Union County birth records are official documents that prove a person was born in Union County, Florida. These records hold the full name at birth, date of birth, place of birth, and the parents’ full names.
The Florida Department of Health keeps every Union County birth record on file from 1917 to the present. Anyone who needs proof of birth for a passport, school, a driver’s license, a Social Security card, or family history can order a certified copy. This page explains the steps, the costs, the processing times, and the office details for getting a Union County birth certificate.
What a Union County Birth Certificate Includes
A Union County birth certificate is a printed copy of the original record filed with the state. The certificate shows the child’s full legal name, sex, date of birth, time of birth, county of birth, hospital or birth location, mother’s full name, father’s full name when listed, and the file date. Each certified copy carries a raised seal, the registrar’s signature, and the date the record was filed. The seal and signature make the document valid for legal and government use across the United States.
Two main types of copies exist. A certified copy has the state seal and works for passport applications, school enrollment, and government ID cards. A non-certified copy has the same facts but carries a stamp that says it cannot be used for legal work. Florida seals all birth records for 125 years from the date of birth under Florida Statute 382.025. Most Union County birth records are still sealed, which means only eligible requesters can order a certified copy.
The Office That Handles Union County Birth Records
The DOH-Union office in Lake Butler handles every birth certificate request for Union County residents. This office is part of the Florida Department of Health network. The office sits in the county seat of Lake Butler. Union County has a small population of about 15,700 people, but the office can pull any Florida birth record from the statewide vital statistics database that covers 1917 to the present.
The Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville runs the state database. Each county office in Florida links to the same database. A person born anywhere in Florida can request a certified copy from any county health department in the state. This includes people born in Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, Orlando, or any other Florida city. The statewide system has worked this way since Florida first started statewide birth registration in 1917.
Who Can Request a Certified Copy
Florida law lists the people who can order a certified Union County birth certificate. The person named on the certificate can request a copy once they turn 18. A parent listed on the record can order a copy at any time. A legal guardian with proper court papers can request a copy. A lawyer working for one of the eligible people can request a copy with a signed client authorization letter. A person with a court order that grants them access can get a copy.
People who do not fit the eligible list can ask for a non-certified copy. This copy has the same facts but cannot be used for legal work. Hospitals, schools, and government agencies may also get a copy when state or federal law allows it. The DOH-Union office checks every photo ID before releasing a certified copy. This step is required by Florida Statute 382.025 and protects the records from fraud.
Three Ways to Order a Union County Birth Certificate
There are three main ways to order a Union County birth certificate. Each method has different steps, costs, and processing times. The three options are in-person at the Lake Butler office, by mail, and online through VitalChek. All three methods produce a valid certified copy once the request is approved.
Order in Person at the Lake Butler Office
The fastest method is a walk-in visit to the DOH-Union office. Bring a valid, non-expired photo ID such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military ID. Fill out the application form DH726 at the front desk. The form is free and comes in English and Spanish. Pay the fee with cash, check, or money order. Same-day service is the standard for in-person orders.
No appointment is needed for walk-in service. The office serves customers on a first-come, first-served basis. Most people finish their order in less than 20 minutes. The address is 495 East Main Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054. The office sits inside the Union County Health Department building, near the Union County Courthouse. Free parking is available in front of the building.
Order by Mail
Mail orders work for people who cannot visit the office in person. Download and print form DH726 from the Florida Department of Health website. Fill out the form with the full name at birth, date of birth, place of birth, hospital, and parents’ names. Include a clear photocopy of a valid photo ID. Send the form, the ID copy, and a check or money order for the fee to the DOH-Union office address.
Mail processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the office receives the request. The certified copy comes back through regular United States mail. The office does not provide tracking numbers or expedited return mail. Mail orders cost the same as in-person orders, and there is no extra fee for the mail service itself. International mail requests may take longer because of postal delays.
Order Online Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only state-approved online vendor for Florida birth certificates. Go to the VitalChek website and start a new order. Enter the same facts required on form DH726. Upload a photo of your photo ID during the order. Pay with a credit or debit card. VitalChek adds a service fee on top of the $9 state fee. The total cost is higher than in-person or mail orders.
Online orders take about five to seven business days. A rush option is available for an extra fee of $10. Rush orders typically arrive in two to three business days. VitalChek sends a confirmation email with a tracking number once the order ships. The certified copy arrives by mail in a secure envelope.
