Losing a birth certificate can be stressful, but you’re not alone. Many people lose or misplace their birth certificates every year. If you’re worried about what happens when you lose your birth certificate, the good news is that there are simple steps you can take to get an official replacement from the government.
Here’s everything you need to know about what to do if you lose your birth certificate and the steps you’ll need to take to get a new one.
What to Do If You Lose Your Birth Certificate
If you’ve lost or misplaced your birth certificate, the first step is to reach out to the vital records office in the state where you were born to request a replacement. Illinois allows you to complete this process online. Otherwise, you can make the request by mail or at your local currency exchange, which makes the vital records replacement process easy and convenient.
To request a new copy, you will need to provide certified copies of birth records, personal identification, and other important documents to prove your identity, including:
- Driver’s license, State ID, or passport
- Social security card
- Your full name at birth
- Your parents’ full names
- The city/town and date of birth
- Hospital of birth
- Sex at birth
There may be special circumstances if you were born abroad, adopted, or if your parents separated while you were young. This is also true if you’re applying for a birth certificate for someone else. If any of these circumstances apply to you, you may need to fill out a separate application on the vital records website.
What to Do If Your Birth Certificate Is Stolen
If you’re wondering what to do if your birth certificate is stolen, the first step is to protect yourself from identity theft. Immediately report the theft to your local vital records office and request a certified replacement copy. You should also file a police report to create an official record of the theft and contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to monitor for fraudulent use of your information.
Since a stolen birth certificate can be used to open bank accounts, apply for government benefits, or even obtain identification, it’s wise to place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus. Acting quickly not only ensures you’ll have a valid copy of your birth certificate again, but it also helps secure your identity and financial future.
How to Get a Replacement Birth Certificate
If you’ve lost, misplaced, or had your birth certificate stolen, the good news is that getting a replacement is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
1. Apply online, by mail, or in person
Online: Many states, including Illinois, allow you to request a certified copy through the Department of Public Health website. You’ll need to fill out the form, upload ID, and pay with a credit or debit card.
By mail: Simply download and print the application form, then mail it with copies of your identification and a check or money order. This method usually takes the longest.
In person: Visiting your local currency exchange is often the fastest and easiest way to replace a lost or misplaced birth certificate. Staff will guide you through the paperwork, confirm your ID, and submit the application for you.
2. Gather the required documents
When you apply for a replacement birth certificate, you’ll need to show proof of identity.
Acceptable documents typically include:
- A valid driver’s license, state ID, or passport
- Social Security card or another supporting ID
- Details such as your full name at birth, parents’ full names, city and hospital of birth, and date of birth
3. Pay the state fees
Replacement birth certificate fees vary by state. In Illinois, ordering by mail costs $10 for the first copy and $2 for each additional one. Online requests may include extra processing fees. Currency exchanges may also charge a small service fee in exchange for convenience and faster handling.
4. Wait for processing
If you order online or through a currency exchange, you’ll typically get your replacement faster than by mail. Processing can take several weeks, but in-person requests often shorten the wait time.
By knowing your options—whether you apply online, by mail, or at a local currency exchange—you’ll save time and avoid stress when replacing a lost or stolen birth certificate.
Turn to WSCE For Easy Birth Certificate Replacements
If you’re looking for an easy and fast way to order a birth certificate copy, turn to the experts at West Suburban Currency Exchanges! Our experts are friendly, helpful, and committed to helping you get the paperwork you need.
Don’t stand in long lines or deal with confusing government websites—instead, head to your nearest West Suburban Currency Exchanges for fast, reliable vital records services in Cook County. We handle birth certificates, passports, death certificates, and much more!
Visit your nearest currency exchange location today.
Lost Cook County Birth Certificate FAQ
How long does it take to get a replacement birth certificate in Illinois?
If you request a birth certificate in Illinois, you can expect your replacement to be processed about 12 weeks after the application is received by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
How much is a birth certificate in Illinois?
Ordering a certified copy of a birth certificate in Illinois costs $10 if ordered by mail. It costs $2 for each additional copy. Ordering online may incur additional charges.
What information do I need to request a birth certificate in Illinois?
To request a birth certificate copy in Illinois, you’ll need:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- A completed birth record application or a specialized application
- Payment in the form of a check, money order, or credit card
