Access Bristol Birth Records

Bristol is a city in Hartford County, Connecticut. It sits about 20 miles west of the capital. The city has a long history of keeping vital records. Bristol birth records go back to the 1800s. The Town and City Clerk maintains these records. You can get certified copies of Bristol birth records in person, by mail, or online. The office serves residents and those with family ties to Bristol. Birth records from this city are valid for all legal needs. They work for passports, driver licenses, and school forms.

Bristol Birth Records Office Location

The Town and City Clerk is at City Hall. The address is 111 North Main Street. This is where you get Bristol birth records. The office is on the main floor. Staff can help you find what you need.

Hours are Monday through Thursday from 8am to 4:30pm. On Friday, the office is open from 8am to 1:30pm. The office is closed on weekends. It is also closed on state holidays. Call ahead to make sure they are open.

You can reach the office by phone. The number is (860) 584-6200. Staff can answer questions about Bristol birth records. They can tell you what to bring. They can check if your record is on file.

Note: The office may close early on days before holidays.

Bristol Birth Record Fees

The cost for a long form birth record is $20. This is the full size certificate. It has all details from the original record. The wallet size birth record costs $15. This is a short form. It fits in your wallet. Both are valid for legal use.

You can pay in different ways. Cash is fine for in person visits. Checks are also good. Make them out to "Bristol Town and City Clerk." Credit cards may be used for some orders. Call to ask about card use.

Mail orders need a check or money order. Do not send cash in the mail. Include a self addressed stamped envelope. This helps your birth records reach you fast. Add extra time for mail orders.

Bristol Issues Statewide Birth Records

Bristol can issue birth records for all of Connecticut. This is for births from April 1, 2001 to now. You do not need to go to the town where the birth took place. Bristol can help you even if you were born in another town.

This makes it easy for Bristol residents. You can get any recent birth record in one place. The process is the same as for Bristol births. You need to show ID and pay the fee. The forms are the same too.

For births before April 1, 2001, rules are different. You must go to the town where the birth took place. Or you can go to the State Vital Records Office. Bristol cannot issue these older birth records from other towns.

Note: Always call first if you need a birth record from another town. The staff can tell you what they can do.

Order Bristol Birth Records Online

You can order birth records online. Bristol uses VitalChek for this service. This is a fast way to get records. You do not need to visit the office. You can order from home at any time.

Visit vitalchek.com to start. Select Connecticut as the state. Then pick Bristol as the city. Follow the steps on the site. You will need to provide ID. You can pay with a credit card.

Online orders have extra fees. VitalChek charges for the service. The fee is in addition to the record cost. Orders are sent by mail. Allow time for delivery. This is a good choice if you are not in a rush.

Bristol Adoptee Birth Records

Bristol can help adoptees get birth records. Since July 1, 2021, new rules apply. Adoptees can get uncertified copies of birth records. The cost is $65. These are not the same as certified copies.

Uncertified copies show the facts of birth. They may have different names than the adoptive birth certificate. These records help many people learn about their past. They can show birth parents names. This is important for family history work.

You must prove you are the adoptee. Bring ID when you visit. The staff will help you with the forms. Call ahead to learn what you need. The process takes more time than standard birth records.

Who Can Get Bristol Birth Records

State law limits who can get birth records. The person named on the record can always get a copy. Parents named on the certificate can also get copies. This is the same in all Connecticut towns.

Other family members may need proof. Spouses need a marriage license. Children need to show they are related. Legal guardians need court papers. Lawyers need a signed release from the person.

You must show a valid photo ID. A driver license works. A state ID or passport also works. The ID must be current. Bring it with you when you visit. For mail orders, send a copy of your ID.

Bristol Birth Records Official Site

The city has a website with more info. Visit bristolct.gov for details. The site has forms you can print. It lists fees and hours. You can find the address and phone number.

The site also has news about vital records. You can learn about new services. Check for changes to hours. Find out about holiday closures. The site is a good place to start before you visit.

Bristol Historical Birth Records

Bristol has old birth records on file. The city started keeping these records long ago. Many date back to the 1800s. These records are on paper and film. Some are now in digital form.

Old records help people trace family trees. Genealogists use them often. You can look at very old records. Records over 100 years old are open to all. Newer records have access limits.

The Connecticut State Library also has records. They have microfilm of many town records. You can visit them in Hartford. They are at 231 Capitol Avenue. Staff there help with family history work.

Note: Old records may have spelling differences. Names were written by hand long ago. Check more than one spelling if you do not find what you seek.

Contact Bristol Vital Records

You can call the office with questions. The phone is (860) 584-6200. Staff are happy to help. They can tell you about fees. They can explain what ID you need. They can check if your record is ready.

Write to the office if you prefer mail. Send letters to Town and City Clerk at 111 North Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010. Include your phone number. They can call you back if needed. Allow time for mail to arrive and for a reply.

Visit in person for the fastest service. Bring your ID and payment. Fill out the form when you arrive. Most requests are done while you wait. This is the best way if you need records soon.