How to Get a Hawaii Birth Certificate Without ID?

The State of Hawaii, DOH-OHSM, does not explicitly state secondary forms of ID. For more information regarding accepted secondary IDs, contact the Maui Vital Records hotline at (808) 586-4539 Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM or email them at [email protected].

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

Processing times for birth certificate replacements can vary. The current processing times are 4 to 6 weeks. These times may change depending on the volume of requests received by the DOH-OHSM and the method of application submission. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

The DOH-OHSM generally does not require applicants to obtain a notarized application to prove their identity when requesting certified copies of birth certificates. Whether ordering in person, online, or by mail, you only need to provide a government-issued ID to verify your identity.

Other FAQs

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

  

  Individuals born on an overseas military base are not considered born in Hawaii. Therefore, no birth certificate is on record with the state of Hawaii. If you were born overseas on a U.S. military base and your parents were U.S. citizens, your birth should be recorded with the U.S. Department of State. You must contact the U.S. 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 U.S. citizenship for individuals born abroad to U.S. citizen parents who meet the requirements for transmitting citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This document is equivalent to having a U.S. birth certificate, is recognized in the U.S. 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 Hawaii Birth Certificate?

  

  A birth certificate is a vital document that provides official information about a person's birth. It verifies your legal name, date, place of birth, and parents' names. This document also serves as proof of identity and citizenship and is indispensable for various significant life events, including legal matters, family affairs, school admissions, employment, and travel. Furthermore, government and private institutions universally acknowledge and accept birth certificates.
  
  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 Hawaii Birth Certificate Look Like?

  

  An officially certified birth certificate will have distinct features to indicate the DOH-OHSM 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 for legal purposes, whereas a short-form (informational) copy usually is not. The DOH-OHSM 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 to Replace a Lost or Stolen Hawaii Birth Certificate

  

  If you lose your birth certificate:

  1.Promptly report it to the police and request a replacement copy. If a birth certificate falls into the wrong hands, it can be used for identity fraud.
  2. Submit a certified replacement application 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 DOH-OHSM.

  a. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the DOH-OHSM 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 DOH-OHSM at:

  State Department of Health,
  Office of Health Status Monitoring,
  Vital Records Issuance Section,

  PO Box 3378, Honolulu, Hawaii 96801
  

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

  2. DOH-OHSM will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

• How to Correct or Amend a Hawaii Birth Certificate

  

  If there are errors in your birth certificate, it is possible to correct or amend it. This process typically involves submitting a request to the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Office of Health Status Monitoring. Some corrections may require additional documentation or evidence to support the change. The requirements for requesting changes or amendments vary depending on which changes must be made.

  Generally, to correct or amend a vital record, you will need:

  1. A completed amendment application: Request information by contacting Hawaii DOH at (808) 586-4541 or you can make an in-person appointment.
  2. Supporting documentation: This may include a court order or notarized statement.
  3. Appropriate fee(s): A fee of $3.00 is charged for each request for the amendment of an item or group of items on a given certificate.

• How to Obtain an Apostille for a Hawaii Birth Certificate

  

  An apostille is often necessary when presenting a birth certificate to a foreign government. In Hawaii, apostilles are issued by The Office of the Lieutenant Governor for birth certificates initially filed with the DOH-OHSM Vital Records Issuance Section.

  Apostille for birth certificates in Hawaii can be requested online through VRO's Apostille Express Service or directly from the Hawaii DOH-OHSM.
  Simultaneous requests of a NEW Hawaii Birth Certificate and Apostille are required by DOH, and you must complete the following steps:

  1. The DOH’s request form for the birth certificate you are requesting. For “Reason for Request,” you must write “apostille” and the country where you will submit your birth certificate.
  2. A completed “Application for Apostille or Certificate of Documents Form.”
  3. A money order or cashier’s check for $1, payable to the “Lt. Governor’s Office.”
  4. Application for a “new” birth certificate.
  5. An additional money order or cashier’s check for a fee of $12.50 for the birth certificate replacement, payable to the “Hawaii Department of Health.” (The DOH does not accept cash, personal, or business checks.)
  6. A photocopy of your valid, government-issued photo ID.
  7. A pre-paid, self-addressed stamped envelope.
  8. Submit the completed application packet to the following address: