St Johns County birth records are official documents that prove a person was born in this Florida county. They hold the full name, date of birth, and place of birth.
People use them for school enrollment, travel, jobs, and government benefits. The local health department in St. Augustine handles all requests for these records in 2026.
St Johns County sits in northeast Florida. Its county seat is St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. The county has about 335,000 residents in 2026. It ranks among the fastest-growing counties in Florida. More people each year need certified copies of their birth records for new jobs, school, or travel.
This page covers every step to get a certified birth certificate in St Johns County. It shows fees, hours, forms, and contact details. It also explains who can order a copy. Read on to learn the full process from start to finish.
St Johns County Birth Records at a Glance
Below are key facts about ordering a St Johns County birth certificate in 2026. These details apply to walk-in, mail, and online requests.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Issuing Office | Florida Department of Health in St Johns County (DOH-St. Johns) |
| Address | 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084 |
| Phone | 904-209-3250 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| First Copy Fee | $9 |
| Each Extra Copy | $4 (ordered at the same time) |
| Online Vendor | VitalChek (state-approved only) |
| Years Covered | 1917 to present |
| Same-Day Service | Yes, for walk-in requests |
| Search Fee | $9 (non-refundable) |
Where to Get St Johns County Birth Records
The Florida Department of Health in St Johns County (DOH-St. Johns) is the main office for birth records. The office sits at 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084. The phone number is 904-209-3250. Hours run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is closed on state holidays.
This office can pull up any Florida birth record from 1917 to today. You do not need to have been born in St Johns County. The state system links all county offices. So even if you were born in Miami, Orlando, or Tampa, you can order your record right here in St. Augustine.
Under Florida Statute 382.013, every birth in the state must be registered within five days. Hospitals file the paperwork for in-hospital births. Home births get reported by the attending midwife or physician. Once a birth goes on file, DOH-St. Johns can print a certified copy on demand.
Three Ways to Order a St Johns County Birth Certificate
You have three options for getting a certified birth record in St Johns County in 2026.
- Walk in — Visit the office in person. This is the fastest option. Most walk-ins leave with their certificate the same day.
- Mail — Send a form and payment by post. This takes two to three weeks for the full round trip.
- Online — Use VitalChek, the state’s only approved vendor. This is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Each method has its own speed and cost. Walk-in requests give you the certificate the same day. Mail requests take weeks. Online orders arrive in about a week. Pick the one that fits your timeline and budget.
St Johns County Birth Certificate Fees in 2026
The state sets all fees under Florida Statute 382.0255. The first certified copy costs $9. Each extra copy of the same record costs $4 when ordered at the same time. The $9 search fee is non-refundable. You pay it even if no record is found for the name and date you submit.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $9 |
| Each extra copy (same order) | $4 |
| Rush processing (online or mail) | $10 extra |
| VitalChek service charge | Varies (added to state fee) |
| Apostille from Florida Secretary of State | $10 per document |
| Amendment processing fee | Set by state (varies by case) |
For in-person and mail orders, you can pay with cash, check, or money order. The office does not accept credit cards for most walk-in transactions. VitalChek orders use credit or debit cards. The total cost through VitalChek runs higher than in person or by mail, but many people prefer the convenience.
Documents You Need to Order a St Johns County Birth Certificate
You must show valid photo ID to order a certified copy. Acceptable IDs include a Florida driver’s license, a state-issued ID card, a U.S. passport, or a military ID. The ID must be current. Expired IDs do not work for this process.
If your name changed since birth, bring proof of the change. A marriage certificate or court order works for name changes. If you are ordering for someone else, you need proof of your link to that person. A birth certificate, court order, or notarized letter may be required by staff. Photocopies of ID are accepted for mail requests. Walk-in orders need the original ID shown at the counter.
Walk-In Service at the St Johns County Office
Walk-in service at DOH-St. Johns is fast and simple. You do not need an appointment. Go to the front desk. Ask for a DH726 form. Fill it out at the counter. Show your ID. Pay the fee. Wait as staff print your certificate.
Most walk-in requests are done the same day. You leave with your birth certificate in hand. The office handles all births registered in Florida from 1917 onward. Same-day service is the most popular option for local residents. The front desk sees the highest traffic between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Early morning visits tend to be the quickest.
Mail Request Step by Step
Mail requests take two to three weeks for the full round trip. Here are the steps to follow in 2026.
- Print or get a DH726 form. You can download it from the Florida DOH website at floridahealth.gov.
- Fill out the form. Include the full name at birth, date of birth, hospital name, and parents’ full names.
- Make a clear copy of your photo ID. Write your name and date of birth on the copy.
- Write a check or money order for $9 made out to DOH-St. Johns.
- Mail everything to 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
The office sends certificates back by regular U.S. mail. You can include a prepaid return envelope for faster shipping. Make sure your form is filled out fully. Missing data can delay your order by weeks. If the record is not found, the $9 search fee is not refunded.
Online Order Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only online vendor approved by the State of Florida. Go to vitalchek.com to start an order. You fill out the same form as in person. Pay with a credit or debit card. VitalChek adds a service charge on top of the $9 state fee.
Most online orders ship in 5 to 7 business days. Rush processing costs an extra $10. This cuts the time down to about 3 business days. You can order any time, day or night. Many people use this method when they live out of state or cannot visit the office.
Who Can Request a St Johns County Birth Certificate
Florida law keeps birth records private for 125 years from the date of birth. Only certain people can get a certified copy. Under Florida Statute 382.025, eligible requestors include:
- The person named on the record, if 18 or older
- A parent listed on the birth certificate
- A legal guardian with court papers
- An attorney acting on behalf of an eligible person
- A court-ordered representative
- A funeral director or licensed embalmer (for deaths within 12 months)
You must show ID and proof of your link to the person on the record. If you do not qualify for a certified copy, you can still get an informational copy. This version has the same data. It carries a stamp that says “not valid for legal use.” It works for family research, school projects, or personal reference.
Same-Day and Rush Service Options
Same-day service is available for walk-in requests at DOH-St. Johns. You must go in person. Bring your ID. Pay the fee. Wait as the office prints your record. Most walk-ins leave the same day. The office can print most records in under one hour.
Rush processing by mail or online adds $10. This speeds up the print and ship time. It does not change the search fee. Rush mail shipping needs a prepaid envelope from the requester. Standard mail uses the U.S. Postal Service at no extra cost. For emergency needs, walk-in is the fastest route by far.
St Johns County Birth Certificate for a U.S. Passport
A certified birth certificate is a key document for a U.S. passport application. The State Department needs an original or certified copy. It must have a raised seal, the registrar’s signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the state. Photocopies and informational copies are not accepted for passports.
DOH-St. Johns issues these certified copies. Walk in or order by mail. Many passport applicants go in person to get a same-day certified copy. They then apply for the passport at a nearby acceptance facility. The St. Augustine Post Office and several local clerk offices accept passport applications. Plan ahead, as passport processing can take several weeks after the birth certificate is in hand.
Apostille for International Use
Some countries need an apostille on a U.S. birth certificate. This is a stamp from the state that proves the document is real for use in another country. Florida uses the Secretary of State for apostilles, not the health department. The fee is $10 per document in 2026.
Steps for an apostille:
- Get your certified birth certificate from DOH-St. Johns first.
- Send it to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, by mail or in person.
- Pay the apostille fee of $10 per document with a check or money order.
- Include a prepaid return envelope with tracking.
- Wait for the apostilled document to come back by mail.
The apostille process takes several weeks. Plan ahead if you need it for travel, dual citizenship, or work abroad. Some countries need extra steps beyond the apostille. Check with the embassy of the country you are dealing with before you start.
Corrections and Amendments to a Birth Record
Mistakes on a birth certificate can be fixed. Common errors include misspellings, wrong dates, or missing data. The fix depends on the type of error. Minor corrections like spelling fixes can be handled with a simple application. Bigger changes may need a court order under Florida Statute 382.016.
Amendments go through the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, not through the St Johns County office directly. You submit your correction request to the state. The state reviews it. If approved, the state issues a new certificate. The process can take several weeks. There are separate fees for amendment processing that differ from regular certificate fees. Keep all your proof documents with you when you start an amendment case.
Historical and Genealogy Birth Records in St Johns County
Old birth records can help with family history. Florida birth records go back to 1917. Earlier records may not exist. Many church and census records fill the gap for older dates. The St. Augustine Historical Society and the St Johns County Public Library have local genealogy tools.
You can search the Florida State Archives online. They hold old birth indexes for the whole state. You can visit the St Johns County Public Library in St. Augustine. Their genealogy room has local census, church, and cemetery records. These can help trace family lines back to the 1700s and 1800s.
Informational copies work for research. They cost the same as a certified copy. They carry a stamp that says “not valid for legal use.” You do not need to be a family member to get an informational copy. Many genealogy researchers use this option for their family trees.
Cities and Communities Served by DOH-St. Johns
St Johns County covers many cities and towns. All use the same DOH-St. Johns office for birth records. Communities include St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, Hastings, World Golf Village, Elkton, and Switzerland. No matter where you live in the county, you go to the same office in St. Augustine.
Residents of nearby counties can also use this office. The office serves all of northeast Florida. You can get a birth certificate for a birth that took place anywhere in Florida through this office. The statewide database connects all 67 county offices in Florida.
