Getting certified copies of vital records can take time, especially documents like birth certificates, and passports.
For important deadlines like school enrollment or applying for social security benefits, you may need an urgent copy of your US birth certificate, or a new passport for last minute travel. If you need a certified document in a hurry, this post explains:
- The best ways to ensure your vital records request is processed quickly
- How to get an official birth certificate issued the same day or overnight
- The expedited process for US passport renewal
How to Avoid Rejected or Delayed Birth Certificate Applications
The fastest way to get a US birth certificate issued is to avoid common issues that cause applications to be delayed. That way, you can bypass these possible setbacks and get your legally valid birth certificate issued on the first try.
Whether your birth certificate was lost or stolen, or you simply need an additional copy, be mindful of the following in order to get your document issued fast and reduce unnecessary setbacks.
Errors on your birth certificate application
Mistakes, typos, and inconsistencies in the data entered on a birth certificate application form more often than not result in rejected applications.
This means that you’ll have paid the issuance fees and waited for the necessary processing time (as well as shipping time in some cases) only to have your request refused.
The best way to prevent this is to carefully reread all the data you have entered in your birth certificate replacement application and then have an expert review your application before you submit it.
Your birth certificate application form will be verified and returned to you mistake-free in under 24 hours with personalized instructions that will help you obtain your vital record.
Whether you choose to submit your birth certificate request online, via mail, or in person at the vital records office of your choice, you can do so with confidence that your application will be filled.
Incomplete applications
Another factor that may delay your birth certificate application being processed is missing documentation.
Incomplete applications cannot be filled, so making sure you present the appropriate identification documents, clearly photocopied on both sides, also helps ensure your request is processed directly.
Rejected applications due to missing or incorrect documentation can be easily avoided by following our personalized instructions once you receive your revised complete application package.
Incorrect vital records office
Another situation that often results in birth certificate applications being delayed or refused is applying at the wrong vital records office. It's essential to submit your birth certificate request to the vital records office in the state where the birth was registered.
That said, choosing the right office, amongst those in the appropriate state, can also make a difference in birth certificate turnaround time.
The Quickest Way To Get a US Birth Certificate
Here's a step-by-step guide to get your birth certificate issued in record time:
- Complete the birth certificate request form: Fill out your birth certificate application online. Our experts will verify it and provide you with a mistake-free application package.
- Prepare your application for submission: Print, sign and pack your birth certificate application package with the appropriate. You'll also need clear photocopies of acceptable government-issued photo ID, as per our personalized instructions.
- Turn in your application for processing: Submit your application by mail, where rush service is available (details below) or in-person, where walk-in same-day birth certificate issuance is available.
Fast mail-in birth certificate application
A few states, including Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, and North Dakota, as well as the District of Columbia, have rush service available. Depending on your location, this may allow you to get your birth certificate issued on the next business day or within 1 to 3 business days.
In this case, birth certificates are shipped to you by expedited courier service for an additional fee.
Some states may require you to submit proof of urgency to get this expedited service. Call the bureau to ask whether this is necessary.
Make sure to include a self-addressed stamped expedited envelope for the agency to be able to quickly return your birth certificate once it is issued.
Using a trusted express shipping service allows you to not only receive your birth certificate faster, but also to track the envelope until it safely reaches your door.
Top tip: Although the state vital records office may be closer, certain smaller local bureaus may have shorter waiting times. This could be due to a lower number of birth certificate requests or other factors, so check city offices or county recorders for the quickest service.
Getting your birth certificate in person
States such as Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, amongst others, offer same-day walk-in birth certificate issuance.
Quick birth certificates can be issued on the spot or in a few hours if you:
- Arrive sufficiently early within office hours and are willing to patiently wait in line
- Are eligible to obtain the birth certificate
- Carry all the necessary documents —including correctly filled-out birth certificate application form, acceptable photo identification as well as clear photocopies of the necessary IDs
- Pay the appropriate fees in a payment form acceptable by the bureau —some offices do not accept credit cards
- Are requesting a birth record that is stored on-site —some may be stored in a separate location, which would lengthen the processing time
It is advisable to contact the local health department in the county where the birth occurred to get information on service hours, current turnaround time and walk-in service availability.
Same-day birth certificate walk-in service
States such as Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, amongst others, offer same-day certificate services for walk-ins.
You may get your request issued on the spot or in a few hours if you:
- Arrive sufficiently early and are willing to wait in line
- Are eligible to obtain the birth certificate
- Carry all the necessary documents — including correctly filled-out birth certificate application form, acceptable photo ID, and clear photocopies of the necessary documents
- Pay the appropriate fees — be aware that some offices do not accept credit cards
- Are requesting a birth record that is stored on-site — some may be stored in a separate location, which would lengthen the processing time
Contact the local health department to get information on service hours, current turnaround time and walk-in service availability.
Get Your US Passport Overnight or on the Same Day
Whether you’re applying for a US passport for the first time, or need a renewal, follow these steps to ensure the process is as quick as possible:
- Make an appointment at the Regional Passport Agency
Try to reserve a spot for the following day. You may have to inquire at more than one office to find the earliest available slot.
- Download and fill out the application form
You’ll need Form DS-82 for a passport renewal or Form DS-11 for a first-time passport. Get your form from the Passport, Applications, and Forms section of travel.state.gov
- Attend your appointment
Make sure to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. You must bring your completed application form, passport photos, old passport (if renewing), and government-issued ID.
At your appointment, you’ll also need to pay the fee for your passport issuance. If you’re using the expedited service, there’s usually an extra cost. Some agencies do not accept card payment, so cash may be required.
To benefit from an express service, many offices request proof of urgency, such as flight tickets for travel in the following days.
For more information on how to apply for a passport, read our quick guide on birth certificate requirements to obtain a passport.
