How to Get a Certified U.S. Birth Certificate


If you were born in the U.S. and need a certified copy of your (or your child's) birth certificate for a visa, nationality, or residence application, there are a few ways to get it. Below, we'll walk you step by step through the process, including how to apostille your birth certificate so the Spanish government will accept it.

STEP 1: REQUEST A CERTIFIED COPY OF YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE

You can request your U.S. birth certificate in several ways.

→ Option 1: Order Online (Recommended)

The fastest and easiest way is through VitalChek.com, the official government partner for ordering birth, death, and marriage certificates.

  • Go to VitalChek.com, select your state of birth, and follow the instructions. You'll need to know which county you were born in.
  • When VitalChek asks why you need the birth certificate, select "Apostille/Authentication", or "Legal Purposes" (if the first option isn't available). This ensures you receive a certified or authorized copy suitable for apostille.
  • You'll upload a valid photo ID and pay online by credit or debit card.
  • Your certified copy will then be mailed to your home address.

→ Option 2: Request In Person

If you live near your county clerk's office or your state's vital records office, you can usually request your birth certificate in person.

  • Check your state or county's website to confirm whether they accept walk-ins or require appointments.
  • Bring your photo ID and payment (check, card, or cash depending on the office).
  • Complete the application form (requirements vary by county or state).
  • Attend your appointment and submit your request.
  • In most cases, the office will mail the birth certificate to you once it's processed.

→ Option 3: Request Through Your State's Vital Records Website or by Mail

If you can't use VitalChek, you can also request your birth certificate directly from your state's or county's vital records office. Most states allow requests by mail, and some also offer online request options through their own websites.

The process is similar to requesting it in person — you'll need to:

  • Complete the application form,
  • Include payment, and
  • Mail everything to the address listed on your state's website.

Some offices may also ask you to include a prepaid return envelope so they can mail your certificate back to you.

Tip Icon

TIP! Because state websites can vary in reliability and may not always accept card payments, we generally recommend using VitalChek for convenience and faster processing.

STEP 2: GET THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE APOSTILLED

Once you receive your certified copy of the birth certificate, it must be apostilled to be valid for use outside the U.S.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an official certificate issued by a government authority confirming that a public document (such as a birth certificate) is authentic and valid for use internationally under the Hague Apostille Convention. Spain requires an apostille on all U.S. civil documents, including birth and marriage certificates.

Where to Get It

You must get the apostille from the Secretary of State's office in the state where your birth certificate was issued.

State-Specific Procedures

Each state has slightly different procedures for obtaining an apostille. Some allow in-person requests; others require you to mail in your documents. A few also offer online submission options.

Your best option is to search online for: "[Your State] birth certificate apostille instructions" and follow the directions on your Secretary of State's official website. Generally, the will ask you to mail in or appear in person with:

  • Your certified birth certificate (original document)
  • The apostille request form (available on the Secretary of State's website)
  • Payment (typically $10–$20)
  • A prepaid return envelope (if you're mailing it in)

NEED HELP?

If you have questions or need help with obtaining or apostilling your birth certificate, please reach out to our team for assistance!

Have more questions?