Form F-05291 - Wisconsin Birth Certificate Application Page 2

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WISCONSIN BIRTH CERTIFICATE APPLICATION

Page 2 of 2

F-05291 (Rev. 07/15)

1. What is the difference between a “certified” and an “uncertified” copy of a birth certificate?

A certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a Wisconsin Vital Records Office will have a raised seal, will show the signature of the State or Local

Registrar, and will be printed on security paper. A certified copy may be required to obtain a state-issued driver’s license or identification, for travel to

foreign countries, to obtain a passport, or for benefit purposes.

State law restricts who may obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate. A certified copy can only be issued to those people with a “direct and tangible

interest” (section II, categories A – E) which means the following people:



The person named on the birth certificate (section II, category A).



An immediate family member, defined as current spouse, current domestic partner (Declaration of Domestic Partnership registered in the Wis. Vital

Records System under Chapter 770, Wis. Stats.), child, or parent (whose name is on the birth certificate and whose parental rights have not been

terminated), brother/sister, or grandparent of the subject of the record (section II, category B).



NOTE: Grandchildren, step-parents, and step-children can only obtain certified copies as in section II, categories C – E.



The legal custodian or guardian of the person named on the birth certificate. Legal proof, e.g., a court order of custody or guardianship, is required

(section II, category C).



A person authorized in writing by one of the above. A written and notarized authorization must accompany the application and the authorization must

clearly state the relationship of the authorizing party to the subject of the record (section II, category D).



A person who can demonstrate that the birth certificate is required to determine or to protect a personal or property right (section II, category E).

Proof is required.

If you do not meet one of the above criteria, you cannot receive a certified copy of a birth certificate.

An uncertified copy will contain the same information as a certified copy but it is not acceptable for legal purposes, such as proof of identity (section II,

category F).

2. Limitations on access to certain birth certificates

An uncertified copy will contain the same information as a certified copy but it is not acceptable for legal purposes, such as proof of identity.

According to Chapter 69, Wis. Stats., uncertified copies of the following types of birth certificates may not be obtained by anyone:



A child born to unmarried parents and paternity has not been established.



A child born to unmarried parents and paternity was established by court order.

Only persons with a “direct and tangible interest” (categories A – E) may obtain certified copies of those types of birth certificates listed directly above.

3. How long will it take to process my request?



Applying in Person



In-person requests for certified copies of birth certificates are usually completed within 2 business hours of application, if the birth certificate is

on file.



In-person requests for uncertified copies of birth certificates are not completed on the same schedule as requests for certified copies. In-person

requests for uncertified copies may take up to 1 month to complete.



Applying by Mail



Requests for certified copies of birth certificates may take up to 2 weeks plus mail time to complete.



Requests for uncertified copies of birth certificates are not completed on the same schedule as certified copies. Mail requests for uncertified

copies may take up to 1 month plus mail time.

4. What identification is required when applying for a birth certificate?

A photocopy of the applicant’s ID as listed below must be submitted with all mail applications. ID as listed below is required when applying in-person.

At least one form of ID must show your name and address. Expired cards or documents will not be accepted.

Acceptable forms of identification are:

One of these:

Two of these:



Wisconsin driver’s license

US government issued photo ID

Health insurance card



Wisconsin ID card

Passport

Current, dated, signed lease