Where Can I Get A Birth Certificate In Connecticut.

To obtain a birth certificate in Connecticut, you have several options depending on your preference for speed, convenience, and cost. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:

1. State Vital Records Office

• Where to Apply: You can request a certified copy of a birth certificate from the State Vital Records Office, which holds records for all births in Connecticut since July 1, 1897.
• How to Apply: Applications can be submitted by mail or in person. In-person requests are processed faster, but the office has specific walk-in hours (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). The mailing address and detailed instructions are available on the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s website.
• Cost: The fee for a state-issued birth certificate is $30 per copy.
• Processing Time: Processing times at the state level can be lengthy, up to 12 weeks in some cases.

2. Town Vital Records Office

• Where to Apply: If you know the town where the birth occurred, you can request the certificate from that town’s Vital Records Office. This is often quicker than going through the state.
• How to Apply: You can apply in person, by mail, or online (in some towns). Online applications are typically processed through third-party vendors like VitalChek, which may charge additional service fees.
• Cost: Town-issued birth certificates are generally $20 per copy.
• Processing Time: Requests are usually processed faster at the town level than at the state level​.

3. Online via VitalChek

• How to Apply: You can order a birth certificate online through VitalChek, the only third-party vendor authorized by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. This option is convenient for those who prefer online transactions.
• Cost: The fee is the same as the state or town offices, but additional processing and shipping fees apply.
• Processing Time: Online requests can be processed faster than mail-in requests, but turnaround times vary depending on the office handling your request.

4. In-Person at Town or City Hall

• How to Apply: For those who prefer face-to-face service, you can visit the town or city hall of the town where the birth occurred. Many offices accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, cash, and money orders.
• Cost: Fees are generally $20, but may vary slightly depending on the town.
• Processing Time: Immediate or same-day processing is often available for in-person requests​.

Important Considerations:

• Eligibility: Only certain individuals are eligible to request a birth certificate, such as the person named on the certificate, parents, legal guardians, and specific relatives. Proof of identity and eligibility is required.
• Required Documentation: You’ll need a valid government-issued photo ID, and in some cases, additional proof of relationship may be necessary​.