Wisconsin Birth Certificates By Mail

Only those requesting a copy of their own birth certificate or those requesting a birth certificate copy of a member of his/her immediate family may obtain a one.  The relationship must be stated (i.e., I wish to obtain a copy of my own birth certificate).    Step-parents cannot obtain a child's birth certificate with proof of adoption or a notarized letter from the parent.    Please call us if you have any questions or concerns.  Mail requests are processed in 24 to 72 hours after receipt of your request.  YOU MUST INCLUDE A COPY OF YOUR CURRENT UNEXPIRED ID (like a driver's license) WITH YOUR APPLICATION.  If you have a question, please call us at 414-286-3503.

Penalties:  Any person who willfully and knowingly makes a false application for a birth certificate is guilty of a Class I felony [a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment of not more than three years and six months, or both, per s.69.24(1). Wis. Stats.].

To request a birth certificate by mail, send us a letter with the following information:
 

• Relationship to person named on the birth certificate.   

• Reason the certificate is needed.

• Full birth name of person named on the record

• Date of birth

• City and county of birth

• Parent's names, including mother's maiden name

• Sign and date the letter

• Include a copy of an acceptable form of identification.    These are:

ONE of these:

·         Wisconsin driver’s license

·         Wisconsin photo ID

·         Out-of-state driver’s license or photo ID card

OR

TWO of these:

·         Government-issued employee ID card or badge with photo

·         US passport

·         Check or bank book

·         Health insurance card

·         Recent dated, signed lease

·         Recent utility bill or traffic ticket

The fee is $20 and additional copies of the same record issued at the same time are $3. Please include a business-sized, self-addressed stamped envelope. Do not send cash. We accept checks or money orders made payable to VITAL STATISTICS and addressed to:

Vital Statistics
841 North Broadway, Room 115
Milwaukee, WI  53202
 

To request a birth certificate by mail using our application:
 

1. Download or open an application in PDF format by clicking here.  (If you have trouble opening this file, click here to download the latest version of Adobe Reader.)

2. Include a copy of your identification (see above).

3. Fill out the application and send it to the address listed below per instructions on the form.

Vital Statistics, Milwaukee Health Department
841 North Broadway, Room 115
Milwaukee, WI  53202