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Learn how to order a Montana birth certificate from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). The state fee for each copy is $16.00. Standard processing takes 3 to 4 weeks. Authorized individuals who can request these vital records include the person named in the record, family members, and legal representatives.
You can now order Montana birth certificate through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order birth certificate. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) 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 Montana DPHHS by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Review the costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times before placing your order to ensure a successful application process.
Requesting a Montana birth certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.
Starting from
$16+ state fees
Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO
required documents
You must provide proof of identity when ordering a certified replacement of your Montana birth record, such as a state-issued driver’s license, passport, or U.S. Military ID. The requirements may vary depending on your circumstances, as defined by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Review the table below for all the necessary documents and information before placing your order.
Primary ID Requirements Options | Secondary ID Requirements Options |
|---|---|
Driver's License | Social Security Card |
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.
Cost & fees
The total costs to replace a birth certificate in Montana will vary depending on how you submit your application—whether in person, by mail, or online. The Montana DPHHS charges $16.00 per certified copy. Rush processing may be available for an additional fee through Montana DPHHS’ website. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $16.00, plus the state fee. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering birth certificates.
State Fee |
|---|
$16.00 |
Rush Processing |
|---|
Not offered |
Additional Copy |
|---|
1 x $16.00 |
Processing time
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. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.
Processing Time |
|---|
3 to 4 weeks |
Rush Processing Time |
|---|
Not offered |
Authorization
Access to Montana birth certificates is restricted for 30 years after the birth is recorded. During this time, only the individual named on the certificate and authorized individuals can access the documents, and they must provide proof of identity. If you are requesting a birth certificate on behalf of someone else, make sure you are eligible to submit a request before you begin the application process.
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.
Tracking
When you place an order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online while it is being handled. VRO verifies your documents before forwarding them to Montana DPHHS – Office of Vital Records for further processing. Additionally, you can request mail tracking to monitor your application's arrival at the health department for further confirmation.
If you manually mail your birth certificate request, purchasing first-class mail with tracking is recommended to know when your application is delivered to the DPHHS.
DPHHS – Office of Vital Records does not offer tracking when sending your vital records certificates to your address. Once the records leave the state office, the state is not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.
Need more than a birth certificate? VitalRecordsOnline helps you order every Montana vital record through one streamlined application. Whether you're gathering documents for a passport, name change, estate settlement, or family history project, we handle the paperwork, verify everything is complete before submission, and track your order from start to delivery.
Montana Marriage Certificate — Required for name changes, spousal benefits, visa applications, divorce filings, and proof of marital status.
Montana Death Certificate — Needed for estate settlement, life insurance claims, pension transfers, Social Security notifications, and closing accounts of a deceased loved one.
Montana Divorce Certificate — Proves the legal dissolution of a marriage. Required for remarriage in some states, name restoration, and certain immigration or legal matters.
For use abroad, ask about our apostille service — we authenticate Montana vital records for international use in Hague Convention countries.
frequently asked questions
A certified copy of a Montana birth certificate costs $12 when ordered from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time cost $5 each.
Ready to order? Get your Montana birth certificate with transparent pricing.
Yes. You can request a Montana birth certificate online through the Montana DPHHS vital records office or through an authorized third-party service. You will need to provide the full name on the certificate, date of birth, place of birth, and parents’ names along with valid identification.
Start now — order your Montana birth certificate online in minutes.
Montana allows eligible individuals such as a parent, legal guardian, or legal representative to request a birth certificate on someone else’s behalf. If you are not the registrant, you may need to provide a notarized affidavit or sworn statement confirming your relationship and the purpose of the request. A Power of Attorney (PoA) document is also accepted as proof of legal authority.
Learn more about ordering a Montana birth certificate on behalf of a family member.
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.
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.
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:
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.
