Rush service (or expedited processing service) lets you obtain a vital record, such as a birth certificate, from state vital records departments faster for an additional fee.
Specifically, rush service expedites the certificate’s internal printing and preparation, as well as the state’s internal reviewing procedure.
Some states offer expedited shipping in addition to, or instead of, rush service. This means a faster delivery process via the chosen courier (e.g., UPS, FedEx, Priority Mail Express or Next Day Air). However, the turnaround time still varies by state.
The specific fee you pay also depends on several factors, including the type of document you request and your state. This is separate from the record’s actual cost. In some cases, this will actually cost more than the base fee (such as in Alaska and North Carolina).
Read more: Birth certificates processing times
