Checking the Hospital

• 1). Go to the hospital in which you were born, if you know where it is. If you do not know the hospital in which you were born, or if you were not born in a hospital, proceed to the next section.
  
  
• 2). Ask the information desk at the hospital if they keep birth records on file, and if so, ask how to obtain yours. Each hospital is different.
  
  
• 3). Give your birth name, your birth date and any other required information to the hospital. This might include proof of identity, the names of your parents, or even your social security number. Most hospitals do not charge for copies of your birth certificate.
  
  

Going to the County

• 1). Go to the county courthouse in the county in which you were born. In some situations you can call them, but you will have the best results in person. Birth records are usually kept by both the county and the state.
  
  
• 2). Show the county courthouse your information. If they have your birth certificate, they will give you the information about whether or not it is free. If it is not kept at the county, you may need to proceed to the state courthouse.
  
  
• 3). Find the state courthouse, if you have not found your birth certificate at the hospital or the county court house. Provide them with the information they request to get your birth certificate.
  
  
• 4). Visit an online site, such as those listed in resources, to get your birth certificate. This will not be free, however.