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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Birth Certificates

Florida Department of Health in Putnam County

Birth Certificates 

To protect the privacy of sensitive information and to prevent identify theft, Birth Certificates are not public records. As required by state law, we restrict access to these certificates, but they are readily available to the individuals, family members and guardians or beneficiaries. We require requesting individuals to produce photo identification and/or other documentation before releasing these confidential records or portions of the records.

Florida Department of Health in Putnam County

2801 Kennedy Street

Palatka, Florida 32177

Phone: (386) 326-3274  Fax: (386) 326-3351

Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday through Friday

Important Information:

To obtain and use a Florida Vital Record under false pretenses or for fraudulent purposes is a 3rd degree felony punishable by terms and conditions set forth in section 382.026, Florida Statutes (F.S.).

If the birth occurred in another state, please go to the National Center for Vital Records to obtain address information to order the certificate.

Obtaining a Florida Birth Certificate 

A Certified Certificate is a computer copy of the original birth certificate and is accepted as legal proof of birth and citizenship. Certificates are available for birth years 1916 to the present. On some occasions births are not able to be located in our system and will need to be referred to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville at (904) 359-6900.

Please Note: The birth certificate for a newborn is not automatically mailed to the parent after birth. The parent must apply for the birth certificate through a Vital Statistics office and pay the proper fee.

Who can obtain a copy of a Birth Certificate? 

  • the registrant if 18 years or older
  • parents listed on the birth record
  • a legal guardian (must provide court documentation)
  • attorney representing children and adolescents under the age of 18 (documentation must also be provided).

What information is needed for a Birth Certificate? 

Valid identification:

  • State issued driver's license
  • State issued photo ID card
  • Military ID
  • Passport
  • Concealed weapons permit

A completed Birth Certificate Request Form

You will need to provide the person's:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • County of birth
  • Mother's full name including maiden name (for Birth Certificates)
  • Father's full name (if applicable on Birth Certificates)

How to apply for a Florida Birth Certificate 

In Person: Florida Department of Health in Putnam County, 2801 Kennedy St, Palatka, FL 32177. Bring photo ID and payment. Applications available at counter.

By Mail: Florida Department of Health in Putnam County, Attn: Vital Statistics, 2801 Kennedy St, Palatka, FL 32177. Send application, photo ID (front and back) and a money order. Please note: for this request, there is a $10.00 mail fee. Cannot deliver to P.O. Boxes; include the mailing address that FedEx can deliver to.

Fax: (386) 326-3351 please fax application, photo ID (front and back), and return number to contact you for payment by phone. (Visa, MasterCard, and debit with Visa or MasterCard logo).

Please note:Provide an enlarged, lightened, and readable photocopy of your ID when mailing or faxing with your request. After faxing your application and required ID, please contact our office at (386) 326-3274 to verify your faxed request was received and the ID is clear to read.

What is the cost? 

Effective April 1, 2022:

Florida Birth Certificate:

$13.00 per registrant

$6.00 per additional copies of same registrant at same visit.

Optional Purchase:

$2.00 protective sleeve

Rush and Mail Orders:

$17.00 mail fee (FedEx)

Methods of payment:

Cash

Visa/MasterCard

Debit (with Visa/MasterCard logo)

Money order

Sorry NO Checks!

How soon can I expect a copy? 

Your request will be processed immediately if you come to our office in person.

Your request will be processed the same day it is received by mail /fax. Note: anything after noon will be mailed the next business day by FedEx.