How to Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in Kansas

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Whether you lost your birth certificate or would simply prefer to have another, it is possible to retrieve an additional certified copy. You can also request a copy of the birth certificate of certain other people, such as your spouse or child. Kansas makes it possible to make these requests in several ways—in person, by mail or priority mail, over the phone, or online.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Applying in Person

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  1. You can request a copy of a birth certificate by going to the Curtis State Office Building (1000 SW Jackson, Ste. 120, Topeka, KS 66612), Monday-Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. [1]
  2. You must have government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport, in order to request a copy of a birth certificate. [2]
    • If you do not have photo identification, you can supply two of the following other forms of identification (showing current address, where applicable): your social security number, a bank statement, your car registration, or a pay stub. [3]
    • By showing your own photo identification or other means of verifying your identity, you can request a copy of the birth certificate of certain other people, such as your spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or legal guardian.
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  3. Fill out the application form provided by the office, according to the directions on the form. You can also download a copy of the application from the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics, print and fill it out, and bring it with you to the Curtis building.
  4. There is a $15 dollar fee for the copy of the birth certificate. You can pay in cash, by check, or with a money order.
    • Make checks or money orders payable to “Kansas Vital Statistics”
    • The $15 fee includes the cost of retrieving the certificate, and making one certified copy. If you want multiple certified copies of the birth certificate, you must pay $15 more for each additional copy.
    • Processing time is generally 15-20 minutes if there is no difficulty finding the birth certificate.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Applying by Phone

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  1. Call (785) 296-3253 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Central Time), Monday-Friday (except holidays).
  2. A representative will guide you through questions to verify your identity and to complete the application requesting a birth certificate. You will need to provide information such as your social security number, mother’s maiden name, and mailing address.
    • You can request a copy of your own birth certificate or the certificate of a relative (such as your spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or legal guardian) as long as your identity can be identified and you have equivalent information on this person.
  3. You will have to pay by credit card (American Express, Discovery, Mastercard, or Visa) the $15 fee for a certified copy of your birth certificate as well as an $11 expedited service fee to screen your call and verify your identity.
    • The $15 fee includes the cost of retrieving the certificate, and making one certified copy. If you want multiple certified copies of the birth certificate, you must pay $15 more for each additional copy.
    • Certificates will be processed 3-5 business days after the request reaches the Vital Records office.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Applying by Mail

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  1. Download and print an application form from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s website website. Fill out the application according to the instructions.
  2. If you are submitting the application by mail, include a copy of a government-issued photo identification, such as a drivers license or passport.
    • If you do not have photo identification, you can supply two of the following other forms of identification (showing current address, where applicable): your social security number, a bank statement, your car registration, or a pay stub. [4]
    • By showing your own photo identification or other means of verifying your identity, you can request a copy of the birth certificate of certain other people, such as your spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or legal guardian.
  3. Make this payable to “Kansas Vital Statistics.”
    • The $15 fee includes the cost of retrieving the certificate, and making one certified copy. If you want multiple certified copies of the birth certificate, you must pay $15 more for each additional copy.
  4. Make sure to include your payment, a copy of your identification, and the application form. Send it to: Office of Vital Statistics, Curtis State Office Building, 1000 SW Jackson, Suite 120, Topeka, KS 66612-2221.
    • Expect a processing time of 5 to 10 business days.
    • You can also send your application using any priority mail service.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Applying Online

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  1. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s works with an independent company called VitalChek to allow electronic requests for birth certificates.
    • You can find a link to VitalChek’s service via the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s website.
  2. You will be prompted to select the state and document (birth certificate) that you want to order. The VitalChek service will allow you to complete the application and verify your identity online.
    • You can request a copy of your own birth certificate or the certificate of a relative, such as your spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or legal guardian.
  3. The $15 fee per birth certificate copy can be paid online by credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, or Visa).
    • The credit card you use for the order must be in your name.
    • There is an additional fee ($11) for the online service.
    • An estimated processing time (based on your specific order) will be provided in a confirmation email from VitalChek. [5]
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      Tips

      • Applicants for a copy of a birth certificate must be 18 or older.
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      • Kansas began making official records of births on July 1, 1911.
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      • The fee for requesting a copy of a birth certificate will be retained even if no record can be found (for instance, if the record was lost or destroyed). This is to cover the cost of the search.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.kdheks.gov/vital/birth_howto_walkin.html
      2. ↑ http://www.kdheks.gov/vital/birth_howto_walkin.html
      3. ↑ http://www.kdheks.gov/vital/birth_howto_walkin.html
      4. ↑ http://www.kdheks.gov/vital/birth_howto_walkin.html
      5. ↑ https://vitalchek-solutions.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3146/session/L3RpbWUvMTQzNDU4OTgzNi9zaWQvU2ExQXI5cG0%3D

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Monica Coy

        Feb 23, 2020

        "Kansas vital statistics made it explainable. Following the steps one by one was simple."
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