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Mississippi · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Bureau of Vital Records (state level - Ridgeland, MS)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Mississippi birth records less than 100 years old are CONFIDENTIAL. Eligible requesters: the person named (if adult), parents, legal guardian, legal representative, or those with a direct or tangible legitimate interest.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON (Ridgeland State Office): MSDH Office of Vital Records, 222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157 (off Highland Colony Parkway); Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; same-day service for birth certificates if records are found without a search; bring valid government-issued photo ID; pay fee in cash, money order, cashier's check, or credit card
  4. BY MAIL: Complete the birth certificate application (available at msdh.ms.gov); include valid photo ID copy; send cashier's check or bank/postal money order payable to "Mississippi Vital Records" (NO personal checks, NO cash); mail to: Mississippi Vital Records, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700; allow 3 weeks after mailing before inquiring
  5. BY PHONE (VitalChek): Call (601) 206-8200; VitalChek processes phone orders for additional fee; payment by credit card
  6. ONLINE (VitalChek): Online orders available through VitalChek for additional fee; search msdh.ms.gov for current link
  7. Submit with valid photo ID and proof of qualifying interest
  8. Pay the fee
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed birth certificate application
  • Valid government-issued photo ID (copy for mail orders)
  • Proof of qualifying relationship if requesting on behalf of another
  • Payment: credit card (in person or phone/online through VitalChek); cashier's check or bank/postal money order for mail (NO personal checks; NO cash by mail)
Fee
$17 per certified copy; each additional copy of same record ordered at same time: $6; VitalChek adds convenience fee; if record not found: $17 fee retained for search
Processing Time
In person (birth): same day if no search required; mail: allow 3 weeks; VitalChek phone/online: expedited with additional fee
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek (authorized vendor); additional fees apply
Where to Go
MSDH Office of Vital Records, 222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157 (in person); P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700 (mail)
Mississippi Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Mississippi birth records CONFIDENTIAL for 100 years; after 100 years, accessible for genealogical research.
  • State has records from November 1912 to present; for births before November 1912, contact MDAH.
  • MSDH in Ridgeland (NOT Jackson) - the Vital Records office moved from downtown Jackson to Ridgeland; verify current location before visiting.
  • NO personal checks and NO cash by mail - only cashier's check or bank/postal money order.
  • In-person same-day service available for birth certificates; death and marriage certificates mailed within 7-10 business days even for in-person orders.
  • VitalChek is the authorized online/phone vendor; avoid unauthorized third parties.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
MSDH Bureau of Vital Records - msdh.ms.gov/page/31,0,109.html | (601) 206-8200 | [email protected] | 222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157; mail: P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700