But if you lost your certificate, or need extra copies, it can be a real hassle to get one.

In order to get a certified copy of a birth certificate, you have to file a formal request with your state government. Unfortunately, it's not an easy process. You have to fill out the request form, have it notarized if necessary, print and sign it, and mail it along with copies of your government-issued ID and a check/money order to your state Vital Records office.

DoNotPay is here to save you from another trip to the post office and bank.

Through our Birth Certificates product, we'll walk you through several questions and generate a completed request form. Once you confirm that everything is correct, we'll mail it to the state records office with a check to cover the application fee on your behalf.

If the application requires a notarization, we'll help you schedule an online appointment through our virtual Notary product.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to the Birth Certificates product on DoNotPay.

2. Select who the certificate is for (you or a loved one). If you are requesting a copy of someone else's certificate, enter their personal details, and upload evidence that proves your relationship.

3. Enter the location you or your loved one was born in, so we can complete the form specific to your state.

4. Enter the name(s) of the parent(s) as displayed on the certificate.*

5. Indicate what you will be using this certificate for, and choose whether you need an authorized or certified copy.

6. Enter your contact information and shipping address. Upload copies of your government-issued identification, such as a driver's license.

7. Choose whether you would like to electronically sign this form or not. Once we generate the form, verify that all of the information is correct

8. If you need the document to be notarized, schedule a notarization appointment using our Notary product. Otherwise, proceed to our Mail Checks product and let DoNotPay mail-in your request form with a check on your behalf.*

And that's it! Your birth certificate copy request will be sent and on its way! You should hear back from them within a few weeks with updates once your request has been processed.