Question to those who can help -

[TexasLefty29]

So my partner and I, we live down here in Texas. She was born in Sibley DC, and her birth certificate just got ruined (her birth certificate was at her parents house with her diploma, pipes burst, house condemned, now in a hotel).

Before she moved down to Texas she lost the first copy of her birth certificate in 9/11. It took her nine years to replace, I guess due to the security concerns back then etc.

So who do we call to get her birth certificate replaced, halfway across the country? Any suggestions?

[Faux pas]

1. ...

Try the birth records of the county she was born in. Good luck

[pwb]

2. The county she was born in has a record.

Bring lots of proof. It is more an in person thing I think.

[TexasLefty29]

3. Hopefully this wasn't a stupid question.

Initially I thought to call the hospital she was born at. Just figured I would ask you guys, wasn’t really looking to start googling around how to replace birth certs somewhere I don’t live. At least here, there’s context.

[handmade34]

5. there are no stupid questions...

especially when there is stress and anxiety from extenuating circumstances...

I have had to replace birth certificates and it's never easy... call the county where born

[marlakay]

9. I had to replace mine

I found out copy I thought was original wasn't, googled how to replace it from county I was born. Don't remember how long it took. I was born in CA.

[Lars39]

4. DC Records probably...

https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/birth-certificates

[soothsayer]

11. Yep and boy they were efficient last time I went (in person)

[KY_EnviroGuy]

6. Call the county clerk's office in the county where she was born.....

They charge a small fee for certified copies (probably produced from microfilm) and may need some proof of I.D. The certificate is probably actually printed by the state's archives office.

My wife who was born in '46 get one from Tennessee years ago and they mailed it to her here in KY, so it's a common thing to do.

KY

[BeerBarrelPolka]

7. I did mine online

State of Ohio, and I live in Illinois. It's not an original, but it is legal from the State of Ohio. I used it to get my RealID

[ShazzieB]

8. I got a copy of my sister's birth certificate for her last year.

She was born in Cali. We both live in Illinois. I started by googling "birth certificate california" and found my way to a website where I was able to order it online. I can't remember if I got it from the state or from the county she was born in, but I got it. It wasn't cheap, and it took weeks, but I'm sure every state/county is different.

For most places in the U.S., you can get a birth certificate from the county and/or the state's Dept. of Vital Records. These days, you can find the specifics (like contact information) online. It's really not hard at all. Good luck!

[TheBlackAdder]

10. In NJ, there's a state office of Health & Vital Statistics where you get Birth Certificate copies.

.

DC has the same: https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/birth-certificates

.

[csziggy]

12. She can order one online, but She will need to supply documetation

First go to: https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/birth-certificates and follow the prompts for either online or mail to request a certified birth certificate.

One of the pages states:

The DC Vital Records Division (DCVRD) maintains birth certificates dating back to August 1874. Birth records become public after 125 years. Death records become public after 75 years. All other birth records are closed, and certified copies may only be obtained if you are legally entitled and present the required personal documentation and fees.
https://dchealth.dc.gov/vital-records

Anyone who needs a birth certificate or other official documents can search for "Vital Records" and the locality where the event took place.

So if you're born in Washington DC, you go through their agencies. When I needed my birth certificate, My mother was able to go to the county courthouse and get it, but most states now have centralized their records so you go through the state offices. Searching for the phrase and location helps find the correct place to apply for a new copy.