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Mississippi Birth Certificates

Learn how to order Mississippi Birth Certificates from the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). The state fee for a certified copy is $17.00, with additional copies costing $6.00 each. The current processing time is 7 to 10 business days. Authorized individuals who can order include the certificate holder, immediate family members, and authorized third parties.

How to Order State of Mississippi Birth Certificates

You can now order Mississippi birth certificates through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order birth certificates. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your birth certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person or by mail through the MSDH by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Before placing your order costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times.


Person ordering a birth certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a Mississippi birth certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online


required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order State of Mississippi Birth Certificates?

Before beginning, review MSDH’s list of requirements and eligibility, as they may vary based on your situation. When requesting certified copies of birth records, applicants must show proof of their identity to the MSDH. Check the table below for the required information and documents.

Steps for Homeless Youth and Veterans to Obtain Free Birth Certificates If you are experiencing homelessness and are under 25 years old, you can request your Mississippi birth certificate at no cost. This certificate will be valid for six months and can help you obtain personal documents, proof of identity, and personal matters.

If you are a veteran or a member of a veteran’s family, you may also qualify for a free birth certificate if it is needed for Veterans Administration purposes. To apply, you will need to visit the Mississippi Health Department website. If you choose to go through VRO’s filing service, you will be responsible for state and VRO fees. Make sure to follow the correct procedures to access these benefits.


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

Photo Driver’s License
Photo State Issued ID
Employment ID
School ID
U.S. Military ID
Tribal ID
Alien Registration/Permanent Resident Card
Temporary Resident Card
U.S. Passport

Social Security Card
Utility Bill (showing address)
Medicaid Card
SNAP/EBT Card (showing address)
Work Identification
Veteran Universal Access ID Card

How to Get a Mississippi Birth Certificate Without ID

If you do not have a primary ID, you may still be able to obtain a Mississippi birth certificate using two secondary forms of identification, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub with your name and address. Alternatively, authorized third parties, such as legal representatives or immediate family members, can request the birth certificate on your behalf if they can provide appropriate identification and proof of their relationship with you.

Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Birth Certificate in Mississippi?

The costs and fees associated with replacing a birth certificate in Mississippi vary based on the method of application submission (in person, by mail, or online). The MSDH charges a $17.00 fee for a certified copy and a fee of $6.00 for each additional copies. Qualifying veterans and their families as well as homeless youth under 25 can obtain a FREE birth certificate from the Minnesota Department of Health. Review the eligibility above before applying. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering birth certificates.




State Fee

$17.00


Rush Processing

Not offered


Additional Copy

1 x $6.00

Processing time

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

The total time to receive your Mississippi birth certificate replacement depends on how you submit your application and the current wait times defined by the MSDH. Standard processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.

Processing Time

7-10 business days

Rush Processing Time

Not offered




Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a Mississippi Birth Certificate?

Mississippi birth certificates are confidential and have restricted access for 100 years from the date of birth. If you are the person on record, you can order a certified copy by providing proof of identity. If you are requesting on behalf of the person on record, it's essential to ensure eligibility. Eligible third parties must also provide proof of identity and relationship to the person on record.


Authorized People


  • Licensed adoption agencies working within the statutory authority of §93-17-205.
  • Legal Guardian, guardianship papers must be provided.
  • Legal representative of one of the above persons, proof of representation must be provided.
  • Other person(s) by court order, certified copy of court order must be provided.
  • Parent(s) listed on the birth record if VR office has not been notified of termination of parental rights.
  • Registrant (the child named on the record), if of legal age.
  • Spouse, sibling(s), or grandparent(s)/child(ren) of registrant

For Genealogy purposes - Genealogy must be stated as purpose for certificate. Relationship to applicant must be provided. Plain paper copies are provided for genealogy purposes.

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

In Mississippi, you generally do not need to notarize your application when requesting a certified copy of your birth certificate.

Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your Birth Certificate Replacement

When you place your order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor your application's progress to the health department.

