DMV Birth Certificate: How to Get It

Getting a copy of a Maryland or Virginia birth certificate from the state department of motor vehicles (DMV) is possible but can take time. It is important to get all your documents right and obtain an appointment beforehand to ensure a smooth and successful application.

Remember that it is not the DMV but rather the State Vital Records Office that is responsible for the issuance of your birth certificate — many applicants find it easier to obtain their birth certificate online from the relevant office.

The paperwork you need and steps that must be taken to get a DMV birth certificate copy are outlined below.

Virginia DMV Birth Certificate Application Step by Step

Individuals whose birth was registered in Virginia can obtain a certified copy of their birth certificate from relevant DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) offices.

The DMV birth certificate application was introduced in 2014 as part of State Senator Steve Newman’s legislation proposal. Thanks to this new policy, Virginia residents who wish to apply for their birth certificate in person can do so at local DMV offices without having to drive to the state vital records office in Richmond.

DMV applications have also been extended to other vital records such as marriage, divorce, and death certificates.

Here is how to take advantage of the new process.

Make a DMV birth certificate appointment

Copies of Virginia birth certificates can be obtained at all full service DMV locations, including DMV customer service centers and DMV Go mobile offices.

You should always check the opening hours before visiting and find out whether an appointment is needed.

If your birth occurred/was registered in another state, you will not be able to obtain a birth certificate copy at the DMV. Make sure that your birth certificate was issued by a Virginia vital records office before making a DMV appointment.

Please note: due to the coronavirus pandemic, government offices across the country are closed to the public and accept in-person applications by appointment only. If you do not have an appointment, you may be turned away at the door.

Go to the DMV to request your birth certificate

Once you have successfully made an appointment, visit the DMV office at the relevant time and take with you all the documents you need for the DMV birth certificate application.

At the office, you will be asked to provide your error-free application form and relevant supporting documentation.

Pay the application fee

Applying for a birth certificate at a DMV office requires the payment of a non-refundable fee. You can pay the application fee directly at the DMV office.

This is also why you should always double-check that the information you provide is correct and confirm that you are eligible to get a DMV birth certificate before submitting your application.

If there is a match in the DMV system, the DMV customer service representative may print a copy of your birth certificate on the spot. Otherwise, it will be sent to the address you provided in the application form.

How to Get a DMV Birth Certificate in Maryland

To help Maryland residents get REAL ID ready documentation, it is now possible to obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) to make the process easier.

A birth certificate is a key document needed to obtain a REAL ID driver's license. As a result, select branches of the MDOT MVA will allow Marylanders to submit paperwork and receive printed copies of their birth certificate on-site if they need a new copy.

The branches of MDOT MVA that applicants can visit to receive a new, REAL ID compliant birth certificate are as follows:

• Baltimore City
• Essex

When visiting one of the participating sites, you will need to have a completed application form and pay a small fee to get your new certified birth certificate copy.

Know What Documents You Need for a DMV Birth Certificate

To avoid having to return to the DMV office multiple times, you should arrive at your appointment with the necessary documents. These usually include:

• A completed birth certificate application form. The form features questions about your personal details and your parents’ information. You will also be asked why you are applying for the birth certificate and to confirm that all information you have submitted is true and correct.
• Acceptable proof of identity. You can provide one primary document (such as your U.S. driver’s license or passport) or 2 secondary documents (such as your health insurance card or an expired primary document.)

The documents you provide may be subject to verification with the issuing authorities — this may delay your application.

Your documents may not be accepted if there is reason to believe that they may have been altered or falsified, or if the name on your documents and the one provided on the application form do not match.

Birth Certificate at Home: Applying Online Instead

Before making an appointment, you may want to consider applying for your birth certificate online instead.

An online application can considerably reduce waiting times. It is also more convenient since you will not have to leave your home to visit a DMV office.

According to many, ordering a birth certificate online is the easiest and quickest way to obtain your document.

Moreover, if you apply with U.S. Birth Certificates, our vital records experts will review your application and make sure it is error free. This way, you will not risk having your application rejected and your fee lost due to a mistake. We will also give you customized instructions to make sure that you submit all the relevant documents that apply to your case.