How to Get a Birth Certificate From Washington, DC

Order by Mail

• 1). Download a copy of the birth certificate application form. Fill out the required information including the full name listed on the certificate, the date of birth, city and county of birth, father's full name, mother's full maiden name and your relationship to the person listed on the certificate. You can also mail a letter in place of the application form so long as it includes all of this information.
  
  
• 2). Provide your contact information and mailing address, as well as a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE). Compose a check payable to the DC Treasurer in the amount of $23 (in 2010) per certificate.
  
  
• 3). Mail your application, a copy of your photo identification, a check and your SASE to:
  
  Vital Records Division
  
  825 N. Capital St., NE
  
  Washington, DC 20002
  
  Your copy is mailed to you within two weeks.
  
  

Order in Person

• 1). Visit the Vital Records Division of the Washington, DC Department of Health during office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  
  
• 2). Provide all of the information listed on the birth certificate as well as your photo identification to the clerk assisting you.
  
  
• 3). Wait 15 to 20 minutes, which is the amount of time walk-in requests take to fulfill, and pay for your copies with a check, money order, cash, Visa or Mastercard.
  
  

Order Online

• 1). Click on the link to the VitalChek website provided by the Washington, DC Department of Health to order a birth certificate online.
  
  
• 2). Answer each of the questions asked of you. Incomplete answers will prevent you from proceeding with your order.
  
  
• 3). Provide all of the necessary information regarding your shipping address and preferred shipping method. Provide your credit card information and review your order before submitting it. Your birth certificate is mailed to you in the time frame specified by your chosen shipping method.