How to Get a Certified Mississippi Birth Certificate (mail-in) — Steps and Checklist
Helping a loved one handle ID, court documents, benefits, or other paperwork while they're incarcerated? A certified birth certificate is often the first document you'll need. Here's how to request one by mail from Mississippi, including the fee, ID requirements, and where to send your packet.
A certified birth certificate unlocks a lot of other steps. You'll need it to apply for ID, correct records, handle benefits, or meet requirements in legal and administrative situations. If you're supporting someone who's incarcerated, having this document in hand keeps other paperwork from stalling out.
Before mailing anything, confirm you're eligible to receive a certified copy. Mississippi only issues certified birth certificates to people with a "legitimate and tangible interest." That includes the registrant (the person named on the record, if they're of legal age), parent(s) listed on the birth record, a spouse, siblings, grandparents, children, or a legal guardian. Requesting as a legal representative? You'll need proof of representation. If you don't fall into an eligible category, you'll typically need a court order - include a certified copy with your request. Licensed adoption agencies may also obtain certified copies when working within the statutory authority of §93-17-205.
Fee reminder: A birth record search requires advance payment of a non-refundable $17.00 search fee.
Step2 ID Docs
- ✓ Copy of a valid photo ID (required for most applicants)
- ✓ Photo driver’s license
- ✓ Photo state-issued ID
- ✓ Employment ID
- ✓ School, college, or university ID
- ✓ U.S. military ID
- ✓ Tribal ID
- ✓ Alien Registration/Permanent Resident Card
- ✓ Temporary Resident Card
- ✓ U.S. passport
- ✓ If you don’t have a photo ID, include two non-photo IDs, such as:
- ✓ Social Security card
- ✓ Utility bill (showing your address)
- ✓ Medicaid card
- ✓ SNAP/EBT card (showing your address)
Fill out the application carefully, then sign and date it. The office can't process an unsigned application, so missing that line will slow things down.
Mail your completed application, payment, and a copy of your identification to Mississippi Vital Records at P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700.
Step4 Envelope Tracking
- ✓ Completed application (signed and dated)
- ✓ Payment for the $17.00 non-refundable search fee
- ✓ Copy of your identification:
- ✓ One valid photo ID, or
- ✓ Two acceptable non-photo IDs
- ✓ Envelope addressed to: Mississippi Vital Records, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700
Tip: Use a trackable mail service and keep copies of everything you send (application, ID, and payment details) so you can quickly follow up if something gets delayed or lost.
Mississippi restricts certified birth certificates to people with a "legitimate and tangible interest." This typically includes the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the record, a spouse, siblings, grandparents, children, and legal guardians (with guardianship papers).
Requesting as a legal representative? Include proof of that representation with your application. Not in an eligible category? You'll generally need a court order - provide a certified copy with your request.
Requesting the certificate for family history research? Write "genealogy" as the purpose on the application. That specific wording matters.
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