth certificates may vary. The DPH-SOVR's current processing times for birth certificates is 8 to 10 weeks. Refer to the chart below for the current delivery and processing timelines.

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

A notarized application may be required when a third party not blood-related to the record holder is requesting a birth certificate (including spouses and legal representatives).

Other FAQs

• How to Obtain a Georgia Birth Certificate if Born on an Overseas Military Base

  

  Individuals born on an overseas military base are not considered to have been born in Georgia; therefore, there is no birth certificate on record in Georgia. If you were born overseas on a US military base and your parents were US citizens, your birth should be recorded with the US Department of State. You must contact the US Department of State to request a copy of your Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA or form FS-240).

  Note that this is not a birth certificate; it is evidence of US citizenship for individuals born abroad to US citizen parents who meet the requirements for transmitting citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This document is equivalent to having a US birth certificate. This document is recognized in the US as proof of birth and citizenship and can be used to obtain a passport and apply for social services. If you need additional copies of this document, you can contact the hospital where the birth occurred to request a copy of the birth certificate or order them from the Department of State. Learn more about CRBA for more information.

• Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My Georgia Birth Certificate?

  

  A birth certificate is an official record of a person's birth and is widely acknowledged and accepted by public and private organizations. It provides essential details such as the individual's legal name, place of birth, parents' names, and date of birth. Birth certificates are crucial in proving one's identity and citizenship. They are also often required for familial, legal, and administrative purposes.
  
  Birth certificates are often useful or required for:

  Applying for a driver's license

  Applying for a new passport

  Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

  Applying for Social Security benefits

  Claiming pension or insurance benefits

  Genealogy research

  Claiming family inheritance

  Applying for a new job

  Enrolling in school

  Enlisting in military

  Obtaining a marriage license

  
  

• What Does a Georgia Birth Certificate Look Like?

  

  An officially certified birth certificate will have distinct features to indicate the DPH-SOVR issues it. The appearance of an official birth certificate may differ depending on the year it was issued. It will often include key information to verify a person's identity and the legitimacy of their citizenship at birth. A long-form (official) birth certificate is used legally, whereas a short-form (informational) copy is usually not. The DPH-SOVR defines specific guidelines for counties that may use unique colors and layouts. In all cases, official birth certificates will generally display features such as:

  • Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

  • Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

  • Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

  • Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

  • State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

  • Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

  • Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

  • Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

  In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

  • Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

  • Name of the Physician who attended the labor.

• How Do I Replace a Lost or Stolen Georgia Birth Certificate?

  

  If you lose your birth certificate:

  1.Submit an application for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the DPH-SOVR.

  a. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the DPH-SOVR office during hours of availability.
  

  b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the DPH-SOVR at:

  Georgia Department of Public Health, State Office of Vital Records

  1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30349

  c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).

  2. DPH-SOVR will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

• How to Correct or Amend a Georgia Birth Certificate

  

  Individuals can follow a simple procedure provided by the Georgia Department of Public Health—State Office of Vital Records (DPH-SOVR) to correct or amend birth certificates. The process and forms required vary depending on the information needing correction.

  Typically, requests to correct or amend vital records will require the following:

  1. A completed amendment application;
  2. Supporting documentation;
  3. Appropriate fee(s);
  4. A notarization of the signature on the application

• How Do I Get an Apostille for a Georgia Birth Certificate?

  

  An apostille is necessary when a birth certificate is submitted to a foreign government. You can obtain an apostille to certify that birth certificates were initially filed with the DPH-SOVR. You can secure apostilles for Georgia birth certificates digitally via VRO or manually through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority.

  
  If you are manually submitting your certificate, you will need to provide the following information:

  1. Obtain a Certified Copy of your Georgia Birth Certificate: First, you need a certified copy of the birth certificate issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health - State Office of Vital Records.
  2. Complete the Apostille Request Form: Fill out the apostille request form available on the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) website.
  3. Include a cover letter specifying the destination country and contact details. See the example request letter.
  4. Provide a pre-paid, self-addressed FedEx/UPS return airbill (computer-generated only, not handwritten).
  5. Prepare Required Documents: Gather the certified birth certificate and the completed apostille request form.
  6. Include Payment: Pay the required fee of $3.00 per certified vital record document. Ensure the check or money order is made payable to GSCCCA. Note that Georgia-issued vital records are never notarized.
  7. Submit Your Request: Mail or deliver the documents to the GSCCCA office with the appropriate fee. The documents, payment, and application must be submitted to the GSCCCA at the following address: