Sunrise City birth records go through the Broward County Health Department’s vital records office in Fort Lauderdale. Sunrise is a city in western Broward County, Florida, with about 100,000 people.
The city does not run its own birth records office. Every request from a Sunrise resident is handled by the county office, the state office in Jacksonville, or the official online vendor, VitalChek. This page explains how to order, what to bring, who qualifies, how much it costs, and how long it takes.
Sunrise City Birth Records Office Location, Phone, and Hours
The Broward County Health Department’s vital records office is the only place where Sunrise residents can pick up a certified birth certificate in person. The office sits about 20 minutes from most parts of Sunrise by car. Traffic on I-595 and US-441 can slow the trip during rush hours, so plan to leave early.
| Office Name | Broward County Health Department, Office of Vital Records |
|---|---|
| Street Address | 780 SW 24th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 |
| Phone Number | (954) 467-4700 |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Walk-in Service | Yes, same-day service is the norm |
| Official Website | broward.floridahealth.gov |
Florida uses a centralized vital records system. That means a Sunrise resident can walk into any county health department in Florida and order a birth record, even if the birth took place in a different county. This saves a trip for people who need records from Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, or another Florida county.
Three Ways to Order a Sunrise City Birth Certificate
Sunrise residents have three ways to get a certified birth certificate. Each way has its own speed, cost, and steps. Choose the one that fits your situation.
1. Walk-In Order at the Broward County Office
Walking into the Fort Lauderdale office is the fastest way for most people. The office accepts walk-ins Monday through Friday until 4:30 PM. Bring a valid photo ID, fill out a short form, pay the fee, and the clerk prints your certificate on the spot. Most walk-in orders finish in 30 to 60 minutes. Lines get long at lunchtime and on Mondays, so go early in the morning or midweek for a shorter wait.
What to bring for a walk-in order:
- One valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
- Payment (cash, check, or money order)
- The full name on the birth record
- The date of birth
- The city or county of birth
- The full names of both parents
2. Mail Order to the Broward County Office
Mail orders work well for Sunrise residents who do not want to drive to Fort Lauderdale. Download the Florida birth certificate application form from the Florida Department of Health website. Fill it out completely. Include a copy of your photo ID. Include a check or money order for the fee. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mail. Mail the packet to the Fort Lauderdale office.
Mail orders take two to three weeks to process and return. Processing times can stretch to four weeks during busy periods or after a holiday. Use a trackable mail service so the packet does not get lost.
3. Online Order Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only online vendor the Florida Department of Health works with for vital records. Sunrise residents can place an order at any time through the VitalChek website. The system takes credit and debit cards. VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the state fee. The certificate gets mailed to your home once the office finishes it.
Online orders through VitalChek take about five to seven business days for processing, plus mailing time. Rush shipping is available for an extra cost. The total cost for an online order is higher than a walk-in or mail order because of the service fee.
Sunrise City Birth Certificate Fees and Accepted Payments
The fee for a certified birth certificate in Florida is set by Florida Statute 382.0255. The first copy costs $15. Each extra copy ordered at the same time costs $10. Sunrise residents who need multiple certified copies should order them all at once. Ordering two or more copies at the same time saves money on each one.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $15 |
| Each additional copy ordered at the same time | $10 |
| VitalChek service fee (online orders) | Varies, usually $8 to $12 |
| Expedited shipping (VitalChek) | Extra fee based on shipping speed |
| Amendment processing fee | $20 to $50, depending on the change |
Payment options by ordering method:
- Walk-in: cash, check, or money order
- Mail: check or money order (no cash)
- VitalChek: credit or debit card
The Broward County office does not accept credit or debit cards for in-person orders. This is different from many state offices. Plan to bring cash or a check if you go in person. The closest ATM is a short drive from the office.
Who Can Order a Sunrise City Birth Certificate
Florida law treats birth records as confidential. Florida Statute 382.025 controls who can get a certified copy. The law keeps birth records sealed for 125 years from the date of birth. After 125 years, the record becomes public.
