North Central Health District

COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

Vital Records

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Keeping Track of Important Data

Each county in Georgia has a vital records registrar and vital records custodian appointed by the state registrar. Depending upon the county, the vital records registrar or custodian may be located at the county health department or in the office of the probate judge.

Local Public Health Record Custodians

Macon-Bibb County Health Department and Washington County Health Department are both vital records custodians. Vital records for other counties in our district are located at the probate court. Find your local probate court at the Georgia Courts website.

Macon-Bibb County Health Department Vital Records
Phone: 478-749-0102
Fax: 478-749-0151
1600 Forsyth St.
Macon, GA 31201

Washington County Health Department Vital Records
Phone: 478-552-3210
Fax: 478-553-1832
201 Morningside Dr.
Sandersville, GA 31082

Getting Documents

To get a copy of a birth or death certificate from the vital record custodian, a valid state-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.) must be presented at the time of the request. A search fee of $25 is required for each certified copy request. Additional copies of the same record can be ordered at the same time for $5 each.

Valid State-Issued Photo ID Details

Georgia law and the Department of Public Health regulations require that all requests for vital records include the signature and picture ID of the requestor and the proper fee.

Typically, the person requesting a certified copy of a birth record needs only to provide:
1. A completed and signed request form which can be downloaded by clicking here.
2. Provide the applicable fee(s) noted below
3. A photocopy of your valid photo ID such as one of the following:
• Georgia Driver’s license unexpired or expired for not more than one year
• State of Georgia Identification Card unexpired or expired for not more than one year
• State of Georgia Weapons Carry License – New
• Unexpired driver’s license issued by another U.S. State, jurisdiction or territory
• Unexpired official Identification Card issued by another U.S. State, jurisdiction or territory
• Unexpired U.S. Passport
• Unexpired Foreign Passport
• U.S. Military Identification, Military Dependent Identification, Veteran’s Identification
• Unexpired Consulate Card
• Transportation ID
• Debit Card with Picture
• Employer ID Card
• School, University, or College Identification Card
• DMV ID Card
• Department of Corrections Identification Card

However, as explained below, there are instances in which specific documentation is required based on who is requesting the record.
• The person named on the certificate- If the person named on the certificate (i.e. the registrant) is the requestor, that person must provide valid photo identification at the time of the request.
• The parent(s) named on the birth record- Must provide valid picture identification.
• An authorized legal guardian or agent- Any person who has legal custody or control of a minor child must provide a certified copy of the court order establishing guardianship and legal custody.
• Grandparents of the person named on the certificate- Must provide proof of relationship such as the birth certificate of the registrant’s parent.
• An adult child or adult sibling of the person named on the certificate- Must provide proof of relationship by providing a copy of his or her birth certificate listing one of the same parents, along with his or her valid government issued picture identification which includes signature.
• The spouse of the person named on the certificate- Must provide a copy of the marriage certificate, a photo copy of the spouse’s picture identification, which includes the spouse’s signature, with a notarized letter from the spouse giving permission.
• Attorney-Must represent an immediate family member and provide a notarized letter on letterhead signed by the attorney; provide bar number indicating reason for the request and whom they represent; provide supporting documentation with the fee; provide a notarized release from the biological mother, in the event of an adoption.
• State or Federal Government Officials-The State Registrar or the local custodian may disclose data from Vital Records to authorized representatives of Federal, State, or County agencies of government which request such data in the conduct of their official duties.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. GA Code Ann., 31-10; Section 31: Any person who willfully or knowingly supplies false information on this form to be used for any purpose of deception with intent to defraud; willfully uses or attempts to use any certificate of birth or copy of any record of birth knowing that such certificate was issued upon a record which was false or which relates to the birth of another person may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than five (5) years, or both upon conviction.

For additional options, including online ordering, visit the DPH vital record request page.

Learn about our related health services:

Pregnancy Testing
STD/HIV Testing
Women's Wellness