Miami city birth records are official documents that prove a person was born in Miami, Florida. These records include the full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, and parent names.
The Miami-Dade County Health Department stores these records and gives certified copies to the public. You can get a Miami birth certificate for school, travel, jobs, passport use, or court cases.
What Miami City Birth Records Include
A Miami birth certificate shows the full legal name of the person at birth. It lists the exact date of birth. It shows the city, county, and hospital where the birth took place. The certificate has the full names of the parents. Some records also show the birth weight and the doctor or midwife who helped with the delivery.
Birth records in Miami follow a standard format set by the Florida Department of Health. Records from 1917 forward are on file. Records before 1917 may be kept at the county courthouse or in older archives. A certified copy has a raised seal and a signature from the state office.
Florida keeps birth records for every person born in the state, no matter the city. Each record has a state file number. This number helps staff at the records office locate the file when you place an order.
Miami-Dade County Health Department
The Miami-Dade County Health Department runs birth record services for all of Miami and the rest of the county. The office sits under the Florida Department of Health, which is the main state agency for birth and death records. Miami-Dade is one of 67 county health departments in the state. Each county office can pull up records from any other county in Florida.
The main phone number for the Miami-Dade records office is 305-324-2400. The email is MiamiDade@FLHealth.gov. The office website is miamidade.floridahealth.gov. The office handles requests by mail, online, and in person.
Florida Statute 382.025 controls who can get a certified copy of a birth record. Parents, legal guardians, spouses, adult children, and grandparents can order a copy. A person named on the record can also order their own copy. Others may get an informational copy that is not valid for legal use.
Office Locations in Miami
The Miami-Dade County Health Department has three main offices that serve the public. Each office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The offices are closed on state and federal holidays.
- Downtown Office: 1350 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33125
- West Perrine Office: 18255 Homestead Avenue, Miami, FL 33157
- North Dade Office: 18680 NW 67th Avenue, Hialeah, FL 33015
The North Dade office is in Hialeah, which is part of Miami-Dade County. This office is a popular choice for people who live in the northern part of the county. The West Perrine office serves the southern part of Miami. The Downtown office is the busiest location.
You can visit any of the three offices no matter where you live in the county. The office staff can pull up records from anywhere in Florida. You do not need to go to the office in the city where you were born.
How to Get a Miami Birth Certificate
There are three ways to order a Miami birth certificate. You can go to a Miami-Dade office in person. You can order online through the state vendor VitalChek. You can also send a request by mail. Each method has its own cost and timeline.
The fastest way is to visit an office in person. Most in-person requests are processed the same day. You fill out a form, show a photo ID, and pay the fee. You walk out with the certified copy in your hand.
The online method works for people who cannot visit an office. You fill out the form on the VitalChek website. You pay with a credit or debit card. The certificate is mailed to you.
The mail method is the slowest. You send a paper form, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order. The office processes the request and mails the certificate back to you. This method takes two to four weeks.
Online Birth Records Miami
The Florida Department of Health works with VitalChek for online orders. VitalChek is the only vendor the state recommends. The website is vitalchek.com. You can place an order any time of day or night.
To order online, you need a few pieces of data. You need the full name on the birth record. You need the date of birth. You need the city or county where the person was born. You also need a valid ID and a credit or debit card.
VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the state fee. The service fee changes based on the speed you choose. The total cost can range from $40 to $80 per copy. The certificate is mailed to the address you provide.
Online orders take about 5 to 10 business days to process. Rush shipping is available for an extra fee. Some orders may take longer if the office needs to verify the record.
Miami Birth Certificate Mail Order
Mail order is a good choice for people who do not live near a Miami office. You can send your request to the state office in Jacksonville or to the Miami-Dade office. The state office address is on the Florida Department of Health website.
To order by mail, you need a completed application form. You can download the form from the Florida Department of Health website. The form is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. The form is the FL DH 1960 form.
You also need a copy of your photo ID. You can send a copy of your driver license, state ID, or passport. The copy must show your photo, name, and signature. You also need a check or money order for the fee. Do not send cash in the mail.
Mail orders take about 2 to 4 weeks to arrive. The state office processes mail in the order it arrives. Some requests may take longer if the record needs extra research.
In-Person Requests at Miami Records Office
Visiting a Miami-Dade office in person is the fastest way to get a birth certificate. Most in-person requests are processed in 30 minutes or less. You walk out with the certified copy the same day.
You must bring a valid photo ID. A driver license, state ID, or passport works. The name on your ID should match the name on the application. If the names do not match, bring extra documents to prove your identity.
You can pay the fee with cash, check, money order, or debit card. Some offices may accept credit cards. The first copy costs $20. Each extra copy costs $16. Rush processing costs an extra $10. A plastic sleeve for the certificate costs $3.
If you cannot pick up the certificate yourself, you can send someone else. That person must bring a signed letter from you. They must also bring their own photo ID. They must have a copy of your photo ID with them.
Miami Birth Certificate Cost and Fees
The fee for a Miami birth certificate is set by Florida law. The first certified copy costs $20. Each extra copy ordered at the same time costs $16. This fee is the same at every county office in Florida.
Florida Statute 382.0255 lists the fees for birth records. The state keeps the fee the same across all counties. The fee covers the cost of the certificate, the search, and the seal.
The Miami-Dade office also charges $10 for rush processing. Rush processing means you get the certificate the same day or the next day. Normal processing takes 2 to 4 business days. A plastic sleeve for the certificate costs $3.
Online orders through VitalChek have extra fees. The VitalChek service fee ranges from $12 to $25 per order. The total cost for one copy through VitalChek is about $32 to $45. Rush shipping through VitalChek costs more.
Mail orders cost the same as in-person orders. You pay $20 for the first copy. You pay $16 for each extra copy. You also pay for a stamped envelope for the return mail.
The FL DH 1960 Form
The FL DH 1960 form is the official Florida application for a birth certificate. You can download this form from the Florida Department of Health website. The form is a one-page PDF. It asks for basic facts about the person on the record.
The form asks for the full name at birth. It asks for the date of birth. It asks for the city or county of birth. It asks for the full names of the parents. It asks for your relationship to the person on the record.
The form is available in three languages. You can get it in English, Spanish, or Haitian Creole. Miami has a large Spanish-speaking and Haitian Creole-speaking population. The form in these languages helps many local residents.
You must sign the form. Your signature tells the state office that the facts on the form are true. Lying on the form can lead to criminal charges. The form is a legal document under Florida law.
Birth Registration in Miami
When a child is born in Miami, the hospital handles most of the paperwork. Under Florida Statute 382.013, each birth in the state must be registered within 5 days. The hospital or birth center files the birth certificate with the state office.
Parents fill out a worksheet before they leave the hospital. This worksheet has the facts that go on the certificate. The worksheet asks for the child’s name, date of birth, time of birth, and parent information. The hospital staff reviews the worksheet and sends it to the state office.
If a birth happens outside a hospital, the rules are different. A midwife or birth attendant can file the paperwork. If no one helped with the birth, one of the parents must register the birth within 5 days. Late filings take more time and may need a court order.
After the birth is registered, the state office creates the official record. The record becomes part of the state system. The state file number is on the back of the certificate. You can use this number to order copies in the future.
Correcting or Amending Miami Birth Records
Mistakes on a Miami birth certificate can be fixed. Common errors include wrong name spellings, wrong dates, or missing parent names. The Florida Department of Health has a separate process for changes and amendments.
Under Florida Statute 382.016, most changes go through the state office in Jacksonville. Some small fixes can be made at the Miami-Dade office. The state office handles major changes like name corrections or adding a parent.
To fix a name, you fill out an amendment form. You send proof of the correct name. The proof can be a hospital record, school record, or court order. The state office reviews the proof and updates the record.
Adding or changing a father’s name usually needs a court order. A signed acknowledgment of paternity is also accepted. Name changes from adoption go through the court first. Once the court signs the order, the state updates the record. Then you can order a new certified copy.