Fees for Union County Birth Certificates
The Florida Department of Health sets the fees for birth certificates by state law. Florida Statute 382.0255 lists the exact amounts. The first certified copy costs $9. Each extra copy of the same record costs $4 when ordered at the same time. A search fee of $9 applies even if no record is found. The search fee is non-refundable.
Here is a simple breakdown of the fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $9 |
| Each extra copy (same order) | $4 |
| Search fee (no record found) | $9 |
| VitalChek online service fee | Varies by order |
| VitalChek rush processing (optional) | $10 extra |
Cash, checks, and money orders work at the Lake Butler office. Make checks payable to DOH-Union. Credit and debit cards are accepted only through VitalChek. The in-person method is the cheapest option for most people in Union County. The mail method costs the same as in-person. The online method costs more because of the VitalChek service fee.
Processing Times for Each Method
Processing time depends on the order method. In-person requests at the Lake Butler office are usually ready the same day. Most people get their certified copy within 30 minutes of completing the form. Mail orders take two to three weeks from the day the office receives the request. Online VitalChek orders take five to seven business days. Rush VitalChek orders take two to three business days.
Delays can happen when the form has missing facts, the ID is expired, or the payment does not clear. The office sends a letter by mail when they need more facts. A common reason for delay is a name that does not match the ID exactly. Always check the name spelling on the form against the photo ID before submitting the order. A quick check of the facts saves weeks of waiting time.
How to Fix Errors on a Birth Certificate
Mistakes on a Union County birth certificate can be fixed. Common errors include a misspelled name, a wrong birth date, or a wrong parent name. Simple spelling errors take less time to fix than major changes. Major changes, such as adding a parent name, removing a parent name, or changing a first name, need a court order under Florida Statute 382.016.
To fix an error, contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Fill out the amendment form and attach the right supporting papers. Supporting papers may include a hospital record, a baptismal record, a school record, or a court order. The bureau reviews each request and sends a letter with the result. The corrected certificate comes by mail once the change is approved. There is a fee for amendments, and the fee amount depends on the type of change.
Using false facts or forged papers to get a birth certificate is a felony under Florida Statute 382.026. The DOH-Union office checks every ID and compares each form to the state database. Anyone caught making a false request faces fines and jail time. The office will not process a request that has false facts or a forged signature.
Genealogy and Historical Birth Records
Union County historical birth records go back to 1917, when Florida first required birth registration. Some cities and churches may have records from before 1917, but the state did not collect those records. Family historians and genealogists often use county records to build family trees and prove family ties. The records also help with citizenship papers, dual citizenship requests, and tribal enrollment applications.
Florida birth records stay sealed for 125 years under state law. This means records from 1900 or earlier are open to the public, but most Union County records are still sealed. People who qualify under the law can order certified copies for genealogy work. A signed letter from a parent, a court order, or proof of direct family line is required for genealogy requests.
Other sources of Union County birth records include:
- Union County Clerk of Court records (marriage, probate, and other legal papers)
- Local church records and baptismal books
- Union County Public Library local history section
- Cemetery records and headstone transcriptions
- Newspaper archives and obituaries
- Federal census records (1900 to 1950) on Ancestry.com and FamilySearch
The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee also holds older birth records. Some records from the early 1900s are available on microfilm. The archives staff can help researchers locate old records by mail or in person. Researchers should call ahead to confirm the office hours and the records on file for Union County.
Cities and Towns Served in Union County
Union County is one of the smallest counties in Florida by population. The county seat is Lake Butler. The main communities in the county include Lake Butler, Raiford, and Worthington Springs. All of these communities use the same DOH-Union office for birth certificate services. There is no other vital records office in the county.
People who live in the unincorporated areas of Union County also use the Lake Butler office. The nearest alternative offices sit in Baker County, Bradford County, Alachua County, and Columbia County. Any of these offices can process a Union County birth certificate request because they all use the same statewide database. For people who live closer to a neighboring county, that office may be a faster option.
Office Address, Phone, Hours, and Location Map
The DOH-Union office is the only vital records location in Union County. The full contact details are listed below for easy reference.
Office: DOH-Union, Vital Statistics
Address: 495 East Main Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054
Phone: 386-496-3211
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed: State and federal holidays
Official website: https://union.floridahealth.gov/certificates/birth-certificates/
Florida Department of Health main page: https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/birth-certificates/
VitalChek online order page: https://www.vitalchek.com/vital-records/florida/florida-vital-statistics
Florida Statute 382.025 (eligible requesters): https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0382/Sections/0382.025.html
Florida Statute 382.0255 (fees): https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0382/Sections/0382.0255.html
The office sits on the east side of Lake Butler, near the Union County Courthouse. Free parking is available in front of the building. The building is wheelchair accessible. Visitors can walk in without an appointment during business hours.
