You can get your birth certificate from the vital records office of the state or territory where you were born. Usually, you can order a certified copy online, by mail, or in person. You will need to know the city and county of your birth to complete the request. Additionally, many states allow using online services like VitalChek to request birth certificates quickly and securely. If outside the U.S., the municipality where you were born handles birth certificates, or the U.S. embassy or consulate may issue a consular report of birth abroad (CRBA) if applicable. For U.S. born individuals:

• Contact your birth state or territory’s vital records office.
• You may order online, by mail, or in person.
• Some states require valid photo ID.
• Fees and processing times vary by state.

For example, in Illinois, you can complete an application form and submit with valid photo ID to the Division of Vital Records either in person or by mail (processing can take about 12 weeks).

If needed in the Netherlands or another country, you would request a copy from the municipality of birth or convert a foreign birth certificate through local civil registry offices.

In short, start with the vital records office for the place of birth or use authorized services like VitalChek for the fastest and most secure option to obtain your birth certificate.