Official Florida Birth Certificate Template

Who is eligible to order a birth certificate in Florida?

Eligibility to order a birth certificate in Florida extends to the registrant (the person named on the record) if they are of legal age (18 or older), the parent(s) listed on the birth record, a legal guardian (who must provide guardianship documents), a legal representative of any of these individuals, or others as allowed by court order. If the individual named on the record has passed away, their spouse, child, grandchild, sibling (if of legal age), or legal representative can request the certificate, provided they submit the decedent's death certificate. Additionally, any person of legal age may request a certified copy of a birth record for any birth event that occurred over 100 years ago, with some exceptions for records under seal due to adoption, paternity determination, or court order.

What types of identification are required to order a Florida birth certificate?

When ordering a Florida birth certificate, an applicant must present valid photo identification. Acceptable forms of ID include a Driver’s License, State Identification Card, Passport, and/or Military Identification Card. If the applicant cannot provide any of these forms of identification, they must complete the birth certificate application and submit it alongside a notarized Affidavit to Release A Birth Certificate (DH Form 1958, 08/2010), as well as copies of the registrant's and the applicant's valid photo IDs.

Can I order a birth certificate for someone else?

Yes, you can order a birth certificate for someone else, but only if you are one of the eligible parties as defined by Florida law. This includes being a parent, legal guardian, or legal representative of the person named on the birth certificate, or having a court order to obtain the certificate. If ordering for a deceased registrant, you must provide a copy of the death certificate and prove your relationship to the decedent as their spouse, child, grandchild, sibling of legal age, or legal representative.

What is the fee for ordering a Florida birth certificate?

The fee for the first certified copy of a birth certificate is $13.00. Additional copies of the same record ordered on the same day are $8.00 each. Optional services such as protective plastic sleeves, rush orders via fax or mail, Fed/Ex Delivery within the continental U.S., and notary services for amendment forms carry additional fees. Accepted payment methods include check, money order, and major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex. Remember, the initial fee is a non-refundable fee for the birth record search.

How can I order a Florida birth certificate?

To order a Florida birth certificate, complete the APPLICATION FOR A FLORIDA BIRTH RECORD, providing all required information and accompanying documentation, including valid photo ID. You can submit your application by mail or in person at the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County, Office of Vital Statistics. Additionally, the option to order online is available with the inclusion of additional fees.

What if the birth record is under seal?

If the birth record you are requesting is under seal, such as due to adoption, paternity determination, or court order, you cannot order it in the usual way. Instead, you must write directly to the BUREAU OF VITAL STATISTICS ATTN: Records Amendment Section, providing all necessary information and documentation to request access to the sealed record.

Is an applicant’s signature required to order a birth certificate?

Yes, an applicant's signature is indeed required when ordering a birth certificate in Florida. The application must be completed with the applicant’s printed name, residence address, telephone number, and relationship to the registrant clearly specified. This ensures the integrity of the process and helps prevent fraudulent orders.

Filling out an application for a Florida Birth Certificate can be straightforward, yet individuals often make mistakes that can delay the process or result in the rejection of their application. Being aware of common pitfalls can help ensure the process goes smoothly. Below are nine common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not reading the instructions carefully: The application contains important information on both the front and back. Failing to review all this information can lead to errors or omissions in your application.
2. Incorrectly entering the child’s full name: The name must be entered exactly as it appears on the birth record. Any discrepancies, including those due to name changes, need to be clearly indicated.
3. Omitting the state file number: If known, including the state file number can expedite the process. Leaving this field blank when the number is known may slow down your application.
4. Providing inaccurate parental information: Ensure the mother’s/parent’s and father’s/parent’s names are entered correctly, as they appear on the original birth record, including prior to any first marriage.
5. Misidentifying the relationship to the registrant: The applicant must clearly state their relationship to the person on the birth record. Incorrectly identifying this relationship can lead to processing delays.
6. Failure to sign the application: An applicant’s signature is mandatory. Unsigned applications are considered incomplete and are not processed.
7. Failing to provide valid photo identification: A copy of valid photo identification must accompany mail requests. Applications without this will not be processed.
8. Not including the correct fee: Ensure the correct amount is enclosed with your application, as fees are nonrefundable. Incorrect fees can delay processing.
9. Forgetting to include necessary legal documents: For certain applicants, such as legal guardians or representatives, additional documentation (e.g., guardianship papers or a bar number) is required. Failing to include these can stall the application.