When manually mailing your birth certificate request to the MSDH it is optional to include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your application. It's recommended to purchase mail tracking to guarantee timely handling and secure delivery of your vital records. Once your certificate is mailed from the state office, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


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

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    If you were born overseas on a U.S. military base, the state of Mississippi did not issue you a birth certificate; your birth would have been recorded with the U.S. Department of State. In this case, you can request a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA or form FS-240) from the U.S. Department of State, which serves as evidence of U.S. citizenship and is equivalent to a U.S. birth certificate.

    The CRBA is accepted as proof of birth and citizenship that can be used for legal purposes such as obtaining a passport and social services. If you need additional copies of the CRBA, you can contact the hospital where you were born or order them from the Department of State. Visit the U.S. Department of State's official website for more information on the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).

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

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    For several reasons, having certified copies of your Mississippi birth certificate is crucial. These copies are official documents proving your identity and citizenship, containing your legal name, place, date of birth, and parents' names. They are often required for various legal purposes and are commonly accepted by government and commercial entities as vital documents. From legal proceedings to family matters, certified birth certificates are often necessary for school enrollment, employment, and travel.

    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 Mississippi Birth Certificate Look Like?

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    When verifying a Mississippi birth certificate, you can look for specific features that confirm its authenticity. Official birth certificates issued by the MSDH may vary in appearance depending on the year of issue and display standard features that validate their authenticity. Mississippi birth certificates will display essential information concerning identity and citizenship. Official (certified) birth certificates will include the state seal, the individual's name, and the registrar's signature and be printed on secure paper to ensure authenticity. Additionally, they may also have distinct colors and layouts. Note that official (long-form) copies are recognized as legal documents and differ from short-form copies, typically used for commemorative purposes.

    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 Mississippi Birth Certificate

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    If you lose your birth certificate:

    1.Submit an application for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You will need to complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the MSDH (Mississippi State Department of Health).

    a For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the MSDH's vital records office.

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

    Mississippi Vital Records

    P.O. Box 1700 Jackson, MS 39215-1700

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

    2. The MSDH will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

  • How to Correct or Amend a Mississippi Birth Certificate

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    The process for amending a Mississippi birth certificate can vary depending on the specific changes needed. Generally, an addendum is created to correct or change the birth certificate while the original record remains unchanged. This process ensures that accurate information is added without altering the original record.

    The process and requirements for amending a birth certificate can vary. Typically, amendments to birth certificates will require:

    1. A completed amendment application: Affidavit to Amend a Mississippi Certificate of Live Birth, which will require your signature and one from a knowledgeable witness (of the requestor) in the presence of a notary public.
    2. Supporting documentation:
      Physician’s Record
      Current or former physician
      School Record - High School transcript, Elementary school record or record from first school attended.
      US Passport - must have been issued at least 5 years ago
      Old Driver’s License – must have been issued at least 5 years ago
      Military Discharge Record – Form DD214
      Immunization Record – from physician or county health department
      Child’s birth certificate – must show correct name and date of birth or age
    3. Appropriate fee(s): Make money orders, cashier’s checks, or person checks payable to Mississippi Vital Records for $28.00. Additional copies of the amended record are $6.00 each when ordered at the same time for the same person.
  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a Mississippi Birth Certificate

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    You can obtain an apostille for a Mississippi birth certificate by ordering directly through the Mississippi Secretary of State or online via VRO's Express Apostille Service. Apostilles are only issued by the Mississippi Secretary of State. They are often required when filing a birth certificate with a foreign government as part of the 1961 Hague Convention.

    If you are manually submitting a request for an apostille, complete the following steps:

    1. Complete the Apostille Request Form: Obtain and fill out the apostille request form from the Mississippi Secretary of State.
    2. Prepare the Birth Certificate: Ensure you have a certified copy of the birth certificate that you need to be apostilled.
    3. Submit the Documents: Gather the completed apostille request form and the certified birth certificate.
    4. Payment: Prepare the appropriate fee for the apostille service - $5.00 per certificate.
    5. Optional Return Shipping: Include a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope if you'd like to have your documents returned with an express delivery service.
    6. Mail: Submit your documents and payment by mailing them to the Secretary of State's office.

    Standard Mailing Address:

    Express Mailing Address: