Get your Certified Montana Birth Certificate
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Vital Records Online (VRO) is an officially approved third-party vendor for some state health departments, offering vital record services such as birth, marriage, death, and divorce certificates. VRO is an independent, SOC 2 compliant document filing service and is not a government agency.
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Montana Birth Certificate
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. Applications mailed to the state take 3 to 4 weeks; with VRO's filing service, your application is processed in 4 to 6 business days. Authorized individuals who can request these vital records include the person named in the record, family members, and legal representatives.
Are Montana Birth Certificates Issued by the State or County?
Montana birth certificates are issued through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Records. Montana Vital Records provides certified copies by mail and online ordering options for people born in Montana.
Montana also allows in-person requests at local county clerk and recorder offices. The state says applicants may visit any local county clerk and recorder office in Montana to purchase a birth certificate.
For long-form birth certificates, applicants should request from the state office in Helena or the clerk and recorder in the specific county of birth. Bring valid photo ID or use the state's notarization option.
How to Order State of Montana Birth Certificate
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 by mail through the Montana DPHHS, or in person at any county Clerk & Recorder office, 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.
Ordering with VRO
Requesting a Montana birth certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.
- Complete the online application and upload your documents.
- Process your order.
Starting from
$16 VRO service fee
+ $16.00 state fee, 1 certified copy included
Extra copies $16.00 each, added to the same order
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
Ordering in Person
The state Office of Vital Records in Helena is closed to walk-in service. You can apply in person at any county Clerk & Recorder office in Montana, regardless of the county where the birth occurred. The process will include:
- Complete the Birth Certificate Application.
- Gather the required information and documents.
- Bring a current, valid photo ID.
- Present the application, documents, and payment at the county Clerk & Recorder office during regular business hours.
Ordering By Mail
To order your Montana birth certificate by mail, you need to follow these steps:
- Complete the Birth Certificate Application.
- Gather the required information and documents.
- Obtain photocopies of your documents.
- Purchase an envelope.
- Include a physical check or money order issued to "MONTANA VITAL RECORDS."
- Include a photocopy of the front and back of your photo ID, or have the application notarized.
- Send all of the above to the DPHHS's mailing address:
required documents
What Documents Are Required to Order State of Montana Birth Certificate?
You must provide proof of identity when ordering a certified copy of your Montana birth record. One valid primary ID is enough; secondary documents are supporting documents the office may ask for in addition to it. Review the tables below before placing your order.
Primary ID (one document is enough) | Secondary / supporting documents |
|---|---|
Driver's license | Utility bill |
Not accepted by the Montana Office of Vital Records |
|---|
Learner's or instruction permit |
This list was confirmed in writing by the Montana State Registrar (Office of Vital Records, DPHHS) in October 2026. The office does not accept a set of secondary documents in place of a primary ID: secondary documents only support your application.
How to Get a Montana Birth Certificate Without ID
Montana requires a valid primary ID to release a certified birth certificate. The State Registrar confirmed that a set of secondary documents (for example three utility bills or school IDs) is not accepted in place of a primary ID. If you do not have one, an authorized family member with valid ID - a parent, spouse, adult child, sibling or legal guardian - can order the certificate on your behalf with proof of their relationship to you. You can also contact the Office of Vital Records at (406) 444-2685 before applying to ask about your options.
Cost & fees
Montana Birth Certificate 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. The state does not offer rush processing. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $16.00, plus the state fee, and your application is processed in 4 to 6 business days. 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
Montana Birth Certificate 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. Applications mailed to the state take 3 to 4 weeks. The state does not offer rush processing, but VRO's filing service gets your application processed in 4 to 6 business days. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO's easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.
Mail Application Processing Time |
|---|
3 to 4 weeks |
Vital Records Online (VRO) Filing Service |
|---|
4 to 6 business days |
Authorization
Who is Authorized to Order a Montana Birth Certificate?
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.
Authorized People
- Authorized representative
- Caretaker relative
- Children
- Grandparents
- Guardian
- Parents
- Person on Record (age 14 or older)
- Spouse
Special situations
Correct, Amend or Register a Montana Birth Certificate
Ordering a copy is not the only request the Montana Office of Vital Records handles. These are the other changes it can make to a birth record, with the state's fee and what to send. Everything goes by mail to Office of Vital Records, PO Box 4210, Helena, MT 59604. The office is closed to walk-ins; name changes, adoptions and corrections are handled in person only by appointment at (406) 444-2685.
Correct a mistake on the certificate
A misspelled name, a wrong date of birth or a wrong parent detail is fixed with a notarized Affidavit for Correction of a Vital Record and two documents that show the correct information (hospital paperwork for a date of birth). The original record stays on file; the correction is added to it.
- Free within one year of the date the record was filed
- $41 after that ($25 processing + $16 certified copy)
- Allow 3 to 4 weeks
Change the name after a court order
Start with your local Clerk of District Court. Once the judge signs the order, mail the certified court order (raised seal or colored stamp) and a copy of your photo ID, in your old or new name, to the state. Then take the new certificate to the Social Security Administration and the MVD.
- $41 ($25 processing + $16 for the updated certificate)
- Allow 3 to 4 weeks, in the order received
- In person only by appointment: (406) 444-2685
New certificate after an adoption
Once the adoption is final, the state issues a new birth certificate and seals the original. Mail the certified adoption decree, the certified Montana Certificate of Adoption and a photocopy of the requesting parent's photo ID. Originals only: the office does not accept applications by email or fax.
- $41, including the first certified copy
- Each additional copy $16, ordered with the request
- Allow 3 to 4 weeks
Get the original certificate from a sealed file
If you were adopted and want the original record, the person named on the certificate can apply with the Open Sealed File Request Form or a signed letter giving your names before and after the adoption, your date and place of birth, and your adoptive parents' names, including your adoptive mother's maiden name.