Below is a real map of the office location for easy directions:
Nearby County Vital Records Offices
Any Florida county health department can process a Union County birth certificate request. The four counties that border Union County each have their own vital records office. Residents in those border areas may find a closer office at one of these locations:
- Baker County Vital Records
- Bradford County Vital Records
- Alachua County Vital Records
- Columbia County Vital Records
All of these offices use the same statewide vital records database. The fees and forms are the same at every office in Florida. The processing times may vary by location. Call the office ahead of time to confirm hours and accepted payment methods.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Union County Birth Records
People ask many of the same questions about Union County birth records. The answers below cover the most common requests, the most common problems, and the rules that apply to every order. Each answer gives the exact steps or the exact law that controls the request. Read through all seven answers before placing an order to avoid delays or extra costs.
Can I get a Union County birth certificate the same day I walk in?
Yes. The DOH-Union office in Lake Butler offers same-day service for in-person requests. Most walk-in customers receive their certified copy within 30 minutes of completing the form and paying the fee. Bring a valid photo ID, fill out form DH726, and pay the $9 fee for the first copy. The same-day option is the fastest way to get a Union County birth certificate. The office does not require an appointment. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. State and federal holidays are closed days. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to give staff time to process the request.
What if I was not born in Union County but live there now?
You can still order a birth certificate from Union County. The Lake Butler office can pull any Florida birth record from 1917 to the present. You can also order from any Florida county health department or the state Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The place where you live does not have to match the place where you were born. The statewide database links every county office to the same records. The fees and forms are the same at every location. Many Union County residents born in nearby cities like Jacksonville, Gainesville, or Starke order their records from the Lake Butler office for the sake of convenience.
How much does a Union County birth certificate cost?
The first certified copy costs $9. Each extra copy of the same record costs $4 when ordered at the same time. Florida Statute 382.0255 sets these amounts across the state. The search fee of $9 is non-refundable, even if no record turns up in the search. Online orders through VitalChek add a service fee on top of the $9 state fee. Rush processing through VitalChek costs an extra $10. The total cost for an online rush order is about $28 to $35, depending on the VitalChek service fee. The in-person method is the cheapest option for most people in Union County.
Can a grandparent or sibling order a Union County birth certificate?
Florida law does not list grandparents or siblings as eligible requesters. Only the person named on the certificate, a parent listed on the record, a legal guardian with court papers, a lawyer with client authorization, or a person with a court order can request a certified copy. A grandparent or sibling can ask for a non-certified copy, which has the same facts but is not valid for legal use. A notarized letter of authorization from an eligible person does not give a grandparent or sibling the right to a certified copy. The DOH-Union office follows the eligible list under Florida Statute 382.025 exactly.
What forms of ID does the DOH-Union office accept?
The office accepts a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. The ID must be current and not expired. Photocopies of IDs are accepted only for mail orders. The office returns the photocopy with the certified certificate in the return envelope. Expired IDs are not accepted for any order method. The name on the ID must match the name on the form. A small spelling difference is okay if the form is signed by an eligible requester. A larger name change needs a court order or amendment record on file with the state.
How do I correct a misspelled name on a Union County birth certificate?
Fill out the amendment form from the Florida Department of Health. Attach a hospital record, baptismal record, school record, or other proof that shows the correct spelling. Send the form and proof to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The bureau reviews the request and issues a corrected certificate if approved. Simple spelling corrections usually take a few weeks. Major changes, such as a legal name change, need a court order under Florida Statute 382.016. The amendment fee depends on the type of change. The corrected certificate replaces the original record in the state database. The original certificate is no longer valid once the correction is filed.
Can I order a Union County birth certificate from another state?
Yes. You can use VitalChek to place an online order from any state in the country. You can also mail a request to the DOH-Union office from anywhere in the United States. Make sure to include a photocopy of a valid photo ID and a check or money order for the fee. International requests may take longer because of mail delays. The certified copy will arrive in a secure envelope by United States mail. For people who live abroad, the online VitalChek option is the easiest method. The fees and forms are the same for out-of-state and in-state requests. The processing times are the same as well.