Obtaining a birth certificate

[ratkins]

I am treating my 84 year old Mother to a cruise this summer. Unfortunately, she doesn't have a birth certificate. She was born in Washington, D.C. I live several hundred miles away. I have sent in a request for a copy from D.C. Vital Records over a month ago, but have had no response. Numerous phone calls, but no help from those fine folks.

 

Has anyone had experience with using the online services that help expedite getting a birth certificate? Are they reliable, legit, etc.? They advertise being able to get a birth record within 3 days (for a substantial fee, of course).

 

I am running out of time...

[serene56]

It took my about 6 weeks to receive my birth certificates. Keep an eye on your bank account- when the check clears you should get it within a day or two.

But from reading these boards--expediating may be your best bet if you are running out of time.

 

Going NOWHERE

 

 

Miracle, February 13, 2005

Legend, October 22,2004

Voyager August 31,2003

Victory September 22,2002

Regal Empress,June 2001

Sensation,August 2000

 

 

[LoriTX]

I sent for the birthcertificates through the State of Calif website it took 6 weeks. Now if I had sent it to the County of Alameda it would have been faster. We just got them with only a few days to spare.

Also send a note with it saying you need it As soon as possible.

If you really need them and can pick them up in person, its much faster.

[LoriTX]

Also the Older the Birthdate the longer it will take. They have to go though a lot of Research to find them.

[ewheelock]

I used an expediter service to get my mothers birth certificate from Arizona. To my suprise we got it in 2 days. It cost $42.00 but it was worth it to have it in our hands. I foget which one I used but I used google to search for it.

[Jaxsonbrownie]

I called the vital statistic office in my area and did it over the phone, with a credit card,for a $16 fee,had it in 2 days.

[MaryPoppinz]

http://www.vitalchek.com

 

I got one for a family member from this website. I don't remember it being three days, but it was very quick. I believe it cost $30 for a copy with raised seal.

 

"I'm gonna book myself on that Princess Cruise."

-- Fox Mulder, X-Files 'Three Words'

[ratkins]

THANKS to all who responded!

 

I now am comfortable using the online services.