Birth Certificates

All Requests for birth records MUST INCLUDE a copy (front and back) of your driver's license/state issued identification. Applications will be returned without legible required documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much does a birth certificate cost?
A. The cost for a single certified copy is $12.00. Each additional certified copy (same visit) are $5.00 (same application).

Q. Can I obtain my birth certificate if I was born in any county in Florida?
A. Yes

Q. What years of birth certificates may be obtained?
A. Certificates of birth occurring within the State of Florida are available from 1917 to present. If you were born in Florida prior to 1917, you may contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics at (904)359-6900.

Q. Can I pay for a birth certificate with a credit card?
A. Yes, we accept Visa and MasterCard at this time. You may come in person, fax or mail your completed application. Valid photo identification is required.

Q. How long does it take to obtain my birth certificate once you receive my application?
A. We process the application the same day that it is received whether it is in person, via mail or fax.

Q. If I was born in a state other than Florida, may I obtain my birth certificate in your office?
A. We can provide you with an application for the state you were born in. We only have access to Florida birth records. You may also go to the CDC website to obtain and print out an application for other states.

Q. Who is authorized to receive a copy of my birth certificate?
A. Under current Florida Statute 382.025, only the following people may receive a birth certificate.
1. Person who is listed on the birth record and is over 18 years old.
2. Parent(s) listed on the birth record.
3. Legal guardian with proper documentation.
4. Other person(s) by court order and with recorded or certified copy of court order.

Q. What if I need someone who is not authorized to obtain my birth certificate for me?
A. If you are eligible to receive the record, complete an Authorization to Release form (DH1958). In addition to form DH1958, we will need your photo identification, along with the photo identification of the individual being authorized to receive the certificate.

Q. How do I order a new or replacement Social Security Card?
A. You may call Social Security Administration at (800)866-7594 or visit their website www.ssa.gov.

Place An Order

NOTE: Under current Florida Statutes, only the following people may receive birth certificates.

1. Person who is listed on the birth record and is over 18 years old.
2. Parent(s) listed on the birth record.
3. Legal guardian with proper documentation.
4. Other person(s) by court order with recorded or certified copy of court order.

Application for Florida Birth - English | Spanish

WALK-IN
Applications are accepted in person at either of our two locations. You will complete an application and will need to provide valid identification.

BY MAIL
A completed signed application.
Valid photo identification. Please check with our office if you have a question about your form of identification.
Payment by check, money order or credit card.
Mail request to Florida Department of Health in Sumter County, P.O. Box 98, Bushnell, FL 33513.

BY FAX
Completed signed application,
Valid photo identification. Please check with our office if you have a question about your form of identification.  Fax request to Sumter County Health Department at FAX (352) 339-7360.

Order Online Through VitalChek using your credit card
VitalChek® is the only vendor recommended by the Florida Department of Health. VitalChek® is a 3rd party service, not affiliated with the Florida Department of Health. As such, fees charged by VitalChek® may be different than fees charged when ordering directly through your local health department office.

NOTE: All fax orders must be paid by credit card. We accept Visa or MasterCard.  All Requests for birth records and death records including cause of death MUST INCLUDE a copy (front and back) of your driver's license/state issued identification. Applications will be returned without legible required documents.

Amendments

If a birth record contains an error, it may be possible to correct the record. Depending on the type of correction and the age of the registrant, documentary evidence may be required to support the correction. All amendments are processed through the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Please visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics for more information.

If you need assistance with your request for an amendment to a vital record, call the Bureau of Vital Statistics at (904)359-6900, Extension 9005.

Paternity Acknowledgment

A father's name may be added to his child's birth record only in the case where the mother was unmarried at the time of the child's birth and no father is listed on the birth record.
-Notarized signatures of both parents are required.

For additional information, please visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

If you need assistance with your request for an amendment to a vital record, call the Bureau of Vital Statistics at (904)359-6900, Extension 9004.

Putative Father's Registry

The purpose of the Putative Father Registry is to permit a man alleging to be the biological father of a child to assert his parentage, independent of the mother, and preserve his rights as a parent.

A Florida Putative Father Registry Claim is done without the consent or involvement of the mother. The registry is where the putative father claim is filed and recorded. The putative father's name is not added to the birth record. Should the child be placed for adoption the putative father must be named a party to the adoption proceedings.

Related forms can be obtained at the Florida Department of Health in Sumter County. Questions regarding the Putative Father Registry can be answered by the Adoption Unit, call (904)359-6900, extension 9001 or on the website at: https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-and-registries/certificates/birth/Putative_Father/index.html

Katherine's Law

In 2006, Florida's governor signed into law legislation that allows for the issuance of a certification for a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth. This law, section 382.0085, Florida Statutes, is known as Katherine's Law. Florida is the 14th state to implement such a law.

The Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth is not proof of live birth and may not be used to establish identity. Gestation must be 20 weeks or more, and there must be a fetal death certificate on file with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in order for a stillbirth certificate to be prepared. The information included on the still birth certificate comes from the fetal death certificate.

Issuance is from the Bureau of Vital Statistics only; county offices can not issue this certificate. An informational brochure is available for the funeral director, physician, medical examiner, hospital, and parents. For questions, families should contact the state office at (904)359-6900.

Apostille Certificates

Apostille birth certificates are those prepared to give to foreign countries.

The following situations are examples of when an Apostille birth certificate may be required.

• Transferred by your employer to a foreign county,
• Wanting to marry in a foreign country,or
• Adopting a child in a foreign country.

For more information and forms that are needed, visit Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics website: Apostille/Exemplified