How to obtain a birth certificate for your baby and why you may or may not need the application notarized ⬇️
(Keep in mind this is based off my personal experience and knowledge based on where I live. It may vary depending on your county and state).
Did you know that the hospital doesn’t send you home with a birth certificate after you give birth to your baby? Nor do they mail it to you!
“But wait, why? Doesn’t someone come into your room postpartum and have you fill out a bunch of forms in order to obtain your baby’s birth certificate?”
Yes! But that just goes into the database so when you are ready to obtain the birth certificate they will have everything ready for you.
“What’s this nonsense about a notary?”
You only need to get your application notarized if you are requesting a Certified Authorized Birth Certificate purchased by mail or online. If you plan on picking up the birth certificate at the records office (which in my case was at the courthouse) then you just need to show up and ask for it. No extra steps needed. However, wait at least 5 week since the birth as they may not have it ready until then.
“So why do you get yours notarized?”
Because the closest records office to me is 30 minutes away. I don’t know about you, but I have no desire to load up my newborn baby, (who hates the car seat) drive 30 minutes downtown to wait for who knows how long. Sure, the process may be quick but the wait times are unpredictable nonetheless.
“So what do you do instead of going to pick it up in person?”
I got to VitalCheck.com and apply for an authorized birth certificate online. Because I am requesting an authorized certificate and not just a copy my, they require me to print out my application, get it notarized, then mail it in.
“How do you get it notarized?”
I just go on a local Facebook Mom group or Nextdoor and ask “Is there anyone who makes house calls to notarize birth certificate applications?” And I always get a few people messaging me back. The notary then comes to my house, does their stampy stamp thang then heads out. They usually cost anywhere between $25 to $50, but this completely depends on the individual’s rates. You can always meet in a public place if you are more comfortable with that. But again, I am trying to avoid leaving my house at this point 😂
“Is this route easier?”
I personally think so. I can do it all from the comfort of my home and on my time and I don’t have to drive 30 minutes away to the nearest records office.
“Is it more expensive?”
Yes. If you need to get your birth certificate notarized it will be more expensive for the notary and VitalCheck has their own fee.
“Are birth certificates free?”
No. Regardless of which route you go, you will still have to pay for your child’s birth certificate.
“Do I have to get their birth certificate before they turn one.”
No. They already have them in the database. You only need to get the birth certificate when you are ready to get your child’s passport or any other legal document. Some parents don’t realize they never got their child’s birth certificate until their kid is 5 and they need to enroll them in school 😂
As always, please check with your county and state. I am not expert, I am just sharing my experiences in hopes that helps 🤗
Was this helpful? How is the process where you live? Also, why do they have to make it so difficult??? 😭 We just had a baby, why can’t they just mail us the damn thing? Guess the government never misses a chance to nickel and dime us 😉
#newmomtips #momtobe #pregnancy #newparents #pregnancytips #babymusthaves #newborncare #newbornsleep #dadtobe
