Birth/Death Certificate FAQ’S
Birth/Death Certificates (Vital Records)
How do I get reimbursed for a COVID-19 related funeral?
Reimbursements for eligible funeral costs are processed through FEMA. You can get more information online through the following links: Utah State or FEMA
Can a Social Security Card be issued at this office?
No, you must get Social Security Cards from the Social Security Administration. You may call them at 1-866-366-9549. The Utah County office is located at 88 W 100 N, Provo, UT 84601.
Are marriage licenses available at this office?
No, marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk’s Office located at 111 S University Ave. The Clerk’s Office has their own entrance at the northwest corner of the Health and Justice Building. You may call the office at 801-851-8226, or use the following link to get more information online: Marriage Certificates
Can I get Immunization Records in this office?
No, Immunization Records can be requested through the UCHD Immunizations Clinic at 801-851-7019. For more information about immunization records, use the following link: Find My Records
Why is the wallet-size birth certificate no longer available?
Wallet-size cards are too small to include all the security features required by the Department of Homeland Security, so they cannot be used for legal purposes.
Obtaining a Birth or Death Certificate
Who can request a birth or death certificate?
Birth and death certificates may only be issued to the individual named on the record or an immediate family member. This includes a mother, father, sibling, spouse, child, grandparent, or grandchild. Step-parents and in-laws are not considered immediate family and are not eligible to receive these records.
If requesting a certificate for a relative, proof of relationship, such as a birth or marriage certificate, may be required.
What identification is required to obtain a birth certificate?
A current, government-issued photo ID is required to request a birth certificate. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- Driver’s license
- State-issued ID card
- School ID
- Employment ID
- Passport
The ID must include a photo and must not be expired by more than 90 days.
Other forms of identification may also be accepted. For a full list, please refer to: List of Acceptable Identification, Identificación Aceptable
Why is a birth or death certificate needed?
A birth certificate is used to verify U.S. citizenship and identity. It is commonly required for obtaining a Social Security number, enrolling in school, applying for a job, getting a driver’s license or passport, and participating in sports or other programs.
A death certificate is required to manage the affairs of the deceased. It serves as legal proof for handling assets such as insurance claims, property titles, Social Security benefits, bank accounts, and more.
How many certificates are needed?
For birth certificates, most individuals only need one copy. However, those applying for a passport, dual citizenship, or traveling frequently may require additional copies.
For death certificates, one certified copy is typically needed for each asset or account being handled, plus a few for personal records.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate after a baby is born?
Hospitals are required by law to register a birth with the Utah Office of Vital Records within 10 days. It may take an additional 1–2 days for the record to become available for issuance.
Once the record is accessible, a certificate can typically be issued within minutes for in-person requests. If an email confirmation has been received stating the record is ready, the certificate can be issued immediately.
How can I get a birth certificate for a home birth?
If a midwife attended the birth, they will register the birth with the Utah Office of Vital Records.
If the birth occurred without a midwife’s assistance, contact the Utah Office of Vital Records directly to complete the registration and obtain a certificate: Phone: 801-538-6366
Can I get a birth certificate from your office if the birth was in another county?
Yes. Birth certificates can be issued for any birth that occurred in Utah from 1931 to the present, regardless of the county. For records outside this range, additional steps may be required. Call 801-851-7005 for more information.
Can I get a certificate from another state in this office?
No. Only Utah birth and death certificates can be issued at this location. Records from other states are not accessible. For assistance, contact 801-851-7005 or visit the National Center for Health Statistics, Where to Write for information on how to obtain records from other states.
Changing a Birth Certificate
How can a father be added to a baby’s birth certificate?
Both the mother and father must sign a voluntary declaration of paternity, which is available at the Utah County Vital Records office. This form can be completed at any time during the child’s life.
For more information, call 801-851-7008 or visit Paternity Matters.
Can a middle name be added to my child’s record?
Yes, a middle name can be added as long as the middle name field is currently blank. If a middle name or initial is already present and a change is needed, this can be done before the child turns one year old. After the first birthday, a court order is required to make any changes.
To amend the record, parents must purchase a certified birth certificate and complete the affidavit to amend a record on the back, in front of a notary public.
For more details and required documentation, contact the Vital Records office at 801-851-7005.
How can a birth certificate be updated to reflect a court-ordered name change?
Certified court documents must be submitted to the Utah Office of Vital Records in Salt Lake City along with a $27.00 fee. A new certificate reflecting the court-ordered name change will be mailed upon processing.
For more information, call 801-538-6105.
How can a birth certificate be changed following an adoption?
Certified adoption documents must be submitted to the Utah Office of Vital Records in Salt Lake City along with a $65.00 fee. A new certificate reflecting the adoption will be issued and mailed.
For additional requirements, contact the State Office of Vital Records at 801-538-6363.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille (pronounced “ah-po-steel”) is a specialized certificate issued by the Secretary of State to verify that a document is legitimate and authentic. It is typically required for documents being used in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
For more information, visit Utah Authentications.