Get your certified Montana Birth Certificate

How to Get a Montana Birth Certificate Without ID

To receive a birth certificate in Montana, you must provide proof of valid identification and proof of relationship if requesting the person on record. Alternatively, you can submit two forms of secondary identification; acceptable options include an employee ID card, a student ID card, a Social Security card, or a utility bill.

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

The total time it takes to receive your Montana birth certificate replacement varies based on how you submit your application and the current wait times set by the Montana DPHHS. Standard processing takes 3 to 4 weeks. Rush processing may be available through Montana DPHHS’ website. 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?

In Montana, you generally do not need to notarize your application when requesting a birth certificate. However, notarization is an option if you do not possess a valid ID. If you are submitting an application on behalf of someone else or using secondary forms of identification, notarization may be required to confirm your identity and your relationship to the person listed on the record.

Other FAQs

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

  

  If you were born on a U.S. military base overseas, you would not have a birth certificate recorded with the state of Montana. Instead, your birth will be documented with the U.S. Department of State. To obtain proof of your birth, you need to complete the Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad (DS 2029), to request a CRBA (form FS-240) which the U.S. embassy or consulate will issue to you. This document serves as the equivalent of a U.S. birth certificate and provides evidence of U.S. citizenship. It can be used for various legal purposes, such as applying for a passport or accessing social services. If you need original copies of your birth certificate, you can contact the hospital where you were born.

  Learn more about obtaining a Consular Report of Birth Abroad and its uses, or visit the U.S. Department of State website for more information about the replacement process.

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

  

  Having certified copies of your Montana birth certificate is important for several reasons, including proof of your legal name, date of birth, place of birth, and your parents' names. It establishes your identity and citizenship. Birth certificates are legal documents that are widely accepted by both government and commercial entities. They are often required for legal proceedings, such as family matters, and are essential 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 Montana Birth Certificate Look Like?

  

  Birth certificates issued by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services will display unique features to confirm authenticity. Although the appearance of the certificate may vary depending on the year it was issued, it will contain important information that verifies an individual's identity and citizenship. Standard features will include the state seal, the individual's name, the signature of the registrar, and secure paper.

  There are two types of certificates: the long-form, which is used for legal purposes and differs from the short-form (generally used for commemorative use. The certificates may also have distinct colors and layouts based on state guidelines.

  • 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 Montana Birth Certificate

  

  If you lose your birth certificate:

  1.Apply 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 Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).

  a For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the health department's Office of Vital Records.
  

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

  Office of Vital Records
  Department of Public Health and Human Services

  111 N Sanders Rm 6 PO BOX 4210 Helena MT 59604
  

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

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

• How to Correct or Amend a Montana Birth Certificate

  

  The process for correcting or amending a Montana birth certificate will depend on what needs to be updated. Addendums are created to reflect the corrections or changes while the original record remains unchanged.

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

  1. A completed amendment application: Affidavit for Correction of a Vital Record, which requires a notary.
  2. Supporting documentation: A copy of a government-issued photo ID may be required. Review the Corrections on a Birth Record requirements form from the Montana DPHHS. All documents must show your full name and date of birth.
  3. Appropriate fee(s): The cost to fix an error is free within the first year of birth. After a year has passed the fee is $41.00, which includes a certified copy of the amended birth certificate.

  For more information on correcting a record contact the Montana DPHHS at 406-444-9039. For surrogacy, court ordered name change, or open sealed files call 406-444-4226.

• How to Obtain an Apostille for a Montana Birth Certificate

  

  If you need to use a Montana-issued birth certificate in a foreign country, you will need an apostille. In Montana, apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State for documents originally filed with the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Office of Vital Records.

  When submitting your application for a certified vital record, simply indicate that the document requires an apostille. The Office of Vital Records will then forward your certified document to the Secretary of State on your behalf.

  The Secretary of State will contact you directly to collect the $10 apostille fee per document and complete the apostille process.

  You will need to provide the following information: 

  • If you need a copy of an official record, it must be original, notarized, or certified and issued within the last five years. If you have a birth, that was issued more than five years ago, you must obtain a new certified copy from the appropriate state or county office.
  • Apostille request form.
  • A fee of $10 per document can be paid with a check or money order payable to the Montana Secretary of State or by card through the online portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov.
  • A prepaid, addressed envelope or shipping label (unless picking up in person)

  You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Secretary of State at the following addresses:

  Standard Delivery:

  
  

  Express Courier (UPS, FedEx):

  
  

  In-Person Submissions: