Get your certified Nebraska Birth Certificate

How to Get a Nebraska Birth Certificate Without ID

If you do not possess a primary form of ID, the Nebraska DHHS accepts two forms of secondary identification listed in the table above, one from List A and one from List B, as stated on the Nebraska DHHS’s webpage. Secondary forms of identification may include documents like utility bills, pay stubs, or bank statements that verify your address and identity.

Alternatively, if you do not possess secondary forms of identification, authorized third parties, such as your parent, child, or spouse, can request the birth certificate on your behalf if they provide the necessary documentation and proof of their relationship.

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

The total processing time varies based on the ordering method, whether in person, by mail, or online, and the number of backlogged orders at the Nebraska DHHS. Standard processing time is currently at least 15 business days, while expedited processing takes as little as 1 to 2 business days from the date received. 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 Nebraska DHHS does not require notarization for birth certificate requests. You only need to submit the completed application and provide the required identification and necessary fees. However, third-party applicants may need to obtain a notary for a Power of Attorney when applying on someone else’s behalf.

Other FAQs

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

  

  If you were born overseas on a U.S. military base, you must request a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA or form FS-240) from the U.S. Department of State. Individuals born abroad will not have a birth record with the state of Nebraska. Note this is not a birth certificate. A CRBA is evidence of U.S. citizenship (equivalent to a U.S. birth certificate). It is accepted as a legal document for proving birth and citizenship, applying for a passport, and accessing social services. If you are looking for original copies of your birth certificate, you can contact the hospital where the birth occurred.

  Visit the U.S. Department of State website for further information regarding requesting a CRBA.

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

  

  A birth certificate is an essential document that proves your identity. It includes your legal name, birthplace, and date of birth. This information is necessary to obtain a driver’s license, apply for a job, enroll in school, or travel. Government and commercial entities often accept certified copies of your birth certificates for legal proceedings, family matters, and other business transactions.
  
  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 Nebraska Birth Certificate Look Like?

  

  Nebraska birth certificates issued by the Nebraska DHHS will have specific features to ensure authenticity. The certificate's appearance may vary depending on the year it was issued, but it will generally contain essential details about the individual's identity and citizenship. It will also follow state guidelines, such as displaying the state seal, the individual's name, and the registrar's signature, printed on secure paper.

  There are different versions of the certificate. Official (long-form) copies are accepted for legal purposes, while informational (short-form) copies are generally used for personal or commemorative reasons.• 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

  a For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the Nebraska DHHS'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 Nebraska DHHS at:

  Nebraska Vital Records

  P.O. Box 95065 Lincoln, NE 68509-5065

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

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

• How to Correct or Amend a Nebraska Birth Certificate

  

  The process of corrections or amendments to a Nebraska birth certificate can vary depending on the changes needed. Generally, an addendum is created to make the necessary corrections or changes while keeping the original record unaltered.

  Here are the steps to correct or amend a state of Nebraska birth certificate:

  1. Complete the Application for Amendment Form HHS-81: Follow the instructions and complete the form with the requested changes.
  2. Gather Required Documentation: Valid government-issued photo ID. Supporting documents proving the need for correction (original or certified copies). Court orders (if required) for specific changes. The application must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public. Include a self-addressed business-sized envelope.
  3. Submit Your Application and Documents: Send all materials to Nebraska DHHS
  4. Pay Required Fees: Processing fee: $16.00 to correct the record and $17.00 for each amended copy of the certified birth certificate. Accepted payments: Check or money order payable to Vital Records.
  5. Mail application, documents, payment, and a self-addressed business envelope to:
     Vital Records Office P.O. Box 95065 Lincoln, NE 68509-5065

• How to Obtain an Apostille for a Nebraska Birth Certificate

  

  To obtain an apostille for a Nebraska birth certificate, you can order it directly through the Nebraska Secretary of State or use VRO's Express Apostille Service to order online. The Nebraska Secretary of State issues Apostilles for individuals who must file their birth certificate with a foreign government that is part of the 1961 Hague Convention.

  To manually obtain an apostille for a Nebraska birth certificate, follow these steps:

  Online Option:

  You may submit your request and payment for Apostilles or Authentications online through https://business.nebraska.gov.

  Payment can be made with a credit or debit card when you submit the request online. When you pay online, you must submit the documents to be authenticated by mail or in person.

  Mail-in and Walk-in Options:

  You may submit a printed Certification Request Form with payment by check or money order when submitting documents by mail or in person. Please make all checks payable to the Nebraska Secretary of State.

  1. Obtain a Certified Copy of the Birth Certificate: First, request a certified copy from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
  2. Complete the Apostille Request Form: Obtain and complete the appropriate apostille request form from the Nebraska Secretary of State's office.
  3. Prepare the Required Documents: Gather the certified birth certificate and the completed apostille request form. Note that you must include a return envelope or mailing label, otherwise standard postage will be used.
  4. Submit the Documents: Submit the certified birth certificate, completed request form, and any required fees to the Nebraska Secretary of State's office.
  5. Pay the Required Fees: Ensure you include a check or money order for the appropriate fee ($10.00 per document) for the apostille service, payable to the Nebraska Secretary of State. Payments can be made at https://business.nebraska.gov, but the form and documents must be printed and submitted by mail or in person.
  6. Send the Request: Mail or deliver your documents and payment to the Nebraska Secretary of State's office.

  Mailing Addresses:

  Walk-ins: