Getting a Birth Certificate for Your Baby

After you give birth, someone will come to your room to talk to you and help fill out the paperwork needed for the birth certificate. The process will take about an hour.  

What Do I Need to Fill Out the Birth Certificate?  

Make sure you have all the following information to fill out the birth certificate:

• Picture ID for parents (Mass ID, driver's license, or passport)
• Parents' information
• Name given at birth
• Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
• Social Security number
• City or town of birth
• Current residential address (not a P.O. box)

Fill out birth certificate paperwork before you come to the hospital:

Download the BMC Parent Worksheet for Certificate of Live Birth (PDF)

What if The Father of the Baby is Not Involved?

Families are made up of lots of different people! If the biological father of your baby is not involved, that is okay. You can sign the birth certificate without them.  

What if The Father of The Baby is Not in Boston?

If the baby’s father isn’t in Boston when you give birth, you can fill out special papers to add them to the birth certificate. The birth certificate registrar will help you with this. 

When Do I Need to Finish the Birth Certificate?

You should be able to complete the paperwork while you are still in the hospital. A verification letter will be given only after the birth certificate is signed.

What if I Want to Change the Birth Certificate Information or Hand it in Later?

If you want to change the information on the birth certificate or fill out the information later, you can go to the Birth Certificate Office:

• It is located in the basement of the Yawkey Building, 850 Harrison Ave.
• The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  

You have 10 days to complete the birth certificate.

When Do I Get the Birth Certificate?

You can pick up your baby’s birth certificate about two weeks after you fill out the forms at the hospital.

You can get a copy at Boston City Hall or the city hall in the town where you live.

What About My Baby’s Social Security Card?

Your baby’s Social Security card will be mailed to your home address about three weeks after birth.