Birth Certificates

A birth certificate establishes your child’s legal identity and will be used throughout life. Certified copies of birth certificates are required by state and federal agencies for many official purposes such as acquiring a Social Security Card, passport, driver’s license, marriage license and more. Similarly, a birth certificate will be required to enroll your child in school and participate in many school-sponsored activities. As an adult, your child will need to show proof of birth to get a job, open a bank account and get retirement benefits.

Your Child’s Birth Certificate

While in the hospital, you will receive a birth registration worksheet to complete in order to receive your child’s birth certificate. If you need help, a representative from our Birth Certificate Office/Medical Records Department or a member of our nursing staff will be able to assist you.

A Confirmation of Birth letter will be mailed to you within 5-7 business days after you are discharged from the hospital after delivery. The letter will be mailed to the address you provided on the birth registration worksheet.

Please keep the Confirmation of Birth letter in a safe place, as it cannot be replaced. You should make additional copies of the letter for insurance providers, Medicaid and other agencies who need proof of birth. 

The hospital does not issue birth certificates. To acquire a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate, complete the Confirmation of Birth letter and mail, along with a $25 check or money order, to:

State Office of Vital Records
1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100
Atlanta, Georgia 30349
Response Time: 8-10 Weeks
(404) 679-4702

Obtaining a Social Security Card

Your child's Social Security Card will come from the Social Security Administration office. Please note that it may take up to 5 weeks for you to receive a Social Security card. Please call 1-800-772-1213 if you have any questions (or see the back of the Confirmation of Birth letter).