The following people can order a certified copy of a birth record in Sunrise:
- The person named on the record (must be 18 or older)
- A parent listed on the record
- A legal guardian with court paperwork
- A current or former spouse
- A child of the person on the record
- A sibling of the person on the record
- A grandparent of the person on the record
- An attorney working for one of the people listed above
- A licensed private investigator with a notarized statement
Anyone who does not fit one of these categories can only get an informational copy. An informational copy has the same data as a certified copy but carries a stamp that says it is not valid for legal or identification use. Genealogists, family researchers, and people building family trees use informational copies for these reasons.
Photo ID Requirements for Sunrise Birth Record Orders
Every person who orders a birth certificate must show valid photo ID. The clerk or VitalChek will not process the order without it. The list of accepted photo IDs includes:
- Florida driver’s license or state ID
- Out-of-state driver’s license or state ID
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military ID
- Federal, state, or local government employee ID
- Student ID (for in-person orders at some offices)
Two documents can be used together if one photo ID is not available. For example, a Social Security card plus a school transcript can work for some orders. Call the office ahead of time to confirm what counts if your ID situation is unusual.
Sunrise City Birth Certificate Processing Times
Processing time depends on the ordering method:
| Method | Processing Time | Mailing Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk-in at Broward office | 30 to 60 minutes | None | Same day |
| Mail order | 2 to 3 weeks | 1 to 2 weeks return mail | 3 to 5 weeks |
| VitalChek standard | 5 to 7 business days | 5 to 10 business days | 2 to 3 weeks |
| VitalChek rush | 2 to 3 business days | 1 to 3 business days | 3 to 6 days |
Same-day service is only available for walk-in orders. No other method can match it. If a passport appointment is coming up in the next two days, walking into the office is the only way to get the certificate in time.
Sunrise City Birth Records for Passport Applications
A certified birth certificate is one of the main proofs of citizenship accepted for a U.S. passport. The U.S. State Department has strict rules about which birth certificates qualify. The certificate must have all of these features:
- The registrar’s raised, embossed, or multicolored seal
- The date the certificate was filed with the state (must be within one year of birth for new records)
- The full name of the person, the date of birth, and the place of birth
- The signature of the state registrar or local registrar
Florida birth certificates issued after 2004 carry the State Office of Vital Statistics seal and meet passport rules. Older Florida birth certificates may need a raised seal to qualify. The clerk at the Broward office can confirm the seal type before purchase. Order the birth certificate first, then apply for the passport. A Sunrise resident who applies for a passport should request at least two certified copies so the passport office can keep one copy on file.
Sunrise City Birth Record Apostille Service
An apostille is a stamp that proves a document is real in another country. People who need to use a Florida birth certificate abroad, such as for dual citizenship, marriage abroad, or international adoption, need an apostille. The Florida Department of State handles apostilles in Tallahassee.
Steps to get an apostille for a Sunrise birth certificate:
- Order a certified copy of the birth certificate from the Broward County office
- Fill out the apostille request form from the Florida Department of State
- Mail the certified copy, the form, and the apostille fee to the Office of the Secretary of State in Tallahassee
- Wait for the apostilled document to come back by mail
The apostille fee is $10 per document as of 2026. Processing takes about 5 to 10 business days. The Tallahassee office also offers expedited apostille service for a higher fee.
Sunrise City Birth Records for Genealogy Research
Genealogy researchers have two main paths to old birth records in Florida. Records that are more than 125 years old become public and can be ordered by anyone. Records that are less than 125 years old are sealed, and only eligible family members can order certified copies.
Resources for genealogy research on Sunrise families:
- Broward County Historical Commission holds local archives and may have older records
- Florida State Archives in Tallahassee has microfilm records of early Florida births
- FamilySearch.org has a free searchable index of Florida birth records going back to the 1800s
- Ancestry.com and MyHeritage.com have paid databases with Florida birth records
Sunrise was founded in 1961, so most birth records for people born in Sunrise date from 1961 or later. People whose family members were born in the Fort Lauderdale area before 1961 should search Broward County records, which go back further.
Correcting a Mistake on a Sunrise City Birth Record
Mistakes on birth certificates happen more often than people think. A typo in a name, the wrong date, or a missing parent name can all be fixed. The Florida Department of Health runs the amendment process under Florida Statute 382.016.
