Birth Certificates

Our Offices of Vital Statistics in Polk County can only issue certificates of birth that occurred in the state of Florida. If the birth occurred in a state other than Florida, please visit the following link for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm (opens in a new window)

Florida birth certificates are not public records. Birth certificates can only be issued to the registrant (the child named on the record) if of legal age (18), a parent, or a court appointed guardian. Court orders must be the most current and signed or stamped by a judge.

Proof of identity is required to prove eligibility to receive a birth certificate.  Acceptable forms of identification are a state issued Driver’s License, State issued ID Card, U.S. Passport, or Military ID Card. Expired forms of identification will not be accepted. Applications must include a copy of a valid form of identification.

Important note on birth certificates:

The birth certificate for a newborn is not automatically mailed to the parent after birth. The parent must apply for the birth certificate through an Office of Vital Statistics and pay the proper fee.

Fees:

The fee for a certified copy of a Florida birth record is $15.00.

When purchased at the same time, additional copies of the identical birth record are $5.00 each.

We offer a protective covering for $3.00 each.

Obtaining a Birth Certificate

You may use one of our secure, convenient, and fast ways to acquire a birth certificate, in person at one of our two Offices of Vital Statistics, by mail, or online at VitalChek® (opens in a new window)

VitalChek® (opens in a new window) is the only vendor recommended by the Florida Department of Health. VitalChek® is a 3rd party service, not affiliated with the Florida Department of Health. As such, fees charged by VitalChek® may be different than fees charged when ordering directly through your local health department office. Click here to place your order through VitalChek® (opens in a new window).

See the links below or contact us for fees charged by the Department of Health.

IN PERSON

What to bring:

- Valid identification (Acceptable forms of identification are a state issued driver’s license, state issued ID card, U.S. passport, or military ID card. Expired forms of identification will not be accepted).

- Cash or credit for payment. (All major credit cards are accepted). 

We have two Offices of Vital Statistics, one in Lake Alfred and one in Lakeland. Same day service is usually available from both locations. In most cases you will only have to wait 10 to 15 minutes to receive your death certificate.

Lake Alfred Office of Vital Statistics
200 Government Center Blvd. 
Lake Alfred, Fl 33850
863-519-8446

Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday (excluding holidays)
8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Lakeland Office of Vital Statistics (This office may close unexpectedly, so please call before visiting.)
Lakeland Health Clinic
3241 Lakeland Hills Blvd
Lakeland, FL 33805
863-519-8446

Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday (excluding holidays)
8:00 am to 4:00 pm; 

BY MAIL

You may use the application form provided below or write your own letter with all the information needed on the application. Make money orders or cashier's checks payable to FDHPC. Mail requests are processed and mailed within 2 business days. Mail your application as follows:

Attn: Vital Statistics
1290 Golfview Avenue
Bartow, Florida 33830

What to include:

- DH1960 County Birth Application English (PDF 125 KB - opens in new window)
- A copy of your valid driver's license or ID card, front and back
- Payment (The fee for a certified copy of a Florida birth record is $15.00. Make money orders or cashier's checks payable to FDHPC).

Download an Application

DH1960 County Birth Application English (PDF 125 KB - opens in new window)

DH1960 County Birth Application Spanish (PDF 225 KB - opens in new window)

Order Online
VITALCHEK.com (opens in new window)