Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in Arkansas

Birth certificates are often necessary for verifying a person’s identity. You may have lost your original birth certificate, or you might want an extra copy. Each state has its own process for ordering a certified copy of your birth certificate. It’s important to order the birth certificate from the state in which the birth took place. In Arkansas, birth certificates are generally available from the state’s Vital Records office. If you are doing genealogical research, you may need to contact a state or local archive or the county clerk’s office.

Steps

Ordering a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate

  1. Determine if you are eligible to order a birth certificate. Birth records can be released to the individual named on the birth certificate. They may also be released to people who are directly related to the individual, as well as legal representatives.[1][2]
    • Check the Arkansas Vital Records website to determine if you are eligible.
    • The law states that the state "shall upon written receipt of written application issue a certified copy of a vital record" to the "the registrant, his or her spouse, child, parent, or guardian or their respective authorized designated representative."
    • It goes on to say, "Others may be authorized to obtain certified copies when they demonstrate that the record is needed for the determination or protection of his or her personal or property rights." This means that potentially, anyone with a personal or property interest in a birth certificate may also be entitled to order a birth certificate.
    • The Arkansas website also specifies that "academic research groups" may also be entitled to these records.
  2. Download the order form. The order form is available online and can be downloaded and printed.
    • If you need a Birth Certificate Resulting in Stillborn Application, download this form here.
  3. Fill out the form. Provide complete information on the order form. You will need to include the full name of the individual named on the birth certificate.
    • You need to name the person’s birth name. If the person has changed his or her name, provide the original name.
    • Note your relationship to the person named on the certificate, as well as your reason for ordering the certificate.
  4. Sign the form. You must include your signature on the form. Otherwise, your form will not be processed.
  5. Include photo identification. You will need to submit a copy of your government-issued photo identification with your application. If you are submitting your application in person, you can show the photo ID to the clerk.
  6. Pay a fee. You will need to pay with cash, check or money order for the exact amount. The first copy of the certificate costs $12. Each additional copy costs $10.
    • Make checks or money orders payable to “Arkansas Department of Health.”
    • Credit cards are not accepted by Arkansas Vital Records.[3]
  7. Mail in your form or submit it in person. Your form and supporting documentation can be submitted to the Arkansas Vital Records office in Little Rock. Otherwise, you can mail in your order form.
    • Visit the office in person between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at: 4815 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. If you arrive before 4:00 p.m., you may be able to get same-day service.
    • Mail your form and documentation to: Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records, Slot 44, 4815 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.
    • You will receive a copy of your birth certificate in 4-6 weeks.
  8. Place an expedited order. If you need a copy of the birth certificate quickly, you can place an Express Service order over the phone or online. These orders go through VitalChek, a service provider that contracts with state health departments to provide vital records.
    • Order the birth certificate by visiting the VitalChek website. You can also call VitalChek at (866) 209-9482. Be sure to have all your information ready.

Ordering a Pre-1914 Birth Certificate

  1. Know that anyone can order a pre-1914 birth certificate. Arkansas birth records that are over 100 years old can be ordered by anyone. You do not need a direct relationship or legal authority to order a copy.[1]
  2. Check with Arkansas Vital Records. Arkansas Vital Records only kept limited birth records prior to February 1, 1914. If you are looking for a birth certificate prior to this date, figure out some of the most logical places that might have birth records.
    • Arkansas Vital Records has some birth records for dates prior to 1914. This office also has some Little Rock and Fort Smith birth records from 1881 onward.[1]
  3. Talk with your county clerk’s office. Birth records dating before 1914 may also be obtained from the county in which the birth happened. Check with the county clerk’s office.
  4. Check with state and local archives, museums and libraries. If you can’t find the birth records you’re looking for at the Vital Records office or your county clerk’s office, check with a state or local archive, museum, or library. These facilities may have records that date back much earlier than 1914.
  5. Place your order by mail or internet. If you have identified that the birth record is available through Arkansas Vital Records, you can place your order by mail or online. The office prefers that genealogical or family history research applications are not submitted in person.

Tips

  • If you have additional questions, call the Arkansas Department of Health at (501) 661-2000 or (800) 462-0599.

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Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsServices/certificatesVitalRecords/Pages/BirthRecords.aspx
  2. ↑ http://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/2010/title-20/subtitle-2/chapter-18/subchapter-3/20-18-305
  3. ↑ http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsServices/certificatesVitalRecords/Pages/default.aspx#Birth
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