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Georgia · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

Georgia Department of Public Health, State Office of Vital Records (state level) / County Vital Records Office (county level - local access)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Only the registrant, an immediate family member, or a legal representative can request a birth certificate. Photo ID required; electronic/digital ID NOT accepted.
  2. NOTE: Newborn birth certificates are NOT automatically mailed to parents - you must actively request the certificate.
  3. Choose your method:
  4. IN PERSON: Visit the State Office of Vital Records or any county vital records office during business hours - same-day service available; bring original photo ID (not electronic/digital)
  5. BY MAIL: Complete application; include original (not electronic) photo ID and payment; mail to: State Office of Vital Records, 1680 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349; processing up to 10 weeks
  6. ONLINE (expedited): Order through Georgia's approved vendors - GO Certificates, ROVER (Georgia DPH's own platform), or VitalChek; $8 processing fee added for ROVER online orders; 8-10 business weeks for online orders
  7. Submit application with valid original government-issued photo ID
  8. Pay the fee and receive certificate
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed birth certificate application
  • Valid, original (NOT electronic or digital) government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of qualifying relationship if requesting on behalf of another person
  • Payment (check or money order for mail; card for in-person or online)
Fee
$25 per certified copy; $8 additional processing fee for online orders through ROVER; additional copies at same time: additional fee; contact DPH for current full fee schedule at dph.georgia.gov/ways-request-vital-record/fees
Processing Time
In person: same day; mail: up to 10 weeks; online (ROVER): 8-10 business weeks
Online Option
Yes - Georgia DPH ROVER, GO Certificates, or VitalChek (3 approved vendors)
Where to Go
State Office of Vital Records, 1680 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349 (Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-4:00 PM); or any county vital records office for same-day in-person service
County-specific variations apply

Georgia has county vital records offices in many counties - locations, hours, and what records they carry vary. Most county offices can issue certified birth certificates from Georgia statewide records. State Office of Vital Records holds records from January 1919 to present; for pre-1919 records, contact the county or Georgia Archives. Verify your county office location and hours at dph.georgia.gov.

Georgia Notes

Important state-specific details

  • CRITICAL: Electronic or digital ID (phone-based ID, digital driver's license) NOT accepted - must present original physical ID.
  • CRITICAL: Newborn birth certificates are NOT automatically mailed to parents - must be actively requested.
  • "Andee's Law" (Senate Bill 100, effective July 1, 2025): Individuals 18+ born in Georgia may now request and obtain an uncertified copy of their original (pre-adoption) birth certificate.
  • Records available from January 1919 to present at State Office; pre-1919 records at county level or Georgia Archives.
  • Georgia's approved online vendors: GO Certificates, ROVER (dph.georgia.gov), VitalChek - do NOT use unauthorized third-party vendors.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Georgia DPH State Office of Vital Records - dph.georgia.gov/ways-request-vital-record | (404) 679-4701 | 1680 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349