You can order an apostille directly through the Montana Secretary of State or online through VRO's Express Apostille Service. Only the Montana Secretary of State issues Apostilles when filing a birth certificate with a foreign government as part of the 1961 Hague Convention.
An apostille is required for vital records filed with a foreign government. The Montana Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records initially filed with the DPHHS Office of Vital Records.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
The only options available to obtain an apostille for Montana's vital records are through the Secretary of State and VRO Express Apostille Service.
When requesting your certificate from VRO, please indicate that you need an Apostille. We will send the certificate to the Secretary of State once it is issued, and their office will complete the Apostille process. Please be aware that there is a $10.00 fee for this service. It is essential to contact their office in advance to inform them that your request will be coming. If you are sending a check or money order, please do not combine our payment with theirs. You can reach their office at 406-444-1877.
To manually obtain an apostille for a Montana birth certificate, follow these steps:
Simultaneous Requests: DPHHS processes requests for vital records that require an apostille by sending the vital record and apostille form directly to the Secretary of State.
Standard Delivery:
Express Courier (UPS, FedEx):
In-Person Submissions:
For a complete overview of birth certificate types, costs, and requirements across all states, visit our birth certificate guide.
A long-form birth certificate (also called the "full" or "certified" copy) is a complete reproduction of the original Montana birth record. It includes your full legal name, date and place of birth, parents' names, birthplaces, and occupations, the attending physician or midwife, and the file date and registration number. This is the version you'll need for passports, REAL ID, Social Security, adoption, immigration, dual citizenship, and most legal purposes.
A short-form birth certificate (sometimes called a "certification" or "abstract") is a condensed version that shows only your name, date of birth, place of birth, and sex. It does not include parents' information. The short form is accepted for many everyday purposes, like enrolling in school, applying for a driver's license, or joining sports leagues, but it is not always accepted for federal documents or international travel.
When you order a Montana birth certificate through VitalRecordsOnline, you receive the long-form version by default, since it is the most widely accepted. If you're unsure which version you need, check with the agency requesting the document.
Not sure which you need? Order your Montana birth certificate and get the right version.
Processing times for a Montana birth certificate depend on how you order and which delivery speed you choose. Standard government processing through the Montana vital records office generally takes 4 to 12 weeks by mail. In-person requests at the state office or authorized county location are often completed the same day or within a few business days.
When you order online through VitalRecordsOnline, we review your application within 24 hours to catch errors before submission, then forward it to the issuing authority. Most customers receive their certified Montana birth certificate in 2 to 3 weeks with standard shipping. Expedited processing and rush shipping options are available at checkout for urgent needs like passport applications or upcoming travel.
If the issuing office returns your request because of missing information, our team contacts you immediately so the correction can be made without starting over. You can track your order status at any time through your account.
Don't wait — start your Montana birth certificate order today for faster processing.
Billings residents can order a Montana birth certificate online through VitalRecordsOnline, by visiting the Montana Department of Public Health in Helena, or by submitting a mail request.
In-person requests at the state vital records office are typically processed the same day during business hours. Online orders through VRO are reviewed within 24 hours and most customers receive their certified copy in 2 to 3 weeks.
You may also need to order a Montana death certificate through our secure online service.
Same-day Montana birth certificates are available for in-person requests at the Montana Department of Public Health in Helena. Walk-in visitors can typically receive their certified copy within a few hours during regular business hours.
For those who cannot visit in person, ordering online through VitalRecordsOnline is the next fastest option. We review your application within 24 hours and most orders arrive within 2 to 3 weeks, with expedited shipping available at checkout.
Looking for a different document? Order a Montana marriage certificate through our secure online service.
Missoula residents can obtain a Montana birth certificate by ordering online through VitalRecordsOnline, or by submitting a request to the Montana Department of Public Health.
Online ordering through VRO is the most convenient option, letting you complete the process from home with delivery by mail. Expedited processing is available for urgent needs.
Need another vital record? Get your Montana divorce certificate through our secure online service.