Minor Errors (No Court Order Needed)
Small clerical errors can be fixed with a simple form and supporting documents. Common minor fixes include:
- Spelling corrections in the first or last name
- Date of birth errors (within a few days)
- Place of birth typos
- Parent name spelling fixes
These fixes cost a $20 amendment fee plus the cost of a new certified copy. The form is the DH 432A from the Florida Department of Health.
Major Changes (Court Order Required)
Major changes need a court order before the state will update the record. Major changes include:
- Adding a parent who was not listed at birth (paternity acknowledgment or court order)
- Removing a parent from the record
- Name changes after adoption
- Sex designation changes
- Name changes for any reason after the original filing
A Sunrise resident who needs a major change should first file the paperwork with the Broward County Clerk of Court. Once the court signs the order, the state will update the vital record. Court costs and amendment fees add up fast for major changes, so plan ahead.
Sunrise City Birth Record Replacement After Loss or Damage
A certified copy of a birth certificate serves as proof of identity and citizenship. People who lose the original or damage it can order a replacement through any of the three methods covered above. There is no difference in the process between an original request and a replacement request. The fee is the same. The processing time is the same.
Sunrise residents who need to replace a birth certificate often include:
- People whose birth certificate was lost in a move or natural disaster
- People whose certificate was damaged by water or fire
- People who need a new copy because the old one was rejected by another agency
- Adopted adults who need a copy of their amended birth certificate
For people who have lost multiple vital records, FEMA disaster relief programs sometimes cover replacement fees. Sunrise residents affected by a declared disaster should check with Broward County Emergency Management for help with replacement costs.
Hospital Birth Registration in Sunrise
Florida Statute 382.013 requires every birth in Florida to be registered with the state within five days of the birth. The hospital, birthing center, or attending midwife files the paperwork. Parents do not fill out the birth registration form at the hospital. Hospital staff do it.
Hospitals and birthing centers in or near Sunrise include:
- Sunrise Health and Wellness Center (no longer operates a birthing unit)
- Westside Regional Medical Center in Plantation
- Florida Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale
- Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale
Parents should check the birth certificate information at the hospital before discharge. Catching a typo at the hospital is much easier than fixing it through the amendment process later. Most hospitals have a birth registrar on staff who can answer questions.
Common Reasons Sunrise Birth Certificate Orders Get Rejected
The Broward County office rejects some orders every day. The most common reasons for rejection include:
- No photo ID or expired photo ID
- Photo ID does not match the requester’s name
- Incomplete application form (missing parent names or dates)
- Wrong fee amount or non-accepted payment type
- Requester is not on the eligible list and did not ask for an informational copy
- Signature missing on the application
Sunrise residents who get a rejection notice should call the office at (954) 467-4700 to ask what the issue is. Most rejections can be fixed with a phone call and a corrected form. Do not send a second order without fixing the original issue. It will get rejected again.
Sunrise City Clerk’s Office and Birth Records
The Sunrise City Clerk’s Office does not issue birth certificates. The city clerk handles city records, business licenses, city council minutes, and local ordinances. Some people confuse the city clerk with the vital records office. The vital records office is a state function run through the county health department, not a city function.
For local records, the Sunrise City Clerk’s Office is at:
- Address: 10770 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, FL 33351
- Phone: (954) 746-3430
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
The city clerk can help with marriage licenses, city records, and other local documents. They can also point residents to the right office for vital records questions.
Sunrise City Birth Records Phone Number and Quick Reference
For people who need to reach the right office fast, here is a quick reference list:
- Broward County Vital Records (birth certificates): (954) 467-4700
- Sunrise City Clerk’s Office: (954) 746-3430
- Florida Department of Health (state office): (904) 359-6900
- VitalChek customer service: (800) 255-2414
- Florida Department of State (apostille): (850) 245-6500
- U.S. State Department (passport questions): (800) 777-7770
Office address: 780 SW 24th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Official website: broward.floridahealth.gov. Phone: (954) 467-4700.