- $25 processing + $16 per document, with a copy of your photo ID
- A court order is required for files sealed between October 1, 1985 and October 1, 1997, for any document other than the certificate, and for tribal enrollment requests
Register a birth that was never filed
If no certificate was filed within a year of the birth, Montana creates a delayed birth certificate. Send the Delayed Birth Certificate Application with original evidence of the birth, such as baptismal, hospital or school records. Originals are returned by mail.
- $41, including one certified copy once the record is filed
- Only for people born in Montana who are still living
- Questions about evidence: (406) 444-1986
Register a home birth
A birth outside a licensed facility must be filed with the state. If a Montana-licensed midwife attended, the midwife files it. Otherwise the parents complete the Home Birth packet with proof of residency and proof of the pregnancy or birth listed in the packet.
- $41
- About two weeks once the paperwork is complete
- Tick "yes" on the worksheet to request the baby's Social Security card at the same time
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.
Tracking
Track Your Montana Birth Certificate Order
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.
Order Other Montana Vital Records
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
Other FAQs
How Much Does a Montana Birth Certificate Cost?
A certified copy of a Montana birth certificate costs $16 when ordered from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Each additional copy also costs $16.
Ready to order? Get your Montana birth certificate with transparent pricing.
Can I Order a Montana Birth Certificate Online?
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.
Can Someone Else Request My Montana Birth Certificate?
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.
What Does a Montana Birth Certificate Look Like?
Montana issues two kinds of birth certificate, and only one of them proves who you are.
Certified copies are printed on blue-bordered security paper with a holographic bear, a State Seal watermark, the State Registrar's signature and a document control number. They come in two versions: the abstract, a computer-generated summary of the basic facts (name, date and place of birth, parents, file date), which is accepted for school enrollment, Real ID, Social Security and passports; and the long form, a certified scan of the original document in the state vault, which is required for tribal enrollment, apostilles and dual citizenship. Both are legally certified.
Informational copies are printed on plain white paper with a red "FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY" stamp and none of the security features. They cost the same $16, cannot be used for legal identification, and may be issued to anyone when the birth occurred 30 or more years ago, which makes them useful for genealogy.
When you order through VitalRecordsOnline you receive a certified copy. Tell us if the agency asking for it needs the long form. Read more about long-form vs short-form certificates and certified vs informational copies.
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, required documents, and payment at any county Clerk & Recorder office in Montana. The state office in Helena is closed to walk-ins.
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
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:
- A completed amendment application: Affidavit for Correction of a Vital Record, which requires a notary.
- 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.
- Appropriate fee(s): The cost to fix an error is free within the first year after the record is filed. 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
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:
- Obtain a Certified Copy of the Birth Certificate: Request a certified copy from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).
- Complete the Apostille Request Form: Complete the Montana Secretary of State's Apostille Request Form from the Secretary of State's website.
- Prepare Supporting Documentation: Include the certified copy of the birth certificate and any other required documents specified by the Montana Secretary of State.
- Pay the Required Fee: Include a check or money order for the apostille processing fee of $10.00 per document/notary, payable to the Montana Secretary of State. (Online payments accepted via credit/debit card at biz.sosmt.gov)
- Submit the Application by Mail or In-Person:
- Mail the completed Apostille Request Form, supporting documents, pre-paid addressed shipping label, and payment to the Montana Secretary of State's office.
- In-person submissions are accepted by appointment only - call (406) 444-1877 to schedule after documents are mandatorily pre-checked. Free notarization services are available. Documents can be picked up when ready (usually within two business days) or mailed using your pre-paid shipping label/envelope.
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.
- Complete your vital record application from the DPHHS.
- Include payment for the vital records and required documents.
- Complete the Apostille Request Form.
- Include a separate payment for the apostille fee
- Self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Mail to DPHHS.
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.
What's the Difference Between a Long Form and Short Form Montana Birth Certificate?
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.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Montana Birth Certificate?
Processing times for a Montana birth certificate depend on how you order and which delivery speed you choose. Applications mailed to the Montana vital records office generally take 3 to 4 weeks, and the state does not offer rush processing. In-person requests at a county Clerk & Recorder office are often completed the same day.
When you order online through VitalRecordsOnline, we review your application to catch errors before submission, then file it with the state. With VRO's filing service, your application is processed in 4 to 6 business days, plus shipping time. 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.
How Do I Get a Birth Certificate in Billings, MT?
Billings residents can order a Montana birth certificate online through VitalRecordsOnline, in person at the Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder office in Billings, or by mailing a request to the state Office of Vital Records.
In-person requests at a county Clerk & Recorder office are often completed the same day during business hours. With VRO's filing service, your application is processed in 4 to 6 business days, plus shipping time.
You may also need to order a Montana death certificate through our secure online service.
Can I Get a Same-Day Birth Certificate in Montana?
The state Office of Vital Records in Helena is closed to walk-in service, but you can request a Montana birth certificate in person at any county Clerk & Recorder office, which may issue your certified copy the same day during regular business hours.
For those who cannot visit in person, ordering online through VitalRecordsOnline is the next fastest option. With our filing service, your application is processed in 4 to 6 business days, with rush shipping available at checkout.
Looking for a different document? Order a Montana marriage certificate through our secure online service.
Where Do I Get a Birth Certificate in Missoula, MT?
Missoula residents can obtain a Montana birth certificate by ordering online through VitalRecordsOnline, in person at the Missoula County Clerk and Recorder office, or by mailing a request to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Online ordering through VRO is the most convenient option, letting you complete the process from home with delivery by mail. Your application is processed in 4 to 6 business days, and rush shipping is available for urgent needs.
Need another vital record? Get your Montana divorce certificate through our secure online service.