How Much Does a Birth Certificate Cost in Georgia?

In Georgia, obtaining a birth certificate is an essential legal process with specific costs.

A birth certificate is a vital document for various personal and legal needs, such as verifying your identity, applying for a passport, enrolling in school, or proving your age.

Whether you need a birth certificate for yourself or a family member, it is important to understand the cost and process involved.

So, how much does a birth certificate cost in Georgia?

As of the latest information available, the price for the first certified copy of a birth certificate is $25.

Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $5.

It’s important to note that you must purchase all copies in the same transaction.

This means you can’t order one copy and come back later for more – it has to be a single transaction.

Now that we’ve covered the cost, let’s look at other common questions about birth certificates in Georgia.

Where to Get a Birth Certificate in Georgia

In Georgia, birth certificates are maintained and issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

The department is responsible for collecting, storing, and providing certified copies of vital records, including birth certificates, for people born in Georgia.

You can obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate in several ways.

The most common methods include applying in person at the DPH office or by mail.

If you prefer, there are also online services available through third-party vendors that have been approved by the state.

These third-party vendors allow you to request a certified birth certificate online for added convenience, though the process may involve additional service fees.

When applying by mail, you’ll need to submit a completed application form, a copy of your identification, and payment for the birth certificate.

Processing times may be slightly longer when using mail services, so be prepared for delays if you need the certificate urgently.

When Do You Get a Birth Certificate After Baby Is Born in Georgia?

In Georgia, the hospital or birthing center where the baby is born usually files the birth record with the Department of Public Health within the first week after the birth.

This ensures that the birth is officially recorded, and parents can then request certified copies of the birth certificate.

After the record is filed, parents can request a certified copy of the birth certificate.

It typically takes around 2-4 weeks for the state to process the request and mail the birth certificate to the requester.

However, it’s important to note that you will not automatically receive a copy of your child’s birth certificate after the birth is registered.

You must actively request the certificate through the Georgia Department of Public Health, and there is a cost involved.

Keep in mind that birth certificates are not sent automatically, so you’ll need to take action to obtain one.

Can I Amend a Birth Certificate in Georgia?

Yes, you can amend a birth certificate in Georgia under certain circumstances.

Common reasons for amending a birth certificate include correcting errors, such as a misspelled name, or adding or changing information like a parent’s name or the child’s name.

If you need to amend your child’s birth certificate due to adoption, the process also involves submitting the finalized adoption decree to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

This will ensure the birth certificate reflects the new legal details of the adoption, including any changes in the child’s name or parentage.

Amend Birth Certificate: Georgia

To amend a birth certificate in Georgia, you must submit an application to the State Office of Vital Records, along with the required supporting documentation.

The type of documents needed depends on the reason for the amendment.

For example, if you are correcting a name, you may need to provide legal proof of the correct name, such as a court order.

The amendment request comes with a $10 processing fee, which is in addition to the cost of obtaining a new certified copy of the birth certificate after the amendment is made.

This means you will pay for both the amendment and the new copy of the certificate.

Change Name on Birth Certificate Georgia

If you need to change a name on a birth certificate in Georgia, you must provide legal documentation supporting the name change.

This could be a court order that legally changes the name or a signed affidavit, depending on the circumstances.

The fees for changing a name on a birth certificate are the same as the fees for other types of amendments.

You will pay the $10 amendment fee and the cost for any additional copies of the birth certificate you wish to receive.

ROVER Birth Certificate

ROVER, which stands for Request Official Vital Event Record, is an online system used in Georgia to order vital records, including birth certificates.

ROVER is a convenient way to request vital records for people who prefer not to apply in person or by mail.

By using ROVER, you can submit your request digitally and receive a certified birth certificate through the mail.

The fees for using ROVER are the same as the fees you would pay for ordering a birth certificate in person or by mail.

Although it offers the convenience of online ordering, it is important to remember that service fees may be added for using ROVER, so be sure to check all costs involved before submitting your request.

Final Thoughts

As we’ve seen, obtaining a birth certificate in Georgia is a straightforward process with clearly established costs.

Whether you are ordering a new birth certificate, making amendments, or using the ROVER system, knowing these details can help you navigate the process step-by-step.

By understanding how to get your birth certificate and what to do if you need to make changes, you can ensure you have the correct documentation when you need it most.