This concise guide highlights common errors to be mindful of when applying for a Florida Birth Certificate. Taking care to avoid these mistakes can streamline the process, making it more efficient and less stressful.

When applying for or utilizing a Florida Birth Certificate, various other forms and documents are frequently required to complete certain tasks or legal procedures. These documents play critical roles in authentication, verification, and legal proceedings. Understanding their purpose and where they fit in the broader context of legal and administrative frameworks is key to navigating processes efficiently.

• Affidavit to Release a Birth Certificate (DH Form 1958): This form is necessary when someone other than the individual, parent, legal guardian, or legal representative is requesting a birth certificate. It requires notarization to verify the identity and authority of the requester.
• Death Certificate: In some cases, accessing a birth certificate necessitates providing a death certificate, especially if the subject of the birth record has passed away. This document verifies the death, enabling certain rights for surviving relations to access the birth certificate.
• Photo Identification: A valid photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID Card, Passport, Military ID) is essential for verifying the identity of the person requesting the birth certificate. It helps prevent fraudulent requests and ensures the requestor has a legitimate reason to access the document.
• Guardianship Papers: Legal guardians must provide documentation proving their guardianship status when requesting a birth certificate for a minor. This ensures that the requestor has the legal authority to obtain the document.
• Legal Representation Documentation: Attorneys or legal representatives must submit proof of their status and their relationship to the person on the birth certificate or their immediate family. This typically includes a bar number and a letter of representation.
• Notarized Affidavit for Amendment of a Birth Record: If corrections or amendments to a birth certificate are necessary, this affidavit must be filled out and notarized. It provides a formal request to alter the official record based on justified grounds, such as name changes or corrections in parental information.
• Court Order: For changes to a birth record that require judicial approval, such as adoption, paternity determinations, or changing the name of a minor, a court order must be presented. This document serves as legal permission from a judge to make specified changes to the official birth record.
• Record Under Seal Request Form: In cases where a birth record is sealed due to adoption, paternity determination, or court order, a specific request form must be used to access these records. This ensures adherence to privacy laws and regulations governing such sensitive information.

Each document has a specific function and its requirement is dictated by the circumstances surrounding the request for a birth certificate. Whether for personal identification, legal processes, or genealogical research, ensuring you have the correct documentation when dealing with vital records is crucial. Understanding and preparing these accompanying documents can streamline any process involving a Florida Birth Certificate.

The Florida Birth Certificate form is a vital document that shares similarities with other significant records and official forms. Here are eight documents that have similar features or requirements:

• Passport Application Form: Like the birth certificate application, a passport application requires detailed personal information, evidence of citizenship, and valid photo identification. Both serve as crucial identifiers for individuals.
• Driver’s License Application: This form also necessitates the submission of personal information, a proof of identity, and legal residence status, similar to what is needed for a birth certificate application.
• Social Security Card Application: Applying for a Social Security Card involves providing personally identifiable information and evidence of age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status, aligning closely with the information needed for a birth certificate application.
• Marriage License Application: This form requires identification, proof of age, and sometimes proof of termination of previous marriages—paralleling the identification and legal status verification aspects of the birth certificate application.
• Death Certificate Request Form: Similar to birth certificate applications, requests for death certificates often need verification of the applicant's relationship to the deceased, just as a birth certificate application requires a relationship to the registrant.
• Adoption Record Request: Adoption records contain sensitive personal information and their access is restricted to eligible individuals, similar to the protections around birth certificates, especially those sealed by court order.
• Application for Citizenship or Naturalization: These applications require comprehensive personal details, proof of identity, and legal status—mirroring the exhaustive information and documentation demanded by the birth certificate application process.
• School Enrollment Forms: Registering a child for school typically requires a birth certificate to verify the child's age and identity, making the birth certificate both foundational and similar in its role as an official record.

All these documents, including the Florida Birth Certificate application, play crucial roles in legal and civil rights, access to services, and verification of identity and status.

