Registering the birth and ordering the certificate

What's free, what costs money, deadlines in each state, and who can register.

1. 1

   Know the difference: registration vs certificate

   Registering the birth is free and legally required. The birth certificate is the official document you order separately — and it costs a fee. Most families need both.

2. 2

   Don't miss your state's deadline

   Each state sets its own deadline for registering (commonly 60 days). Late registration is possible but slower and can involve extra steps.

3. 3

   Gather what the form asks for

   Both parents' details (names, birthplaces, occupations), the hospital's birth notification, and ID. If you're a single parent or your circumstances are unusual, the registry site explains the extra steps.

4. 4

   Register online with your state registry

   Each state has its own Births, Deaths and Marriages registry — use your state's official site, not a third-party service that charges extra.

5. 5

   Order the certificate at the same time

   Most states let you add a certificate to the registration. Order at least one official copy — you'll need it for passports, school enrolment and some bank accounts.