Wyoming birth certificate requests must follow strict state rules to protect privacy and ensure only authorized people receive certified copies. The Wyoming Department of Health manages all vital records, including birth certificates, through its Vital Statistics Office in Cheyenne. Whether you apply by mail, online, or in person, you must prove your identity and eligibility. This page explains every step, fee, form, and rule you need to know to get a certified Wyoming birth certificate quickly and correctly.
Who Can Request a Wyoming Birth Certificate
Only specific people can ask for a certified Wyoming birth certificate. The person named on the record can always request it. Legal guardians with court papers may also apply. Direct descendants—like children or grandchildren—can get one if they show proof of family ties, such as a birth or marriage certificate linking them to the person on the record. Court-appointed representatives must include official documents showing their legal right to act. All applicants must provide a government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport, to verify who they are.
Wyoming has a closed-record system. This means the state does not allow public access to birth records. Only those with a direct, legal interest can obtain a certified copy. This rule protects personal information and prevents misuse. If you are unsure if you qualify, contact the Vital Statistics Office before sending any forms or money.
Fees and Payment Options for Wyoming Birth Certificates
The cost for a certified Wyoming birth certificate is $25 per copy when applying by mail. You can pay with a personal check or money order made out to the Wyoming Department of Health. Cash is not accepted through the mail. For online requests, the fee is $20 per copy, paid by credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Some third-party services charge extra for convenience, so check the total cost before submitting payment.
Residents are limited to five certified copies in their lifetime. If you need four or more at once, you must use Form BD-1, have it notarized by a Wyoming-licensed notary, and include the notarized form with your payment. This rule helps prevent fraud and ensures large orders are legitimate. Always keep a copy of your receipt and tracking number for your records.
How to Apply for a Wyoming Birth Certificate by Mail
To request a birth certificate by mail, complete Form BD-2 from the Wyoming Department of Health website. Fill in all required fields, including full name at birth, date of birth, place of birth, and parents’ names. Attach a clear copy of your government-issued photo ID. Include a check or money order for $25 per copy. If ordering four or more copies, use Form BD-1 instead and get it notarized.
Mail your completed packet to: Vital Statistics Office, 2300 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001. Use tracked mail like USPS Certified Mail so you know when it arrives. Processing takes 4–6 weeks after receipt. Do not send original documents—only copies. Keep your return address clear so the certificate can be sent back safely.
Online Application for Wyoming Birth Certificates
You can apply online through approved services like US Birth Certificates or VitalRecords-Online. These platforms connect directly to the Wyoming Vital Statistics system. You’ll upload a color scan of your driver’s license or state ID. If you’re not the person named on the certificate, you must also upload a notarized affidavit proving your right to request it.
The online fee is $20 per copy. Payment is secure and processed instantly. After verification, your certificate is mailed within 7–10 business days. You’ll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number. Online applications are faster than mail but still require the same ID proof. Avoid unofficial websites that charge high fees or don’t guarantee delivery.
In-Person Requests at the Cheyenne Office
Walk-in service is available at the Vital Statistics Office in Cheyenne. The office is on the first floor of the Hathaway Building, Room 175, at 2300 Capitol Avenue. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring a valid photo ID and fill out Form BD-2 on-site. You can pay with cash, check, or money order. Same-day service is not guaranteed—processing may take several days.
If you live far away, call ahead to confirm wait times. Only one person per family should come unless both parties are named on the record. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with proper ID. The office does not accept walk-ins for genealogy requests older than 100 years—those go to the State Archives.
Historical Birth Records and Genealogy Requests
Birth records over 100 years old are not handled by the Vital Statistics Office. These are kept at the Wyoming State Archives, located at 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82002. You can call 307-777-7826 or email archives@wy.gov to request access. There is a small handling fee, usually under $10.
Historical records are provided as uncertified copies. They do not have the official seal needed for legal purposes like passports or licenses. But they are perfect for family history research. You may need to explain your research goal and provide basic details like full name and approximate birth year. Response time varies from a few days to two weeks.
