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Connecticut · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

Town Vital Records Office / Town Clerk (town level) OR Connecticut DPH State Vital Records Office (state level)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Connecticut birth records are restricted (not public) until 100 years after the date of birth. Eligible requesters include the registrant (if 18+), parents, legal guardian, spouse, children, and others with legal interest.
  2. Determine which office to use:
  3. - For recent births: the Town Vital Records Office in the town where the birth occurred OR where the mother resided at the time of birth (both can issue)
  4. - For older births or if town is unclear: Connecticut DPH State Vital Records Office in Hartford
  5. - Where the birth occurred varies - some towns only issue records for births in their town; the state office issues statewide
  6. Choose your method:
  7. IN PERSON: Visit the Town Clerk/Vital Records office or the State Vital Records Office during walk-in hours (state office: Mon 9am-1pm, Wed 9am-3:30pm, Fri 11am-3:30pm)
  8. BY MAIL: Complete the request form; include photocopy of government-issued photo ID and payment (money order payable to "Treasurer, State of Connecticut" for state office; check to town for town office); mail to appropriate office
  9. ONLINE (expedited): Order through VitalChek (only approved third-party vendor for CT DPH)
  10. Submit application with valid photo ID
  11. Pay the fee and receive certificate
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed birth certificate request form
  • Photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID (required for birth certificate requests)
  • Proof of relationship if requesting on behalf of another person
  • Payment (money order to state; check or money order to town - personal checks not accepted by state office; no cash by mail)
Fee
Town-issued certified copy: $20 per copy; State-issued certified copy: $30 per copy; online via VitalChek: state fee plus additional processing and shipping fees
Processing Time
Town office: same day in person (most towns); state office walk-in: same day during limited hours; state mail: varies; VitalChek: faster with surcharge
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek through portal.ct.gov/dph/vital-records (only approved third-party vendor)
Where to Go
Town Clerk/Vital Records office in the town of birth or mother's residence (in person - faster and cheaper at $20); State Vital Records Office, 410 Capitol Avenue, 1st Floor, Hartford, CT 06106 (walk-in or mail); VitalChek online
Connecticut Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Connecticut birth records become public 100 years after the date of birth.
  • Two-tier system: town-issued ($20) and state-issued ($30) - both are certified official copies; town copies are accepted for all legal purposes.
  • State Vital Records Office walk-in hours are limited (Mon/Wed/Fri only) - check portal.ct.gov for current hours before visiting.
  • State office payment: money order payable to "Treasurer, State of Connecticut" - personal checks and cash not accepted by mail.
  • VitalChek is the ONLY approved third-party vendor for CT DPH vital records online orders.
  • If current address doesn't match ID documents: also submit a recent utility bill or lease showing current name and address.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Mon 9am-1pm, Wed 9am-3:30pm, Fri 11am-3:30pm) BY MAIL: Complete the request form; include photocopy of government-issued photo ID and payment (money order payable to "Treasurer, State of Connecticut" for state office; check to town for town office); mail to appropriate office ONLINE (expedited): Order through VitalChek (only approved third-party vendor for CT DPH) Step 4 - Submit application with valid photo ID Step 5 - Pay the fee and receive certificate