Order official Arkansas Birth Certificates and Vital Records online

A birth certificate is a pivotal document serving as an official record of a person's birth and is necessary for various essential activities such as enrolling in school, applying for a passport, or proving citizenship. Whether you're obtaining it for yourself or for someone else, understanding the process to get an Arkansas birth certificate is critical for a seamless experience.

Who Can Request a Birth Certificate?

An Arkansas birth certificate can be requested by specific individuals who have a legitimate interest. These include:

• • The individual named on the certificate if they are 16 years of age or older;
• • A parent or legal guardian of the individual named on the certificate;
• • A legal representative of the individual named on the certificate.

Proof of relationship or direct interest may be required when submitting your request.

What Documents Are Required?

To request an Arkansas birth certificate, you must provide certain documents to establish your eligibility and confirm your identity. These documents include:

• • A completed application form;
• • A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport).

The application form for a birth certificate can be accessed here. Make sure to fill in all the required details correctly to avoid any delays in processing.

How to Obtain an Arkansas Birth Certificate

There are several methods available to request an Arkansas birth certificate:

By Mail

• • Complete the application form;
• • Enclose a photocopy of your valid identification;
• • Include the necessary fee in the form of a check or money order;
• • Send the form and documents to the Arkansas Department of Health.

In Person

• • Visit the Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records office;
• • Bring a completed application form and a valid photo ID;
• • Pay the required fee using cash, card, or check.

Online

You can also order an Arkansas birth certificate online through an approved service like VitalChek. This service allows for secure processing and can be particularly convenient for those who are unable to visit in person or prefer the ease of digital transactions.

How Much Does a Birth Certificate Cost?

The cost for obtaining an Arkansas birth certificate is $12 for the first copy, with each additional copy being $10 if ordered at the same time. Expedited processing might incur additional fees, especially when using online services like VitalChek.

Processing Time

The processing time for birth certificate requests varies based on the method chosen:

• • By Mail: Typically processed within 7-14 business days after receipt;
• • In Person: Same-day service is often available;
• • Online: Requests via VitalChek may take 3-5 business days plus shipping time, depending on the delivery option chosen.

Carefully following these guidelines is crucial for ensuring a smooth application process. If you have specific questions or require further assistance, do not hesitate to contact the Arkansas Department of Health directly. Obtaining your Arkansas birth certificate is a manageable process when approached with the right information and preparation.

If the event was recorded locally or if you need immediate access to detailed records, it is preferable to contact your county vital records office directly. Find the contact details of your local county vital records office here.