Sunrise City Birth Records: Key Facts and 2026 Updates
Florida’s vital records system runs on the same rules in 2026 as in past years. The fees, statutes, and eligible requester list have not changed. The VitalChek platform added faster digital processing in 2024, which has cut online order times by a few days. The Broward County office added a self-service kiosk in 2025 for quick informational copy requests, though certified copies still need a clerk.
One key update in 2026 is the new digital ID option for online orders. VitalChek now accepts digital driver’s licenses from Florida and 11 other states for identity proofing. This skips the need to upload a photo of a physical ID for some applicants. Sunrise residents with a Florida digital ID can use this faster path.
People born in Sunrise between 1961 and 2001 make up the bulk of birth certificate requests. The state system has full digital records for births from 2004 forward. Earlier records are scanned images, but the office can still pull certified copies. Anyone born in Sunrise can get their birth certificate through any Florida county office, the state office in Jacksonville, or VitalChek online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunrise City Birth Records
The questions below cover the most common concerns Sunrise residents have about ordering birth certificates, fixing records, and using certificates for legal purposes. Each answer is based on current Florida law and the 2026 practices of the Broward County Health Department’s vital records office.
1. Can I get a Sunrise birth certificate the same day I order it?
Yes, but only if you walk into the Broward County office in person. Same-day service is the standard for walk-in orders. The clerk prints the certificate on the spot. Mail orders take 2 to 3 weeks, and online orders through VitalChek take 1 to 3 weeks. For a same-day request, arrive at the Fort Lauderdale office before 4:00 PM and bring a valid photo ID, payment, and the full details of the birth. The office is busiest on Mondays, so going on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday cuts the wait time.
2. Can my grandmother order a copy of my birth certificate in Sunrise?
Yes. Florida Statute 382.025 lists grandparents as eligible requesters. Your grandmother must bring her own valid photo ID and a document that shows the family connection, such as her own birth certificate or the birth certificate of your parent. If she orders by mail, she must include a copy of her photo ID. The Broward County office does not require proof of relationship beyond the photo ID for grandparents, but having extra documentation speeds up the process if the clerk has questions.
3. How do I fix a misspelled name on a Sunrise birth certificate?
Small spelling fixes do not need a court order. Fill out form DH 432A from the Florida Department of Health, include the $20 amendment fee, and mail it to the Office of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Include a copy of the current birth certificate and supporting documents that show the correct spelling, such as a Social Security card or school record. The state processes the amendment in 4 to 6 weeks and mails back a new certified copy. Walk-in amendments are not available at the Broward County office.
4. Is a Sunrise birth certificate valid for a passport?
Yes, if it carries the right security features. Florida birth certificates issued after 2004 include the raised state seal, the registrar’s signature, and the date filed, all of which the U.S. State Department requires for passport applications. Older Florida birth certificates may need a raised seal to qualify. The clerk at the Broward office can confirm the seal type before purchase. If the certificate does not meet passport rules, order a new one with the current security features.
5. Can I order a birth certificate from Sunrise if I was born at a hospital in a different county?
Yes. Florida’s centralized vital records system lets any county office pull up records from any other county. A Sunrise resident who was born at a Miami-Dade hospital can walk into the Broward County office and order a copy of that Miami-Dade birth record. The clerk pulls it up in the state system, prints a certified copy, and the resident pays the same $15 fee. The turnaround time is the same as a Sunrise-born record request.
6. How much does a Sunrise birth certificate cost if I need three copies?
Three certified copies cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy, so $35 total. The Broward County office applies this pricing to a single order placed at the same time. Ordering the same three copies through VitalChek adds a service fee of $8 to $12 per order, plus shipping. Sunrise residents who need copies for school, passport, and personal use should bundle the order to get the cheaper per-copy rate.
7. Can a non-family member get a birth certificate for genealogy research in Sunrise?
No, not a certified copy. Florida keeps birth records sealed for 125 years. A non-family member can order an informational copy, which has the same data but is stamped as not valid for legal use. Genealogists use these for family trees and historical research. Once a record is more than 125 years old, it becomes public, and anyone can order a certified copy. For most Sunrise births (post-1961), this will not happen for many decades. The state archives in Tallahassee also have older Florida birth records available for genealogy research.