Birth Certificates

Certified copies of Oklahoma birth certificates are available at the Oklahoma State Department of Health Vital Records Service.  Application for obtaining a birth certificate may be submitted by writing to our office or by visiting one of our office locations.

For an Out-of-State Birth Certificate, please see the National Center for Health Statistics' site on Where to Write for Vital Records.

Obtaining a birth certificate by or for fraudulent purposes is punishable by law. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who can request a certified copy of a birth certificate?

What information is required to obtain a birth certificate?

How do I request a birth certificate?

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

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

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

What is an Heirloom birth certificate?

How do I get Heirloom birth certificates?

How long has Oklahoma been collecting birth certificates?

How do I contact the Vital Records Service?

• All of the required facts
• Current legal photo ID
• Proper fees
• Your relationship to the individual named on the certificate
• 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 certificates are not open for public inspection. A birth certificate may be applied for by the person him/herself, the immediate next of kin or an authorized agent, who must provide a statement indicating that they are working in the best interest of the registrant, by written application, proper identification, proper information and applicable fees. 

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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

A photocopy of a valid government issued photo ID by either the applicant or an individual attesting for the applicant is required for issuance of certificates. 

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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
	Tulsa Health Department, Central Regional Health Center 315 S. Utica Tulsa, OK
	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. VitalChek also provides online service.

Priority mail will be handled in same method as regular mail. 

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?

Heirloom birth certificates are now available from the Division. Oklahoma Statutes provide for the issuance of a Heirloom birth certificate. The Heirloom Birth Certificate is 11" x 14" with a dark blue trim, bearing a silver and gold seal, depicting a view of the State Capitol Dome. The certificate will reflect the child's name, date of birth, place of birth and names of the parents. The cost for a Heirloom birth certificate is $35.00. This fee will pay for the issuance of one Heirloom birth certificate as well as a standard issued Certified birth certificate. In accordance with this Statute, proceeds from the sale of the Heirloom birth certificate shall be used by the Child Abuse Training and Coordination Program, providing training and technical assistance to judges, prosecutors and members of the multidisciplinary child abuse teams who intervene in circumstances of child abuse.

This is a commemorative certificate and should not be used for proof of birth or identity for legal purposes.

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.

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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