People request a birth records search for many reasons. Since most Americans receive birth certificates at birth, searching for public birth records is quite easy. This search can be an online birth record search, vital record search, public birth record search and even a hospital birth records inquiry.
There are many options when considering commencement to search birth certificates and records. Many of these cost a significant amount of money, while others are low cost or free. The reasons for the most common types of birth record searches are:
1. To trace and learn more about a person's ancestry. By searching and finding birth certificates, your clients can learn a lot about the lineage of a family. You can perform this type of search via the Internet.
2. To find information concerning adoptions. These records may provide important information regarding the biological parents of a person. Some of these records might have the names of both the mother and father of the individual.
3. To get accurate background information to determine if people are who they claim to be.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Look up vital records with an online people search
If your search is limited to birthdates, many free services will help you find what you need. Most of this information comes from government resources and databases. To find an accurate match, you need the full name and approximate age of the person. A more extensive search provides details such as relatives, property ownership and even a criminal report.
I recommend: To find birth dates for free, visit
BirthDatabase.com. A more extensive people search is available through
NetSleuth.com. Packages here range from $8 to $40, depending on the information you need. The more information you want, the more you can expect to pay.
Expect to pay for added information when you conduct a birth records search
Many websites claim to have extensive databases, but will not allow you to sample them unless you pay a fee for a "trial" period. Other sites entice you by coming up with "search results" on the person you are searching for, but will not give you the information without buying it.
I recommend: Gov Resources is a large search engine that gives you access to millions of records. To gain access to their records, you can choose from one year of unlimited access or five years of unlimited access, all ranging from $20 to $30. The National Association of Independent Private Investigators endorses it. Another highly regarded resource
Public Records Pro. There are links to everything you might need to help conduct a legitimate online birth record search at a cost of $3 per month.
Explore public information sources to find birth records free or at minimal cost
Most states require that applications for a copy of a birth certificate must include the person's signature and all fees where appropriate. Most states allow your client to file this application via a website, by e-mail or by telephone.
I recommend: To find out the application process for each state, query the
National Center for Health Statistics. Click on the state where the birth occurred to determine the cost to receive a birth certificate from that local health department. Another resource is
VitalChek, which is a "pay" service that allows you to order certified copies of birth certificates (that contain the appropriate government seal) for all immediate family members in the United States and in Puerto Rico. The fee for an official birth record depends on the state issuing the certificate, but it typically ranges from $20 to $50.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Access to birth certificates is limited to the person whose name is on the certificate, a legal guardian or parent, a grandparent and/or an adult child.
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