Map and Directions to the St Johns County Birth Records Office
The DOH-St. Johns office sits on San Sebastian View. It is near downtown St. Augustine. The office has free parking in front of the building. Bus routes from the Sunshine Bus Company also stop nearby. The building is on the right side of the street. Look for the Florida Department of Health sign at the entrance.
St Johns County Birth Records Office Contact Details
Use the contact details below to reach the St Johns County birth records office in 2026. Call before you visit to confirm hours and fees.
- Office: Florida Department of Health in St Johns County, Vital Statistics
- Address: 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Phone: 904-209-3250
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Website: stjohns.floridahealth.gov
Nearby Counties You Can Also Use
You can request a Florida birth certificate from any county health department. If a nearby office is closer to your home, that works too. Neighboring counties include Duval, Clay, Putnam, and Flagler. Each county office can pull up the same statewide database. So you can visit any of them to get a St Johns County birth record or a record from any other Florida county.
Frequently Asked Questions About St Johns County Birth Records
People ask these common questions about getting a birth certificate from St Johns County, Florida. The answers below cover fees, rules, and timing in 2026. Each answer reflects current state law and local office policy.
How long does it take to get a St Johns County birth certificate by mail?
Mail requests take two to three weeks for processing and return shipping. The office sends certificates back by regular U.S. mail. If you need it faster, walk in for same-day service or order online through VitalChek. Rush processing adds $10. It cuts the time down to about one week. Standard mail requests have no tracking. You can add a prepaid return envelope for tracking and faster shipping. Plan ahead for travel or job deadlines.
Can I get a birth certificate from St Johns County if I was born in another Florida county?
Yes. DOH-St. Johns connects to the same statewide database every county office uses. You can walk in, mail a request, or order online. The same $9 fee applies for the first copy. You do not need to travel to the county where you were born. The office will pull up your record from the state system. This makes it easy for people who live in St Johns County but were born elsewhere in Florida.
What forms of ID do I need to order a birth certificate in St Johns County?
You need a valid, current photo ID. A Florida driver’s license works. A state-issued ID card works. A U.S. passport works. A military ID works. The ID must not be expired. If your name changed, bring proof. A marriage certificate or court order works. Photocopies of ID are accepted for mail requests. Walk-in orders need the original ID shown to staff at the counter.
How much does a St Johns County birth certificate cost in 2026?
The first certified copy costs $9 under Florida law. Each extra copy at the same time costs $4. The search fee is $9. It is non-refundable even if no record is found. Online orders through VitalChek add a service fee on top. Rush processing adds $10. Credit card payments are only accepted online. Cash, checks, and money orders work at the office and by mail.
Can a grandparent order a birth certificate in St Johns County?
Florida law limits who can get a certified copy. Grandparents do not qualify for a certified copy under Florida Statute 382.025. They can get an informational copy. Informational copies have the same data. They carry a stamp that says “not valid for legal use.” They work for family research. They do not work for passport, school, or job needs. Court-appointed guardians do qualify for certified copies.
What is the difference between a certified copy and an informational copy?
A certified copy has a raised seal and a registrar’s signature. It is valid for legal use. You can use it for a passport, school enrollment, or job application. An informational copy has the same data. It carries a stamp that says “not valid for legal purposes.” It works for research or reference. The fee is the same for both. Certified copies are limited to eligible people. Informational copies are open to anyone who applies.
Can I order a birth certificate online if I live out of state?
Yes. VitalChek is the state’s approved online vendor. You can order from anywhere in the U.S. Fill out the form at vitalchek.com. Pay with a credit or debit card. VitalChek adds a service fee on top of the $9 state fee. Most orders ship in 5 to 7 business days. You can add rush processing for $10 more. The certificate arrives by U.S. mail at your home address.
Authority and Entity Expansion Topics
The topics below can grow the authority of this page in 2026 and beyond. Add them as new sections or as separate posts to build topical depth.
- Adoption records and amended birth certificates for adoptees
- Birth certificate translation services for foreign-language needs
- Florida Putative Father Registry and its tie to birth registration
- Real estate and immigration uses for apostilled birth certificates
- Surrogacy birth registration rules in St Johns County
- Home birth filing rules under Florida Statute 382.013
- Death certificate and marriage certificate parallel process for family history
- Records sealed by court order under Florida Statute 382.025
- Digital ID and online birth records portal plans for 2027
- Cost comparison of birth records across all 67 Florida counties
The Florida Department of Health website lists the official DH726 form. The St Johns County Clerk of Court does not issue birth certificates. The Clerk issues court records. Keep these offices separate when planning your order. The Health Department handles all birth registration, certified copies, and amendments in St Johns County, Florida.