Paternity and Father’s Name on a Wyoming Birth Certificate
Wyoming law says the husband’s name goes on the birth certificate if the mother was married at conception, birth, or anytime between. This is true even if he is not the biological father. To change this, the mother must submit a sworn statement and proof, like a DNA test or court order. Both parents can also sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity form before leaving the hospital.
If the parents are not married, the father’s name only appears if both sign the acknowledgment form. Without it, the certificate will list “unknown” for the father. Later changes require a court order. These rules help protect children’s rights and ensure accurate records. Always keep copies of any paternity forms you sign.
Why You Need a Certified Wyoming Birth Certificate
A certified birth certificate is required for many important life events. You need it to get a Wyoming driver’s license, enroll in school, apply for a U.S. passport, or claim Social Security benefits. Employers often ask for it during hiring. It’s also needed to marry, retire, or prove citizenship. Uncertified copies or photocopies are not accepted for official use.
The certification includes a raised seal and signature from the State Registrar. This proves the document is genuine. Only copies issued directly by the Wyoming Department of Health or its authorized agents are valid. Never accept a “replacement” from a private company unless it carries the official seal.
Third-Party Services for Wyoming Birth Certificates
Several online services help you order a Wyoming birth certificate. Examples include US Birth Certificates, VitalRecords-Online, and MyVitalCertificates.org. These sites simplify the process with step-by-step guides and 24/7 support. They charge the state fee plus a service fee, usually $10–$30 extra. Always check reviews before using them.
These services are legal and safe if they partner with the state. They cannot issue certificates faster than the official office, but they reduce errors by guiding you through forms. They also offer tracking and email updates. Avoid sites that promise “instant” digital copies—only physical, sealed certificates are legally valid.
County-Level Birth Record Searches
Each Wyoming county keeps local birth indexes and some original records. The County Office website lets you search these databases by name, date, and parent names. This is useful if you’re not sure which hospital or town the birth occurred in. Some counties also hold paternity registries for children born to unmarried parents.
To access county records, you may need to prove a legitimate interest, such as being a direct descendant or legal representative. Fees vary by county. Most require a written request or online form. These records are not certified, so they can’t replace an official birth certificate for legal use. But they help locate details needed for a state request.
Wyoming DOT and Vital Records Portal
The Wyoming Department of Transportation hosts a vital records page that links to the official state office. This portal lists contact info, required documents, and FAQs. You can download PDF versions of Form BD-1 and BD-2 here. It also explains processing times and name change procedures.
This site is helpful if you’re applying for a driver’s license and need your birth certificate first. It clarifies which documents pair best with your application. While the DOT doesn’t issue birth certificates, it ensures applicants know where to go. Always double-check links to avoid fake sites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Requesting a Wyoming Birth Certificate
Many applications are delayed because of simple errors. Sending cash instead of check or money order will cause rejection. Forgetting to sign the form or not including a copy of your ID is another common issue. Using the wrong form—like BD-2 when you need BD-1 for multiple copies—also slows things down.
Another mistake is assuming online orders arrive faster than stated. All requests take 7–10 business days after verification, regardless of method. Also, don’t assume relatives can get your certificate without proof. Even parents need ID and proper forms for adult children. Double-check every detail before mailing or submitting online.
Processing Times and Delivery Options
Mail-in requests take 4–6 weeks from the date the office receives your packet. Online requests are processed in 7–10 business days after ID verification. Delivery is always by U.S. mail. No expedited shipping is available. If you need the certificate urgently, apply online and choose Priority Mail if offered by the service.
Tracking is highly recommended. Use USPS Certified Mail for mail-in requests. Online services provide email tracking numbers. If your certificate doesn’t arrive within the expected window, contact the Vital Statistics Office with your tracking number and application date. Do not reapply without checking first—this may result in duplicate fees.
Amending or Correcting a Wyoming Birth Certificate
If your birth certificate has a mistake—like a misspelled name or wrong date—you must file an amendment. This requires Form VS-10, a notarized affidavit, and supporting documents like a hospital record or baptismal certificate. There is a $20 fee for corrections. Processing takes 6–8 weeks.
