INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORDERING A BIRTH RECORD
1. Print, Fill out completely, and Sign application. (see below for who can order)
2. Provide proof of Identity (see acceptable methods below)
3. Enclose cashier’s check or money order (see Fees below)
4. Enclose a stamped self-addressed return envelope.
(enclose a pre-paid envelope from express mail/UPS/FEDEX etc. for expedited
service. We do not track mail once it leaves our office - keep all tracking info)
5. Mail application, I.D., payment, and return envelope to Cascade County Clerk
and Recorder, 121 4
th
St N, Suite 1B1 Great Falls, MT 59401
WHO CAN ORDER A CERTIFIED BIRTH CERTIFICATE?
Only those authorized by 50-15-121 MCA, which includes the registrant (14 years old or older) the registrant’s spouse,
children, parents or guardian or an authorized representative, may obtain a certified copy of a birth record. Proof of
relationship, guardianship or authorization is required. Step-relatives, in-laws, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins,
ex-spouses, and a natural parent of an adoptive child or others are NOT eligible to receive a certified copy of a birth certificate.
Non-certified informational/genealogy copies are available to anyone if record is more than 30 years old.
Montana birth certificates are full size paper with a raised seal. Wallet size cards are not available.
IDENTIFICATION IS REQUIRED
•The person signing the request must provide an enlarged legible photocopy of both sides of their valid driver’s
l
icense or other legal picture identification with a signature, or the requestor must have the application notarized.
•If a picture ID with a signature is not available, two other forms of identification are required; one MUST have a
signature.
•If you have no identification and an authorized family member cannot send an application for you, then you ma
y
send
a notarized Montana Office of Vital Statistics Statement to Identify form filled out by a witness who ha
s
k
nown you for more than 2 years who can attest to your identity. (see link on previous page to download this form
if needed
)
SUGGESTED IDE
NTIFICATION
Picture ID
with
Signature
OR ANY TWO Forms of ID Listed Below (One MUST
have a signature)
OR
Photocopy of:
Driver’s License
State ID Card
Passport
Tribal ID Card
Military ID Card
(w/ signature)
OR Photocopies of 2 of the below- one with signature:
Social Security Card Fishing License
Pay Stub Insurance Record
US Military DD-214 Traffic/Pawn Ticket
Utility Bill with a current address Doctor/Medical Record
Court Record Library Card
Voter Registration Card Year Book
School ID Card Credit/Debit/ATM Card
Car Registration/Insurance Work ID Card
OR : Have the application Notarized
(original application only not faxed or
photocopied)
OR: Have someone who has known
you for more than 2 years fill out a
Notarized Montana Office of Vital
Statistics Statement to Identify
Certified Birth or Death Certificate
Applicant Form (original only, not a
photocopy or faxed copy) along with
the application filled out by you.
FEE: (All fees must be U.S. funds)
Money Order or Cashier’s Check Only, NO personal checks or cash accepted. Make payable to Cascade County Clerk and
Recorder , and make sure you sign it. (If you come into our office in person, cash is acceptable.) Credit/debit cards not
accepted.
Certified copies of a Birth Certificate:
Cost is $8.00 for each copy. (non-refundable) You do not need to send separate money orders for multiple requests in one
envelope.
Informational copies of a Birth Certificate:
Cost is $2.00 each Not certified (for informational /genealogy purposes only and cannot be used for any legal purpose) may be
issued to anyone, as long as the birth occurred at least 30 years prior to the date of application.
MAIL : Most requests are processed within 2 working days of receipt. You may wish to send your request by an express mail
(eg. UPS, FEDEX, USPS EXPRESS), along with a pre-paid self addressed return express mail envelope to speed up the
mailing process. You are responsible for tracking your mail before we receive it and after it leaves our office. Certificates can
only be mailed to the authorized applicant. We do not guarantee any return times.
IMPORTANT: If the identification requirement is not met or if the application is incomplete, your request will be returned and
significant delays in processing your order will occur.