When filling out the Florida Birth Certificate form, it's important to pay close attention to the instructions to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here are ten dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

• Do read both the front and back of the application thoroughly to understand all requirements.
• Do provide valid photo identification along with the application. If mailing your request, include a copy of the photo ID.
• Do complete all required sections accurately, providing full legal names and detailed information as requested.
• Do use a blue or black ink pen if filling out the form by hand to ensure legibility.
• Do check the eligibility criteria carefully to confirm you are authorized to request the birth certificate.
• Don't leave any required fields blank. Incomplete applications may result in processing delays or non-issuance of the birth certificate.
• Don't attempt to request a birth certificate under false pretenses. Providing false information or misrepresenting your identity is a felony.
• Don't forget to sign the application as the applicant's signature is required for the processing of the request.
• Don't disregard the nonrefundable fee policy. Understand that once a search fee is charged, it won't be refunded, regardless of the search outcome.
• Don't send the application without reviewing it for completeness and accuracy to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that the application process for a Florida Birth Certificate is as smooth and efficient as possible.

There are several misconceptions about the Florida Birth Certificate form and the process required to obtain a birth certificate in Florida. Below are ten common misconceptions, each followed by an explanation to clarify the process and requirements.

• Anyone can request a Florida birth certificate. In reality, birth certificates can only be issued to the registrant (if of legal age), parent(s) listed on the birth record, legal guardian(s), legal representative(s) of one of these persons, or other person(s) by court order.
• Birth certificates for any year are available. While the form indicates records are available from 1917 to present, it's notable that some records date back to 1865. However, records are not uniformly available for all dates prior to 1917.
• Legal representation is not acknowledged on the application. Contrary to this belief, legal representatives can apply for a birth certificate on behalf of someone else, provided they include their attorney bar number and specify their relationship to the registrant.
• Birth records are public after a certain period. While many assume all birth records become public information after 100 years, the truth is only those not under seal (due to adoption, paternity determination or court order) are accessible to any person of legal age.
• Submitting an application without proper ID is acceptable. In fact, a completed application must be accompanied by valid photo identification. If the request is made via mail, a copy of this identification must be provided.
• Only a driver's license is a valid form of identification. This is incorrect. Valid forms of identification include a Driver’s License, State Identification Card, Passport, and/or Military Identification Card.
• All copies of birth certificates cost the same. The initial certified copy is charged a certain fee, with additional copies ordered on the same day (for the same person) available at a lower price. Fees for services like protective plastic sleeves and rush orders are also separate.
• Electronic submissions don't require a signature. Despite the move towards digital transactions, an applicant’s signature is still required on the application form, alongside the printed name, address, and telephone number.
• Amendments to birth records are difficult and not supported. On the contrary, the Florida Department of Health offers notary services for amendment forms on the same day of service, facilitating the process to amend a birth record.
• A birth certificate application can be made without specifying the relationship to the registrant. Applicants must clearly state their relationship to the registrant on the form. Ordering a certificate for oneself should be marked as "SELF", and any changes in the registrant's name should be detailed.

Understanding these specifics can help ensure the process of obtaining a birth certificate in Florida is smooth and successful, steering clear of common misunderstandings and pitfalls.

Understanding how to properly fill out and use the Florida Birth Certificate form is essential for ensuring legal accuracy and efficiency. Here are six key takeaways to guide you through this process:

• Eligibility is key: Only the child named on the record if of legal age, parents listed on the birth record, legal guardians with guardianship papers, legal representatives of eligible individuals, or persons having a court order have the authority to request a birth certificate.
• Provide valid identification: When submitting an application, the individual must include valid photo identification. Acceptable forms include a Driver’s License, State Identification Card, Passport, and Military Identification Card. For mail requests, a photocopy of this identification is required.
• Fill in all sections carefully: The application requires detailed information about the registrant (the individual whose birth certificate is being requested) and the applicant (the person requesting the certificate). Accuracy is crucial to avoid delays or issues with the request.
• Records under seal require special handling: Birth records sealed by adoption, paternity determination, or court order have specific application instructions. Direct your inquiry to the Bureau of Vital Statistics' Records Amendment Section for these cases.
• Cost and payment options: The application outlines fees for the birth certificate itself and additional services such as rush orders or notary services. Be prepared to provide payment via check, money order, or credit card, according to the stated fees.
• Computer certifications are widely accepted: Computer certifications of birth, available for records from 1930 to present, are recognized by state and federal agencies and can be used for various purposes including travel. These certifications provide key facts such as the child's name, date of birth, sex, and parent's names.

Filling out the Florida Birth Certificate form with care and attention to these key takeaways can facilitate a smoother process, whether for personal, legal, or official purposes.