Amendment fees are separate from the cost of ordering a copy. The state charges a fee for each change. The fee covers the cost of the research and the new certificate. The timeline depends on the type of change.
Apostille Birth Certificate Miami
An apostille is a special stamp that makes a birth certificate valid in another country. Many countries accept a Florida birth certificate with an apostille. You may need an apostille for immigration, dual citizenship, or overseas marriage.
The Florida Department of State issues apostilles. The office is in Tallahassee. You cannot get an apostille from the Miami-Dade Health Department. You must send your certified birth certificate to the state office in Tallahassee.
To get an apostille, you send a copy of the birth certificate. You also send a cover letter with your contact data. You pay a fee for the apostille. The state office in Tallahassee stamps the certificate and mails it back to you.
The process takes about 2 to 4 weeks. Rush service is available for an extra fee. Some private companies offer apostille services in Miami. These companies charge more but handle the paperwork for you.
Historical and Genealogy Miami Birth Records
Florida started keeping birth records in 1917. Records from 1917 forward are on file with the state office. Records before 1917 are harder to locate. These older records may be at the county courthouse or in church archives.
People who do genealogy research can order copies of older birth records. The state office keeps records back to 1917. The county courthouse may have older records for Miami-Dade County. The state archives in Tallahassee also have older records.
Genealogy copies do not have a raised seal. They are called “informational copies.” These copies are not valid for legal use. They are only for family history and research. The cost is the same as a certified copy.
The FamilySearch website has some Florida birth records on microfilm. You can search these records for free at a Family History Center. The Miami Public Library also has genealogy resources. The library staff can help you locate older records.
Florida Department of Health Birth Records
The Florida Department of Health runs the statewide birth record system. The main office is in Jacksonville. This office keeps records for all 67 counties in Florida. The Jacksonville office is the central records office for the state.
The Florida Department of Health website has forms, fee schedules, and contact data. The website is floridahealth.gov. The certificates page has the latest details on how to order records. The website also has a list of all county health departments.
You can order from the state office in Jacksonville by mail. You can also order through VitalChek online. The state office is a good choice for people who do not live near a county office. The state office accepts orders from any state and any country.
Florida’s birth record system is centralized. This means any county office can look up a record from any other county. If you were born in Tampa and now live in Miami, you can order your birth certificate at the Miami-Dade office. You do not need to contact the county where you were born.
Bureau of Vital Statistics Jacksonville Florida
The Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville is the main state office for birth records. The office is part of the Florida Department of Health. The office keeps records for every birth in Florida since 1917.
The Jacksonville office address is 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The phone number is 904-359-6900. The email is VitalStats@FLHealth.gov. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
You can send a mail order to the Jacksonville office. The mail order goes to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. The office processes mail orders in the order they arrive. Mail orders take about 2 to 4 weeks to process.
The Jacksonville office is the only place that can issue an apostille for a Florida birth certificate. The office also handles amendments to birth records. Most name changes and parent additions go through the Jacksonville office.
Miami Vital Records Office Contact
The Miami-Dade County Health Department is the main records office for Miami. The office has three locations. The main phone number is 305-324-2400. The email is MiamiDade@FLHealth.gov.
Office: Miami-Dade County Health Department, Birth Records
Phone: 305-324-2400
Email: MiamiDade@FLHealth.gov
Website: miamidade.floridahealth.gov
North Dade Office: 18680 NW 67th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33015
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
People who need Miami birth records often have questions about the process, the cost, and the timeline. The questions below cover the most common topics. The answers give clear facts about how to get your birth certificate in Miami.
How long does it take to get a Miami birth certificate?
