Georgia Birth Records

Birth records are vital documents that provide official proof of a person's birth. Georgia began recording births in January 1919. While records pre-dating 1919 are typically available only at the county or state archives.

Many states, including Georgia, offer variations in the format of birth certificates:

• Long-Form Birth Certificate: The long-form birth certificate is a detailed version of the birth record that includes comprehensive information such as the registrant's name, date, time, and place of birth, gender, birth weight, parental information, and attending physician information. It is essential for legal purposes where complete information is necessary.
• Short-Form Birth Certificate: The short-form birth certificate is the condensed version of the birth certificate that provides only essential information, typically the registrant's full name, date of birth, and place of birth. It does not include detailed information such as parental information. It is used for non-legal purposes, such as background checks and administrative matters where detailed information is not required.

Georgia also provides two primary types of birth certificate copies:

• The Authorized Copy: This is the official copy of your birth record produced directly from the state's permanent records. It typically bears an embossed seal and signature from the state registrar or an authorized official. The authorized copy of birth records in Georgia is legally valid and is required for most official or legal transactions, such as applying for a passport or a name change.
• The Information Copy: It is an unofficial copy that contains the same information as the authorized copy but lacks the official certification, seal, and signature. It is used for personal reference, genealogical research, or situations where legal validation is not required.

How To Order a Georgia Birth Certificate?

Birth records for individuals born from 1919 onwards are maintained by the Georgia Department of Public Health State Office of Vital Records. You may request the record in person or by mail. To order birth records from the Department, fill out the Request for Search of Birth Form. Drop off the form in person or mail it to the State Office of Vital Records at:

You may also order birth records from your local county office. Obtain and fill out the birth certificate request form, usually available in the county clerk's office in the Probate Court where the birth occurred. Mail or drop off the application form and supporting documents, including a valid photo ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and the fees.

Older births occurring prior to 1919 are usually held by the Georgia Archives. The website provides access to genealogical and delayed birth certificates. To access birth records on the platform, visit the Georgia Archives Virtual Vault and use the search function to locate birth records by name, county, and date. You may also request the record in person or by mail.

The cost of a certified copy of the birth record from Georgia's DPH is $25 for the first copy and $5 per additional certified copy ordered. Local county offices have their fee schedule and may provide birth records for $15 to $25. Lastly, while searching online records is often free, using the state's archives is free, but obtaining copies may incur a fee.

Are Birth Records Public in Georgia?

Birth records are not public records in Georgia. The certified copies of birth certificates, which contain personal identifiers, are considered confidential in Georgia. This means birth records are not available for unrestricted access. The state limits access to birth records to protect personal data, preventing identity fraud. Therefore, access to public records in Georgia is restricted to eligible individuals.

Who Can Order A Birth Certificate in Georgia?

Under Georgia law, birth certificates are considered confidential records and may only be ordered by a limited group of individuals with a direct, legal interest in the information. Persons eligible to order birth certificates in Georgia include:

• The individual named on the birth certificate
• Immediate family members, such as parents, spouse, adult siblings, adult children, and grandparents
• Legal guardian acting on behalf of the record holder
• Attorney or any legally authorized representatives
• State or federal government officials
• Persons with a bona fide legal need, typically supported by a court order

How Long Does it Take to Get A Georgia Birth Certificate?

The processing times for obtaining a Georgia birth certificate depend largely on the method you choose to order the record. If you mail the required request form along with the fees to the State Office of Vital Records, expect the processing time of between 8 to 10 weeks. On the other hand, visiting a county clerk's office or the State Office of Vital Records in person may allow for same-day service. Expedited orders for Georgia birth certificates are typically processed within 7 business days.

Where Can I Find Georgia Birth Records for Free?

While certified copies of Georgia birth certificates are restricted to eligible individuals, there are several resources where non-eligible individuals or members of the general public can access informational copies or indexes of birth for free. Although not certified for legal purposes, informational copies of birth records can be valuable for research or genealogical research.

The National Vital Records Archives maintains historical records that may include older birth records and indexes. Similarly, the Georgia DPH website provides access to information data and search indexes on birth records. Websites like Ancestry.comor Familysearch.orgoffer free access to ancestry databases and genealogy resources. Lastly, third-party websites such as PublicRecords.us aggregate public data, including birth records, and may offer free access to non-certified birth record information.

When Would I Need My Georgia Birth Records?

A Georgia birth certificate is a legal document that serves as the foundation for establishing your identity and citizenship. Birth records are significant and are typically required in the following situations:

• Applying for a passport and international travel.
• Obtaining a Social Security card.
• Applying for a driver's license or state identification.
• Verifying your age and identity when enrolling in school or applying to colleges and universities.
• Applying for a legal name change whether through marriage, divorce, or a court order.
• Prove your identity and citizenship for employment purposes.
• During legal proceedings, such as establishing the identity of heirs in estate matters.
• Applying for Social Security benefits, Medicaid, or federal or state assistance programs.

How Much is A Replacement Birth Certificate in Georgia?

A replacement birth certificate is essential when your original document is stolen, damaged, lost, or rendered unusable. You can request a replacement birth certificate through the Georgia DPH or your local vital records office. The process is similar to obtaining the original birth certificate, and it involves gathering the necessary information, including a valid photo ID, the official request form, and paying the fees. The fee is the same as obtaining the initial copy of the birth records, usually $25.

When Can the Public Access Georgia Birth Certificates?

Birth records are confidential and are publicly unavailable in Georgia. Per state law, birth certificates for individuals born more than 100 years ago are generally classified as public records. Therefore, once birth records are over 100 years old, they are generally considered public and can be accessed by anyone.

How To Correct an Error on a Georgia Birth Certificate?

You may correct minor clerical errors on birth certificates directly at the Georgia DPH. The state permits two types of correction to birth records: Current Year Correction and General Amendments. Current Year Corrections are corrections made within one year of the child's birth, while General Amendments are changes made to birth records after one year.

To correct an error on your Georgia birth certificate, complete the Affidavit of Current Year Correction or the Affidavit for Amendment. Submit the required evidence to support the correction and a valid photo ID. There is no fee to correct a current year birth record. However, persons correcting birth records older than one year may pay the amendment fee of $10 and an additional $25 to obtain a certified copy of the corrected birth record.

Does Georgia Provide Non-binary Birth Certificates?

Georgia does not currently provide a non-binary or gender-neutral option on birth certificates. Under Georgia law, individuals may amend the gender marker on their birth certificate from male (M) to female (F) or female (F) to male (M). However, the state does not currently allow for gender-neutral designation.