Access Connecticut Birth Records
Connecticut birth records are vital documents that prove your identity and citizenship. The State Vital Records Office in Hartford keeps all birth certificates from July 1, 1897 to the present. You can also get birth documents from the town clerk where the birth took place. Many people need these records for passports, school enrollment, or driver licenses. This guide shows you how to find and order certified copies of Connecticut birth certificates.
Connecticut Birth Records Quick Facts
Where to Find Connecticut Birth Certificates
You have two main choices for getting birth records in Connecticut. The State Vital Records Office issues certified copies for births from 1897 to now. Their office sits at 410 Capitol Avenue in Hartford. You can visit in person on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Walk-in hours are limited. Many people prefer to order by mail or use the online system instead.
The second option is the town clerk where the birth took place. Each of Connecticut's 169 towns has a registrar of vital statistics. These local offices keep birth records for their own towns. Town clerks can issue copies for $20 each. This is cheaper than the state fee of $30. Town offices often process requests faster than the state office too.
Where you request from depends on when the birth occurred. For births on or after January 1, 2003, you may use any town vital records office in Connecticut. For births before 2003, you must request from the town where the birth happened. You may also request from the town where the mother lived at the time of birth. The state office can handle all requests regardless of date.
Note: Some special records must come from the state office only. These include foreign birth adoption certificates, stillbirth certificates, and fetal death certificates. Town offices cannot issue these documents.
How to Request Birth Records in Connecticut
Connecticut gives you several ways to order birth certificates. The method you pick depends on how fast you need the document and what you prefer. Each option has different fees and time frames. All methods require proper identification.
Online ordering is the fastest way to get birth records. The state uses VitalChek Network as its only approved third-party vendor. Visit vitalchek.com to place your order. You can order any time of day. Extra service fees apply on top of the state or town fees. Most online orders process within days rather than weeks.
Mail requests work well if you are not in a rush. Complete the application form from the state or town office. Include a photocopy of your government-issued photo ID. Send a money order for the correct fee amount. Mail everything to the State Vital Records Office at 410 Capitol Avenue, MS#11VRS, Hartford, CT 06106. State processing can take up to twelve weeks.
In-person visits let you walk out with your certificate. Visit the State Vital Records Office during their open hours. Bring photo ID and payment. The office accepts cash or money orders. Credit and debit cards are accepted with a $2.50 extra fee. Town clerk offices also take walk-ins during normal business hours. Call ahead to confirm hours and payment options.
Who Can Request Connecticut Birth Records
Birth records in Connecticut are not public documents. State law keeps them confidential for 100 years. This means not just anyone can get a copy of your birth certificate. The rules are strict to protect your identity and prevent fraud.
You can get your own birth certificate if you are 18 or older. You can also get the birth certificate for your child. Other eligible people include parents, grandparents, legal guardians, and spouses. Adult children and adult grandchildren may also request copies. Attorneys representing eligible parties can get copies too. Members of Connecticut genealogical societies have access for research purposes. State and federal agency agents may request records for official business.
Records that are 100 years old or older are open to the public. Anyone can request these historical birth documents. The Connecticut State Library maintains many older records. Genealogists often search these archives for family history research.
If you request a birth certificate for someone else, you must prove your relationship. Bring documents that show you are eligible. This might include a marriage certificate for spouses. Parents can show their own birth certificates or the child's birth certificate listing them. The office staff will verify your status before releasing any records.
ID Requirements for Birth Records Requests
All requests for certified copies must include proper identification. The state wants to make sure birth records go to the right people. This protects against identity theft and fraud. Bring your ID when visiting in person. Include a photocopy when mailing your request.
The main form of ID is a valid government-issued photo ID. This includes a driver license, state ID card, or passport. The ID must show your name, date of birth, signature, and an expiration date. Make sure your ID is not expired.
You may use alternative ID if you do not have a photo ID. Bring two documents from the approved list. Options include your Social Security card, automobile registration, utility bill, bank statement, voter registration card, or military discharge papers. A complete list is available on the state vital records website.
Connecticut Birth Records Laws and Rules
State laws govern how birth records are kept and who can access them. The Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 93 covers vital records. These laws protect your privacy while allowing proper access.
Under CGS Section 7-51, birth records are confidential for 100 years. Only eligible parties may obtain copies of newer records. This law lists exactly who can request birth certificates. Registrars must follow these rules strictly.
CGS Section 7-51 also states that only certified copies may be issued. Notarized copies have no legal status in Connecticut. Always get a certified copy from an official registrar.
Amendments to birth records are covered by CGS Section 19a-42. Only the commissioner can amend records for parentage or gender changes. These changes create a new certificate that replaces the old one. The original gets sealed and kept confidential.
Birth Certificate Fees in Connecticut
Fees vary depending on where you get your birth certificate. State-issued copies cost $30 each. Town-issued copies cost $20 each. Both are certified and legally valid. The choice is yours based on cost and convenience.
The State Vital Records Office only accepts certain payment types. Cash and money orders work for walk-in requests. Money orders must be payable to "Treasurer, State of Connecticut." Personal checks are not accepted. Credit and debit cards are accepted with a $2.50 processing fee.
Town clerk offices set their own payment rules. Most accept cash, money orders, and cashier's checks. Some towns take credit cards with a service fee. Call ahead to find out what payment types your town accepts.
VitalChek charges extra fees for online orders. These include processing fees and shipping costs. Expect to pay more than the base state or town fee. The trade-off is faster service and the ease of ordering from home.
Note: Fees can change. Contact the office before sending payment to confirm current rates.
How Long Does It Take to Get Birth Records
Processing times vary by method and office. Plan ahead if you need your certificate by a certain date. Some methods take much longer than others.
The State Vital Records Office can take up to twelve weeks to process mail requests. This is the slowest option. In-person visits at the state office are faster if you visit during open hours. You may wait in line but can leave with your certificate the same day.
Town clerk offices often process requests more quickly. Many towns can issue certificates while you wait. Others may take a few days to process mail requests. Online ordering through town Permitium systems offers 24-7 convenience with faster turnaround than mail.
VitalChek offers the fastest service for most people. Orders typically process within days. You can choose shipping speeds from standard to overnight. This is the best option if you need your certificate quickly and cannot visit an office in person.
Browse Connecticut Birth Records by County
Connecticut has eight counties. Each county contains multiple towns with their own vital records offices. Select a county below to find local resources for birth records in that area.
Birth Records in Major Connecticut Cities
Major cities in Connecticut have their own vital records offices. These offices serve residents who were born in those cities. Pick a city below to learn about getting birth records in that area.