The time to get a Miami birth certificate depends on the method you choose. In-person requests at a Miami-Dade office are processed the same day. You walk out with the certificate in about 30 minutes. Online orders through VitalChek take 5 to 10 business days. Mail orders to the state office in Jacksonville take 2 to 4 weeks. Rush processing is available for an extra fee at the local office. Rush shipping is available through VitalChek for an extra fee. The Miami-Dade office charges $10 for rush processing. The total cost with rush processing is $30 for the first copy. Online rush shipping through VitalChek can add $20 to $40 to the total. The state office in Jacksonville does not offer rush processing for mail orders. The processing time can also depend on the time of year. Busy seasons include summer and the end of the year. During these times, mail orders may take longer than 4 weeks. Plan ahead if you need the certificate for a specific date.
Can I get a Miami birth certificate for someone who has passed away?
Yes, you can get a Miami birth certificate for a person who has passed away. The rules depend on your relationship to the person. Family members can order a certified copy with a raised seal. Spouses, adult children, parents, and grandparents can order a copy. Siblings and aunts or uncles may also qualify. You must show proof of your relationship. You also need a copy of the death certificate to prove the person is deceased. The death certificate is not the same as a birth certificate. You still need to order the birth certificate through the records office. Informational copies are also available for genealogy research. These copies do not have a raised seal and are not valid for legal use. The cost is the same for certified and informational copies. The fee is $20 for the first copy and $16 for each extra copy.
What if my Miami birth certificate has wrong data?
You can fix mistakes on a Miami birth certificate. Common errors include wrong name spellings, wrong dates, or missing parent names. The process depends on the type of error. Small clerical errors can be fixed at the Miami-Dade office. Major changes go through the state office in Jacksonville. You must fill out an amendment form. You must send proof of the correct data. The proof can be a hospital record, school record, or court order. The state office reviews the proof and updates the record. The fee for an amendment is separate from the fee for a copy. The fee covers the cost of the research and the new certificate. The timeline depends on the type of change. Simple name corrections can take 2 to 4 weeks. Major changes may take longer. Adding a parent’s name usually needs a court order. A signed acknowledgment of paternity is also accepted for fathers.
How do I get an apostille for my Miami birth certificate?
You can get an apostille from the Florida Department of State. The office is in Tallahassee. You cannot get an apostille from the Miami-Dade Health Department. You must first get a certified copy of the birth certificate. Then you send the certified copy to the state office in Tallahassee. You also send a cover letter with your contact data. You pay a fee for the apostille. The state office in Tallahassee stamps the certificate and mails it back to you. The process takes about 2 to 4 weeks. Rush service is available for an extra fee. Some private companies in Miami offer apostille services. These companies charge more but handle the paperwork for you. An apostille makes the birth certificate valid in countries that accept the Hague Convention. The Hague Convention is a treaty that simplifies the legalization of documents. Many countries accept a Florida birth certificate with an apostille for immigration, dual citizenship, and overseas marriage.
Can I search Miami birth records for free online?
You cannot search for a specific Miami birth record for free online. The state office does not have a public search tool. The records are private under Florida law. Florida Statute 382.025 controls who can see the records. Only certain people can get a certified copy. These people include the person on the record, parents, legal guardians, spouses, adult children, and grandparents. Free genealogy databases have some Florida birth records. FamilySearch has some records on microfilm. You can search these records for free at a Family History Center. The Miami Public Library also has genealogy resources. The library staff can help you locate older records. The FamilySearch website also has a free index of some Florida birth records. You can search the index for free. You can see basic facts about the person. You cannot see a copy of the certificate online. To get a copy, you must order it through the records office.
What forms of ID are accepted for Miami birth certificate requests?
The Miami-Dade office accepts several forms of photo ID. A driver license from any state is accepted. A state ID card is accepted. A U.S. passport is accepted. A military ID is accepted for active duty members. A permanent resident card is accepted. The ID must show your photo, name, and signature. The name on the ID should match the name on the application. If the names do not match, you must bring extra documents. Extra documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can also bring a Social Security card with a different document that has your current name. For mail orders, you must send a copy of your photo ID. The copy must be clear and show all the data on the ID. Do not send original IDs in the mail. The office does not return original documents. The office keeps the copy of your ID with your application.