How long does it take to receive your birth certificate

Table of Contents Show

Processing times
Common cause of delays
What if my certificate hasn't arrived?
What is the fastest I can get my birth certificate?
How long does it take to get a new birth certificate in USA?
How do I get my baby's birth certificate in Virginia?
How do I get my baby's birth certificate in Missouri?

NYC is a trademark and service mark of the City of New York

Echuca and Seymour Justice Service Centres are currently closed due to the ongoing flood event.

Your certificate is an important document. We aim to get it to you as quickly as possible.

Processing times

When you apply for a certificate or registration, we email you details of documents you need to provide. Our processing times start when we receive all required documents.

If you didn’t receive an email after applying, contact us.

Common cause of delays

The most common cause of delays is not providing certified proof of identity documents.

We can only accept copies of identity documents that have been certified by authorised people (External link).

This helps ensure we keep the personal information of Victorians accurate and secure. We only release it to those with a genuine right to receive it.

Turnaround times for certificates and registrations

Type of application	Processing time
Certificate	21 days (3 weeks)
Birth registration and certificate for newborns	56 days (8 weeks)
Death registration and certificate in the last 3 months	7 days (1 week)
Marriage registration and certificate for newlyweds	28 days (4 weeks)
Relationship registration and certificate*	35 days (5 weeks)
Change of name registration and certificate	77 days (11 weeks)
Correction to a certificate	77 days (11 weeks)
Commemorative birth certificate	28 days (4 weeks)

Allow extra time for:

Public holidays
Postage:
- 6 working days for registered or standard post
- 2 working day for most express post

If you order legal and commemorative certificates together, we post them separately.

*The law requires a 28-day cooling off period when registering a domestic relationship. We can’t issue a certificate until 28 calendar days have passed and we have registered the relationship.

What if my certificate hasn't arrived?

If it hasn't arrived after two months, report a late or missing certificate.

Processing times refers to the length of time that it takes Vital Records to process your application from the date we receive your complete application. General processing times are listed below. If your application exceeds the published processing times, you can call us to inquire about the status of your application.

Processing times may be delayed due to application information issues. Additional processing time may be required for applications that involve items such as the following: Genealogical requests, subpoenas, court orders, or power of attorneys.

Application for a Birth Certificate

Online orders placed through mycertificates.health.pa.gov: Approximately 2 weeks
Paper applications mailed to the Division of Vital Records: Approximately 2 weeks

Application for a Death Certificate

Online orders placed through mycertificates.health.pa.gov: Approximately 3 weeks
Paper applications mailed to the Division of Vital Records: Approximately 3 weeks

Adoptee's Application for a Noncertified Copy of Original Birth Record

Paper applications mailed to the Division of Vital Records: Approximately 45 days

Requests to Modify a Birth Record

Requests submitted with complete and accurate information:

Infant (Age Less Than 1 Year Old): Approximately 28 weeks
Child (Age 1 Year to Less Than 7 Years Old): Approximately 30 weeks
Child (Age 7 Years to Less Than 14 Years Old): Approximately 26 weeks
Child (Age 14 Years to Less Than 18 Years Old): Approximately 44 weeks
Adult (Age 18 Years Old and Above): Approximately 44 weeks
Adoption: Approximately 6 weeks
Parentage: Approximately 27 weeks

Suspension of Requests (due to issues such as eligibility concerns, incomplete or conflicting information, missing signatures, missing documentary evidence, and/or lack of payment):

Infant (Age Less Than 1 Year Old): Approximately 45 weeks
Child (Age 1 Year to Less Than 7 Years Old): Approximately 45 weeks
Child (Age 7 Years to Less Than 14 Years Old): Approximately 30 weeks
Child (Age 14 Years to Less Than 18 Years Old): Approximately 45 weeks
Adult (Age 18 Years Old and Above): Approximately 52 weeks
Adoption: Approximately 21 weeks
Parentage: Approximately 48 weeks

Requests to Modify a Death Record

Requests submitted with complete and accurate information: Approximately 8 weeks
Suspension of Requests (due to issues such as eligibility concerns, incomplete or conflicting information, missing signatures or missing documentary evidence): Approximately 12 Weeks

What is the fastest I can get my birth certificate?

It typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to receive your certified birth certificate copy in the mail. If you need your replacement sooner, premium services such as VitalRecordsOnline.com offer a Rush Package with expedited shipping. Some states may even be able to provide a copy within 2-3 business days.

How long does it take to get a new birth certificate in USA?

Once you have ordered a birth certificate online, the times it takes for the vital records office to process your request will vary depending on your city, county or state of birth. Generally speaking, it will take from 4 to 8 weeks between the day you order the certificate and the day you receive it.

How do I get my baby's birth certificate in Virginia?

Certified copies of Virginia vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce) are available for purchase at all full service DMV locations, which include DMV customer service centers and DMV 2 Go mobile offices.

How do I get my baby's birth certificate in Missouri?

Take to your local public health agency, schedule an appointment to visit the Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City, or mail request. Call the Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City to schedule an in-person appointment at 573-751-6387 or text 573-291-8290.