How to Get a Copy of Your Milwaukee Birth Certificate
Published July 12, 2022
Anyone born in Milwaukee or Milwaukee County is automatically issued a Wisconsin birth certificate after their birth has been registered.
This document is an essential prerequisite for obtaining government benefits, a driver’s license, a passport, and a social security card.
Today, we’ll talk about everything related to procuring a Milwaukee birth certificate.
I’ll walk you step-by-step through the process of how to proceed. In addition, we shall discuss many other related matters so you won’t be left with any questions.
Types Of Birth Certificates In Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee County presently issues two types of birth certificates:
-
Long-Form Copy
Long-form copies are also known as certified copy of a birth certificate or birth certificate long form. Simply put, it’s the type of birth certificate copy you’re most likely going to need.
It’s an official government copy of your original birth certificate. This copy is essential for official purposes like getting a license, passport, or social security card.
-
Short-Form Copy
Short-form copy birth certificates, also called informational copies, are abstract records of birth records that show basic information about your birth. In most cases, it has no legal use.
How To Get A Certified Birth Certificate In Milwaukee
Online & Phone Orders
Wisconsin’s Vital Records Office works with VitalChek Network to provide online and phone-ordered birth certificates.
Payments to VitalChek can be made using any major credit card, and it takes just five days for VitalChek to process your requirements.
However, this can be further expedited if you pay an additional fee on top of VitalChek’s original fee. On top of that, you’ve got the option to have your birth certificate shipped via UPS or USPS regular mail.
For more information about getting a copy of your birth certificate online or through the phone, you can call VitalChek at 877-885-2981.
Mail Orders
Below is how to get a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, birth certificate via mail order:
- Download the mail-in application.
- Prepare an easy-to-read copy of your original identification. Examples include your driver’s license, passport, or other US-issued photo ID.
Alternatively, you may also send two copies of items from this list:
- Bank/earnings statement
- Current, dated, signed lease
- Health insurance card
- Utility bill or traffic ticket
- Vehicle registration/title
- Send the application, additional requirements, and payment for the fees to:
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
PO Box 309
Madison, WI 53701
- After the Wisconsin Department of Health Services receives your order, it should take approximately five business days to be processed and sent via USPS regular mail.
Fees:
- $20 for the first copy of your Milwaukee birth certificate.
- $3 for each additional copy of your Milwaukee birth certificate.
Payment Methods:
- It’s possible to pay via cash, money order, or check in US funds.
Money orders and checks must be processed via a United States-based bank and should be written out to “State of Wis. Vital Records.”
In addition, personal checks have to be pre-printed and have the account holder’s name, account, routing number, and check numbers on them.
In-Person Orders
You can procure your birth certificate in person. To do this, you’ll need to set an appointment by calling 608-266-1373.
- Location
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street, Room 160
Madison, WI 53703
- Requirements
Prepare an easy-to-read copy of your original identification. Examples include your driver’s license, passport, or any other US-issued photo ID.
Alternatively, you may also send two copies of items from this list:
- Bank/earnings statement
- Current, dated, signed lease
- Health insurance card
- Utility bill or traffic ticket
- Vehicle registration/title
Processing Time:
- Expect to wait two hours at most.
Fees:
- $20 for the first copy of your Milwaukee birth certificate.
- $3 for each additional copy of your Milwaukee birth certificate.
Payment Methods:
- It’s possible to pay via cash, money order, or check in US funds.
Money orders and checks must be processed via a United States-based bank and should be written out to “State of Wis. Vital Records.”
In addition, personal checks have to be pre-printed and have the account holder’s name, account, routing number, and check numbers on them.
Lastly, you can also make payments using Visa, Discover, or MasterCard credit cards.
Who Can Apply For A Milwaukee Birth Certificate?
1. What about apostille and exemplified copies?
You may need an apostille and exemplified copy of vital records for foreign use. For those unaware, these copies consist of an Alabama birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificate signed by the State Registrar and a certification signed by Alabama’s Secretary of State.
If you want to know more about apostille and exemplified copies, click here.
2. How to make corrections or changes to your divorce certificate?
Any changes to your divorce certificate must be fixed via the Alabama county circuit court that granted your divorce. For more information, get in touch with the appropriate circuit court.
3. How to make corrections or changes to your marriage certificate?
Alterations made to your marriage certificate must be addressed through the Alabama county probate court that issued the marriage license.
4. Not married or divorced in Alabama?
You may still find your records if you weren’t married or divorced in Alabama. That’s because the National Center for Health Statistics has information on all states’ vital records.
5. Is common-law marriage recognized in Alabama state law?
All common-law marriages in Alabama made before January 1, 2017, are legal. Even so, you should know that cohabitation is not enough to establish a common-law union.
In Alabama, common-law marriage is only recognized when the couple is of proper age and has agreed to marry or intends to marry someday.
Putting It All Together
Anyone that’s been married or divorced needs to obtain their records. You don’t need to leave your house to get this done. The only thing you have to do is order your certificates online.
Needless to say, if you can’t afford to wait a few days for your records to be processed and sent to your doorstep, there’s an alternative way. Simply head to the county health department in the state. There, you’ll be able to acquire your records within the day.
Lost Your Birth Certificate? Request A Replacement Online
Instant Vital Records offers a birth certificate replacement service you can use from the comfort of your home. Enter your information and our software will automatically complete the required forms for your state. We print and mail your forms along with required payments to your state health department. You can trust that we take your personal information privacy and security seriously with HIPAA compliant data storage and data encryption. To get started, simply click here to begin your application. Your replacement documents will arrive by mail to your home within a few weeks.
About The Author
Christian Cruz is an experienced blogger with a deep passion for content creation. He descends from a long line of lawyers, writers, and educators. Over the years, Chris has tackled all sorts of niches for a myriad of clients. As a result, millions of people worldwide have read and benefited from his content.