Name changes due to marriage or divorce are handled separately. You’ll need a certified marriage or divorce decree. Gender marker changes require a court order or physician’s statement, depending on the year of birth. Always contact the office before submitting to confirm current requirements.
Fraud Prevention and Security Features
Wyoming birth certificates include security features to prevent forgery. These include a raised seal, special paper, microprinting, and a unique certificate number. Only documents with these elements are legally valid. The state verifies every applicant’s identity to stop unauthorized access.
If you suspect someone has requested your certificate fraudulently, report it immediately to the Vital Statistics Office and your local police. Keep your personal information secure—never post your birth details online. The state does not share records with third parties without proper authorization.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Wyoming Department of Health – Vital Statistics Office
2300 Capitol Avenue, Room 175
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Phone: 307-777-7331
Email: hdhs.vitalrecords@wyo.gov
Website: https://health.wyo.gov/admin/vitalstatistics/
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (Mountain Time)
For historical records:
Wyoming State Archives
2301 Central Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: 307-777-7826
Email: archives@wy.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have similar questions about getting a Wyoming birth certificate. Below are clear answers based on current state rules and procedures. These cover eligibility, fees, timing, and special cases like corrections or genealogy research.
Can I get a Wyoming birth certificate if I was born outside the state?
No. The Wyoming Department of Health only issues certificates for births that happened within Wyoming’s borders. If you were born in another state, contact that state’s vital records office. Wyoming cannot certify out-of-state births, even if you now live in Wyoming. You must provide proof of Wyoming residency only if applying in person—but the birth location determines which state handles the request. Always check the birth state first before starting any application.
How long does it take to receive a Wyoming birth certificate after applying online?
Online applications are processed within 7–10 business days after the office verifies your ID and documents. This starts once they confirm your uploaded driver’s license or state ID is clear and matches the application. Mailing time adds 2–5 more days, depending on your location. Weekends and holidays are not counted. If you don’t receive tracking info within 10 business days, contact the office. Delays usually happen due to unclear scans or missing notarized forms for non-applicants.
What happens if I lose my Wyoming birth certificate?
If you lose your certificate, you must request a new certified copy using the same process as a first-time applicant. There is no “replacement” fee—just the standard $20 online or $25 by mail. You still need to prove your identity and eligibility. Keep your new copy in a safe place, like a fireproof box or with other vital documents. Consider ordering two copies initially—one for use and one for backup. The state does not keep physical copies after issuing, so reordering is the only option.
Can a grandchild request a deceased person’s Wyoming birth certificate?
Yes, but only if they provide documented proof of direct lineage, such as their parent’s birth certificate showing the deceased as a parent. Grandchildren are considered direct descendants under Wyoming law. They must also submit a death certificate for the person named on the record and a government-issued ID. The request goes through the same channel—mail, online, or in person. Processing times apply. This is common for estate planning, Social Security claims, or family history projects.
Is a notarized form always required for Wyoming birth certificate requests?
Only when ordering four or more copies at once or if you’re not the person named on the certificate. For single or double copies requested by the individual, Form BD-2 with ID is enough. But bulk orders (four or more) require Form BD-1 to be notarized by a Wyoming-licensed notary. Third-party requesters, like legal guardians or descendants, may also need notarized affidavits. Always check the current form instructions on the state website before submitting to avoid delays.
Are digital copies of Wyoming birth certificates legally valid?
No. Only paper certificates with the official raised seal and Registrar’s signature are legally accepted. Screenshots, PDFs, or emailed images are not valid for passports, licenses, or employment. Some online services offer digital previews, but the final document must be mailed. Never use a digital version for official purposes—it will be rejected. The physical copy is the only legal proof of birth in Wyoming.
What should I do if my Wyoming birth certificate has incorrect information?
Contact the Vital Statistics Office immediately to request an amendment. You’ll need Form VS-10, a notarized statement explaining the error, and two supporting documents (like a hospital record or early school record). The fee is $20. Processing takes 6–8 weeks. Do not try to correct it yourself—altering a vital record is a crime. If the error affects other documents (like your driver’s license), fix the birth certificate first, then update the others.