Frequently Asked Questions
How can I place my order?
Click on the "State Button" for the State from which you are ordering your record.
The information for that state will be displayed including pricing, shipping and additional information.
You will be given the option to order online or by fax.
If you choose "Order by Fax", A printable form will appear. Print, complete, and fax to us along with any Identification requirements (where applicable).
Be sure to fill out all forms accurately and sign each one.
If you choose "Order Online", An online application will appear. Fill out completely and submit.
Can I get any record from any state?
You can order most types of records from most states. A few states do not allow third party companies to order some types of records, such as death and divorce.
Please check the information page for the state from where your record will be coming. You can, however, order a Birth Certificate from any state listed here.
How much will it cost, and how fast can I get it?
The cost for each state different;
the information pages for each state will contain the price for the certificate and the shipping/handling charged by that state. You will be contacted if there is a problem with your record, and we will do everything necessary to make sure that your important document is delivered to you by the times listed on the information pages.
If the charge that your records office is trying to make to your credit or debit card for the certificate and shipping/handling is declined, the records office may keep the shipping/handling charge as a processing fee, depending if this money is available on the card. The various State and County records offices vary on this issue.
The shipping times listed are provided by the state. Express Birth Records can not guarantee these times, as delays on the part of the state agency or the shipping carrier could exceed the turnaround times that are listed (although this is rare).
*Incorrect information given by the requestor could result in non-receipt of record. If your State can not find your record due to incomplete or incorrect information, they may keep your payment for a search fee and send you a No Find letter.
*Fraudulent information given could result in fines or prosecution.
*If Express Birth Records fulfills your order but you do not receive your record because of incorrect or false information, or your record is late (through no fault of ours), the Processing Fee is Non-Refundable.
What are the requirements, and what constitutes a valid I.D.?
Requirements vary from state to state; check the states information page for the required Identity Verification method. For most states, you will see Valid I.D. listed as the requirement.
This would be a copy of a state-issued photo I.D. with signature.
*The best I.D. is the valid Drivers License of the requestor. Other acceptable I.D.s could be: State Issued Photo I.D. card (non-driving), US Passport with photo and signature, US Military I.D. (please provide front and back of Military I.D.)
Many states may also accept other approved identification.
Express Birth Records will assist you with submitting
a copy of a legible I.D. before we transmit the order to the appropriate records office;
However, if the records office does not accept the copy of the I.D., or they require additional information, the records office may
charge a nominal, non-refundable processing fee (this is listed as the
"shipping/handling" fee listed on the individual State ordering pages).
If this happens, we will continue to work with you to get them the
legible copy or the information needed, so that they can process your order and ship your certificate.
How Do I provide Proof of Relation or Proof of Legal Interest?
Proof of Relation could mean an I.D. or legal paperwork stating that a person has legal right to someones record.
A Legal Interest would be someone who can prove Power of Attorney.
Explain Immediate Family Member or Legal Right.
Immediate Family Member always includes Mother and Father. Eligibility varies between states.
Legal right would mean legal guardian or lawyer with power of attorney privileges.
What does Sworn Statement Required mean?
This is the Identification requirement for orders from California or Minnesota. A printable copy of this statement is available on these State pages.
The Sworn Statement must be completed, notarized and faxed to us with your order.
The notary seal must be visible on the fax.
What must I do to prove Eligibility?
Not just anyone can order anyone elses record; eligibility means that it must be the person named on the record, family member, or a lawyer with power of attorney privileges.
What do I do if I'm not sure about the required information on the form?
We will need all of the required information on the forms to insure that you receive your order.
*If you are not sure of certain info, such as date of event (birth, death, etc.), or the city, any names, etc., we will not be able to process your record.
We suggest that you contact the State from where you believe your record to be, and they may be able to perform a search for you.
What if adopted, or had a legal name change (other than marriage)?
Generally, these are sealed records and require that you contact the State agency yourself.
How can I pay?
We accept all major credit cards, as well as bank debit cards with a Visa or MC logo.
