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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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How to Order Birth Certificates

Birth/Death Certificates

  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
  • Step 5

Step 1  -  Determine your eligibility (relationship) to receive a birth certificate

You must meet one (1) of the following criteria:

  • Be the child named on the certificate AND 18 years of age or older.
  • Be the parent, guardian or legal representative of the person named on the certificate, or
  • Have a court order. Additional birth certificate eligibility information

If the person was not born in Florida, visit the National Center of Health Statistics.

Step 2  -  Provide information about the child or person named on the certificate

  • Full name of child at birth and any subsequent legal name changes
  • Date of birth
  • City or county of birth
  • Mother's full name including her maiden surname
  • Father's full name (if his name is on the record)

Step 3  -  Provide information about the person ordering the certificate

  • Full name
  • Relationship to person (child) named on the certificate (father, mother, self, etc.)
  • Mailing address (include city, state and zip code)
  • Phone number where you can be reached during business hours (8:00am to 5:00pm Eastern Time)
  • Signature of applicant
All letters or applications must include a copy of a valid current PICTURE ID (Driver's License, State Identification Card, Passport, and/or Military Identification Card) of the applicant. For example, if you are requesting your child's certificate, include a copy of your own ID since you are the applicant. Enlarge the copy and lighten it as much as possible to ensure it is clear and readable when sent to the The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County's Vital Statistics Office. Do not send original documents. If you are the legal guardian, please include notarized guardianship documents.

Step 4  -  Types of certificates and fees

  • Computer Certificate: $14.00
  • Additional Copies: $9.00 (when ordered at the same time)
  • Protective Plastic Cover: $3.00  

Computer generated certification with the embossed Seal of Florida. Accepted by all state and federal agencies as legal proof of birth and citizenship. Available from 1917 to present.

Commemorative Certificate
The State of Florida issues commemorative birth and marriage certificates, signed by the current Governor and State Registrar of Vital Statistics. The certificates contain calligraphy style printing, gold embossed state seals, and are suitable for framing and preserving as family heirlooms, but not to be intended as proof of birth or marriage. 

Commemorative Certificates may be obtained from the State Office of Vital Statistics.

Certificate prior to 1917
State law did not require birth registration until 1917. However, there are some records on file at the State Office of Vital Statistics dating back to 1865. Most birth records between the years 1917 to present can be obtained through this office. Records on birth events that occurred in 1917 or earlier may be obtained from the State Office of Vital Statistics. Birth records under seal by reason of adoption, paternity determination or court order cannot be ordered in this manner.

For a record under seal write to:

State Office of Vital Statistics,
Attn: Records Amendment Section
Post Office Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042.

Step 5  -  Choose How To Get It  

Walk In:

  • Payment Type Accepted: Cash, Money Order, Cashiers Check, Visa or Mastercard (debit or credit)
  • Extra Cost: None
  • Estimated Processing Time: While you wait

FAX: 

You may fax the application to 813-903-3370.

  • Payment Type Accepted: Visa or Mastercard (debit or credit)
  • Extra Cost: $10.00 expedite fee
  • Estimated Processing Time: Same Day or Next Day

If we receive your valid application and supporting documents by noon, your documents will be placed in the mail the same day. If we receive your VALID application and supporting documents after noon, your documents will be placed in the mail the next business day.

Mail:

You may mail your valid application and supporting documents to:

Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County
Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 5135
Tampa, FL 33675-5135

  • Payment Type Accepted: Money Order, Cashiers Check, Visa or Mastercard (debit or credit)
  • Extra Cost: None 
  • Estimated Processing Time: 5 - 10 Business Days  OR
  • Rush Extra Cost: $10.00 Rush Fee to get it the Same Day or Next Day

If we receive your valid application and supporting documents by noon, your documents will be placed in the mail the same day.

If we receive your valid application and supporting documents after noon, your documents will be placed in the mail the next business day.

You may include a pre-paid envelope with your documents BUT unless you include a mail rush processing fee of $10.00, we still have 5 - 10 business days to process your request.  

Phone:

You may order a birth certificate by phone through VitalChek (Hillsborough County).

  • Phone: 866-830-1906  
  • Fax: 866-634-1907
  • Payment Type Accepted: Visa or Mastercard (debit or credit)
  • Extra Cost: Additional VitalChek fees apply

Apply Online:

You may order a birth certificate online through VitalChek (Hillsborough County).

  • Payment Type Accepted: Visa or Mastercard (debit or credit)
  • Extra Cost: Additional VitalChek fees apply