Obtaining a birth certificate is a necessary step for various life events, from enrolling in school to applying for a passport or driver’s license. For residents in Arkansas, ordering a birth certificate has become increasingly convenient, especially with the option to Order Birth Cert Online. This guide will walk you through the process, costs, and everything you need to know to get your birth certificate quickly and efficiently.
Why Order Your Birth Certificate Online?
Ordering your birth certificate online offers numerous advantages, making it a preferred method for many. The key benefits include:
- Convenience: Order from the comfort of your home, 24/7, eliminating the need to visit a government office in person.
- Speed: While processing times vary, online orders often offer expedited shipping options to receive your certificate faster.
- Accessibility: The online portal is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy for anyone in Arkansas or even outside the state to order a birth certificate.
- Tracking: Online ordering systems usually provide order tracking, allowing you to monitor the status of your request.
Who is Eligible to Order a Birth Certificate in Arkansas?
Not just anyone can order a birth certificate. To protect privacy, Arkansas law restricts who can obtain a certified copy. Eligible individuals typically include:
- The person named on the birth certificate (if they are 18 years or older).
- Parents named on the birth certificate.
- Legal guardian (must provide documentation).
- Grandparents.
- Adult children or grandchildren.
- Spouse.
- Legal representative (must provide documentation).
It’s essential to ensure you are an eligible individual before placing an order to avoid delays or rejection of your request.
Understanding the Cost of an Arkansas Birth Certificate
The cost for obtaining a birth certificate in Arkansas is structured as follows:
- Standard Copy Fee: $12.00 for the first copy.
- Additional Copies (same order): $10.00 for each subsequent copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
When you order birth cert online, additional fees apply:
- Standard Processing Fee: $5.00 per order.
- Identity Verification Fee: $1.85 (non-refundable).
- Expedited Shipping (optional): Costs vary depending on the shipping method selected.
It’s important to note that search fees are non-refundable, even if the birth record is not found. However, if you are not entitled to a refund, you will receive a refund for any amount paid beyond the non-refundable fees.
Step-by-Step Guide to Order Birth Cert Online in Arkansas
Ordering your birth certificate online is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transaction:
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Visit the Official Online Portal: The Arkansas Department of Health partners with a vital records service to process online orders. You can access the portal through the official Arkansas Department of Health website or by directly searching for “Arkansas Vital Records online ordering.” (Ensure you are on a legitimate government or partner website to protect your personal information.)
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Start a New Application: Click on the option to “Order a Birth Record” or similar, and begin a new application.
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Provide Required Information: You will be prompted to enter information necessary to locate the birth certificate. This typically includes:
- Full name of the person on the birth certificate.
- Date of birth.
- Place of birth (city and county, if known).
- Parents’ full names (including mother’s maiden name).
- Your relationship to the person named on the certificate (to establish eligibility).
- Purpose for needing the birth certificate.
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Identity Verification: As part of the online process, you will need to complete an identity verification step. This is usually done through a third-party service and may involve answering security questions or providing additional information to confirm your identity. This is the source of the non-refundable identity verification fee.
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Review and Confirm Your Order: Carefully review all the information you have entered to ensure accuracy. Incorrect information can lead to delays in processing or rejection of your order. Confirm the type and number of copies you need.
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Select Shipping Options: Choose your preferred shipping method. Standard mail is available, and expedited shipping options are usually offered for faster delivery at an additional cost.
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Pay Fees: You will need to pay the certificate fees, processing fee, identity verification fee, and any selected shipping fees online using a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express are commonly accepted).
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Submit Your Order: Once you have completed all the steps and paid the fees, submit your order. You should receive a confirmation number. Keep this number safe as you will need it to check your order status.
Other Ways to Order a Birth Certificate in Arkansas
While ordering online is convenient, you also have other options:
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By Mail: You can download an application form from the Arkansas Department of Health website, complete it, and mail it in with the required fee (check or money order) to the address provided. Mail processing times are typically longer (10-14 days plus mail delivery time).
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Walk-In: For immediate service, you can visit the Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records office in Little Rock or a Local Health Unit. Walk-in service is generally faster, especially if you arrive before 4:00 PM, but same-day service isn’t guaranteed for all requests. Payment options for walk-ins include cash, credit/debit cards, checks, or money orders.
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By Telephone: You can also order by phone toll-free at (866) 209-9482. This method allows for multiple expedited shipping options, and payment is made by debit or credit card.
Checking Your Order Status and Contact Information
To check the status of an order you’ve already placed online, use the “Check Order Status” service available on the vital records website. You will need your confirmation number.
For any questions regarding birth certificates, you can contact the Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records Office:
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding state holidays).
For technical difficulties with the online ordering system, you can fill out the online support form provided on the Arkansas Department of Health website.
Conclusion
Ordering your birth certificate online in Arkansas is a user-friendly and efficient way to obtain this vital document. By following these steps and understanding the costs and eligibility requirements, you can simplify the process and get your birth certificate quickly. Whether you choose to order birth cert online, by mail, walk-in, or phone, the Arkansas Department of Health provides multiple avenues to meet your needs. Choose the method that best suits your circumstances and take the first step towards securing your birth certificate today.
