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How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Office of Vital Statistics (state level - Topeka)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Kansas vital records are NOT public records. Eligible requesters: the person named on the record (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or anyone who can prove direct interest (e.g., named beneficiary, joint property owner). Proof of legal representation, direct interest, or written authorization with proper ID required if not named on the record or immediate family.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON: KDHE Office of Vital Statistics, Curtis State Office Building, 1000 SW Jackson St., Suite 120, Topeka, KS 66612; Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-5:00 PM; typically within 15 minutes of submitting a walk-in application; bring valid photo ID
  4. BY MAIL: Complete the Kansas Vital Statistics application; include photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID (or two alternative documents if no photo ID); include check or money order payable to "Kansas Vital Statistics" (DO NOT SEND CASH); mail to KDHE Office of Vital Statistics, Curtis State Office Building, 1000 SW Jackson, Suite 120, Topeka, KS 66612; standard mail typically processed within a week of receipt
  5. ONLINE/PHONE (expedited): VitalChek - online or call; additional fees apply
  6. Submit application with valid government-issued photo ID
  7. Pay the fee - $20 (non-refundable 5-year search fee; if record found, one certified copy issued; if not found, fee retained)
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed vital records request application (specific to birth vs. death/marriage)
  • Photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport); OR if no photo ID, two alternative documents showing identity and current address
  • Proof of qualifying relationship if requesting on behalf of another person
  • Payment: check or money order to "Kansas Vital Statistics" (NO CASH); VitalChek accepts cards online
Fee
$20 per certified copy (non-refundable 5-year search fee; one copy issued if record found); each additional copy of same record ordered at same time: $15 (verify current fee at kdhe.ks.gov)
Processing Time
In person: typically within 15 minutes; mail: typically within a week of receipt; VitalChek: expedited with additional fees
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek (only authorized vendor); online or call
Where to Go
KDHE Office of Vital Statistics, 1000 SW Jackson St., Suite 120, Topeka, KS 66612; or VitalChek online
Kansas Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Kansas birth records began being filed July 1, 1911; for records before that date, contact Kansas Historical Society.
  • Delayed Certificates of Birth may exist for individuals born between the 1860s and July 1, 1911 who had no prior birth record.
  • The $20 fee is a NON-REFUNDABLE search fee - retained even if no record is found.
  • Kansas vital records are NOT public records - restricted to eligible requesters.
  • Pre-1940 records are accessible for genealogical research under different procedures - contact KDHE.
  • Do NOT send cash by mail.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
KDHE Office of Vital Statistics - kdhe.ks.gov/1165/Office-of-Vital-Statistics | (785) 296-1400 | 1000 SW Jackson St., Suite 120, Topeka, KS 66612