• All of the required facts
• Valid photo ID (Acceptable Forms of Identification)
• Proper fees
• Your relationship to the individual named on the certificate (Birth Certificate Eligibility)
• The purpose for which the copy is needed
• Your return address (preferred self-addressed stamped envelope)
• A phone  number where you could be reached during the day should problems arise with your application

Who  can request a certified copy of a birth certificate?

Birth Certificate Eligibility

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What information is required to obtain a birth certificate?

To better provide service to you we must be in receipt of certain information (see below). This information helps us to help you and allows us to process your request in an expedient manner with no unnecessary delays. If this information is not accurate this delays the search and may result in the document not being located. That is why it is important to furnish complete and accurate information with your initial request. You can be assured that every attempt will be made to make a thorough search of our files for the document you have requested.

Information required to process a request for a birth certificate:

• The full name at birth.
• The date of birth.
• The place (city or county) of birth.
• Fathers full name (first, middle initial, last).
• Mothers full name (including her maiden name).
• Relationship to the person whose certificate is being requested and the purpose for needing the copy.
• Your daytime telephone number with area code.
• Your handwritten signature and complete return mailing address.
• A valid, legal photo I.D. is required from the applicant or the individual representing the applicant for the issuance of a birth certificate. Do not send original ID with your application please send a photocopy.

Acceptable Forms of Identification

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How do I request a birth certificate?

To obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate, the following steps must be completed.

1. Complete the Application Form
 

Application For Search And Certified Copy Of Birth Certificate (157k PDF)
 

NOTE: These forms may now be filled out online but require the latest version of the free Adobe (TM) Reader in order to view. Complete instructions on downloading and configuring the reader for your system are available at the Adobe (TM) Reader web site. Please read all form instructions carefully. If you are having problems using the PDF form, please print out and use the HTML form.

2. Have the required information 

• Birth facts 
• Acceptable identification 
• Fees
• Entitlement to certificate  

3. Request the birth certificate

Certified copies may be obtained by submitting the Application, Required Information and Fees by mail or in person:
A.	By Mail:
	Vital Records Service Oklahoma State Department of Health 1000 Northeast 10th Oklahoma City, OK 73117
OR
B .	In Person, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at:
	Vital Records Service, Room 117 Oklahoma State Department of Health 1000 Northeast 10th Oklahoma City, OK
	or
	New Location: James O. Goodwin Health Center (Map) 5051 S. 129th East Ave Tulsa, OK 74143-7004
	or
	Pittsburg County Health Department 1400 East College Avenue McAlester, OK

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How much does a certified copy of a birth certificate cost?

Fees
Current fees are listed below, the fee for the search of a birth certificate is $15.00. This fee will pay for the issuance of one certified copy of the birth certificate to a qualified applicant if the certificate is located. Additional copies will be issued at a cost of $15.00 per copy. The searching fee is not refundable or transferable. Please make your check or money order payable to the Vital Records Service. If mailing your request, please enclose a self addressed stamped envelope for return of the requested certificates.

Corrections or additions to birth certificates require additional fees and submission of required documentation. Instructions and assessment of fees will be made on an individual basis after review of the requested certificate.

Current Fees

Birth Certificates
Search of files. If certificate is on file, entitles qualified applicant to one (1) certified copy	$15.00
Additional copies (each)	$15.00
Delayed Birth Registration  (Includes one certified copy after completion)	$40.00
Additional copies (each)	$15.00
Birth Certificate Substitution (Which includes one of the following actions: Legitimation, Adoption, Paternity, Sealed Files)
First Certified Copy	$40.00
Additional copies (each)	$15.00
Amendments to Birth Certificates (Includes one certified copy after completion)	$40.00
Additional copies (each)	$15.00
Heirloom Birth Certificates (includes one certified copy)	$35.00

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How long does it take to get a certified copy of a birth certificate?

Waiting time.....

Mail: allow at least 4 weeks

In person: allow at least 1 hour (some processes will require additional time)

Expedited Service 

Requests using the U.S. Postal Service's Express Mail Service, will allow processing of most request within 48 to 72 hours. Return of a certificate by the U.S. Postal Service's Express Mail Service will require that an envelope is attached with proper postage.  Additional courier services such as Federal Express, UPS etc., will be accepted but items will not be returned through these services as account numbers will not be accepted since the Division has been advised by the major couriers, that as the sender we will be held responsible for payment if the individual declines payment for any reason. There will be no exceptions. If this process is not complete the document will be returned by regular U.S. Mail. Birth certificates cannot be faxed. Priority mail will be handled in same method as regular mail. 

On-line orders

Oklahoma Department of Health does not accept  online orders directly; however, for your convenience, you can process online requests through an independent company that we have partnered with to provide you this service;  VitalChek Network, Inc.  VitalChek can be reached either through its website, www.vitalchek.com or by Phone at 877-817-7364.  An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for using this service, and all major credit cards are accepted, including American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® or Visa®. “

Where do I get an application to request a birth certificate?

Application For Search And Certified Copy Of Birth Certificate (157k PDF)

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What is an Heirloom birth certificate?

Oklahoma Statutes provide for the issuance of an Heirloom birth certificate. The Heirloom Birth Certificate is 8 1/2 x 11 with a chocolate brown and mint green color palette bearing a depiction of a redbud - the state tree redbud. The certificate will reflect the child's name, date of birth, gender, place of birth and the names of the parents. The cost for a Heirloom birth certificate is $35.00. This $35 fee will provide for the issuance of both one Heirloom birth certificate and one standard Certified birth certificate. In accordance with this Statute, $25 of the proceeds from the sale of the Heirloom birth certificate shall be used by the Child Abuse Training and Coordination Program to provide training and technical assistance to judges, prosecutors and members of the multidisciplinary child abuse teams who intervene in circumstances of child abuse.

 

The same eligibility and identify requirements for any birth certificate also apply to the request for an heirloom certificate. The Heirloom certificate is a commemorative certificate and should not be used for proof of birth or identity for legal purposes.

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How do I get Heirloom birth certificates?

Complete the Application For Search And Certified Copy Of Birth Certificate  (157k PDF) and indicate the number of Heirloom certificates requested.

Enclose $35.00 for each requested Heirloom certificate.

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How long has Oklahoma been collecting birth certificates?

Oklahoma began filing birth records in October of 1908. It was not mandatory, however, that these records be filed until 1917. Because birth records were not required in years past as they are today for identification, the filing process in many years prior to 1940 are sketchy. It is the responsibility of the hospital or attendant at birth in each matter of birth to properly obtain the information needed and file the certificate in a timely manner. 

Contact Information
1000 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73117
Phone: (405) 271.4040
E-mail: AskVR@health.ok.gov
 

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