Birth certificate / Drivers License Renewal (Atlanta: lease, credit card, DMV)

[Newsboy]

OK, so my drivers license expired on my birthday last Monday and according to the little blue postcard I got from the state in January I can't go get it replaced without EACH of the following 3 proofs of ID:

1. Certified copy of birth certificate or passport
2. Social security card
3. Two (2) documents showing proof of addresses, ie lease or utility bills

2 and 3 are no problem, but 1 is turnig into a nightmare. My passport is expired so that leaves me with the BC option -- but my parents were never given an actual copy of my birth certificate, just a little mini version that states the real one is on file with the state. This is the only proof I exist that has sat in their safety deposit box for (xx) years.

I went to the State of Georgia records web site, which links you to a third party site called Rover Vital Events Records. Through this site, you're suppose to be able to order via mail certified copies of birth and death certificates (and other things) for a fee. In this case, back in February I paid them $33 charged to my debit card to have a copy of my BC express processed to me within two weeks. It never arrived. Further, trying to track it down (or speak to a human being) has proven impossible. You call an 800 number and get told repeatedly to "call back later due to high call volume." Or you can fill out one of those auto forms with pull-down menus, submit your question and wait for a reply. NOTHING!!!

I've resigned myself to the fact I'm probably out $33. But I still need my BC! I was born in Fulton County, and somebody said the quickest and easiest way to get one is to go down to the Fulton County Health Department Records Office somewhere near Grady (????) and do it in person. This sounds sketchy but I may have no choice.

Anybody else been trough this? Advice? Help!

[ElleKaye]

First of all, dispute the charge on your debit card. I don't know who you bank with, but you've already taken the first step by calling the 800 number of that vendor even though you did not actually make contact.

I have sent for my birth certificate from Alabama so many times that you'd think I was burning them in the street. There it comes from the Board of Health, and my dad just does a walk-in to get it. I think it's $15. I realize it's a different state but the procedure sounds the same as what you were told.

[BLESSED DIVA33]

Vital Records

Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness Vital Records Office is responsible for filing, preserving, protecting, and issuing certified copies of birth, death certificates for events that occur in Fulton County. This Web site provides information on obtaining copies of vital records, and other available services.

Please note the following: By state law, Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness Vital Records Office requires a written application and non-refundable fee for searching for any vital record. We do not provide free searches or verifications, such as confirming that a certificate is on file or verifying the date of an event. The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness Vital Records office can issue birth certificates for other Georgia Counties in most cases even if the records are in an another county in the State of Georgia.

By state law, the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness Vital Records Office cannot accept telephone orders for birth certificates or other vital records. This site provides instructions for requesting copies of birth and death, certificates. The fee is established by state law and is for the search for a certificate; if a certificate is located, the first copy is issued at the cost of $25.00 and $5.00 for each additional certified copy, provided that they are requested at the same time.

To find information on this site, please click the topic below. If you still have questions after reading the information, please contact us.

Fees for copies of vital records will be collected at the time of the request. Fees for birth and death records are the same as those charged by the State Vital Records Office.

Fulton County Vital Records Office accepts cash, credit/debit cards (VISA or MasterCard), money orders and personal checks.

All birth certificates can also be obtained at www.vitalchek.com

To place an on-line application through Vital Check for a Fulton County Birth or Death certificate, please click on the links below:

For birth certificates http://www.vitalchek.com/agency_info.aspx? t=birth&p=18884&s=loc

For death certificates http://www.vitalchek.com/agency_info.aspx? t=death&p=18884&s=loc

An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for using this service, and all major credit cards are accepted, including American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® or Visa®. “ For expedited service, contact Vital Chek information line at the toll-free phone number, 1-800-255-2414, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To further expedite the request, overnight services are offered.

ANY BIRTH RECORD That FULTON COUNTY IS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE CAN BE OBTAINED BY: THE STATE OF GEORGIA VITAL RECORDS DEPARTMENT 2600 Skyland Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30319 Telephone: (404) 679-4710

[taurus2000]

Like ElleKaye I've also gotten my birth certificate from Alabama a few times also. However, I've use the online portal and they use the same company Georgia does...or one with a very similar name. I've always gotten it within a week or two, even when not expressed. Good luck on the search.

[Newsboy]

Originally Posted by BLESSED DIVA33

Vital Records

Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness Vital Records Office is responsible for filing, preserving, protecting, and issuing certified copies of birth, death certificates for events that occur in Fulton County. This Web site provides information on obtaining copies of vital records, and other available services.

Please note the following: By state law, Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness Vital Records Office requires a written application and non-refundable fee for searching for any vital record. We do not provide free searches or verifications, such as confirming that a certificate is on file or verifying the date of an event. The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness Vital Records office can issue birth certificates for other Georgia Counties in most cases even if the records are in an another county in the State of Georgia.

By state law, the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness Vital Records Office cannot accept telephone orders for birth certificates or other vital records. This site provides instructions for requesting copies of birth and death, certificates. The fee is established by state law and is for the search for a certificate; if a certificate is located, the first copy is issued at the cost of $25.00 and $5.00 for each additional certified copy, provided that they are requested at the same time.

To find information on this site, please click the topic below. If you still have questions after reading the information, please contact us.

Fees for copies of vital records will be collected at the time of the request. Fees for birth and death records are the same as those charged by the State Vital Records Office.

Fulton County Vital Records Office accepts cash, credit/debit cards (VISA or MasterCard), money orders and personal checks.

All birth certificates can also be obtained at www.vitalchek.com

To place an on-line application through Vital Check for a Fulton County Birth or Death certificate, please click on the links below:

For birth certificates http://www.vitalchek.com/agency_info.aspx? t=birth&p=18884&s=loc

For death certificates http://www.vitalchek.com/agency_info.aspx? t=death&p=18884&s=loc

An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for using this service, and all major credit cards are accepted, including American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® or Visa®. “ For expedited service, contact Vital Chek information line at the toll-free phone number, 1-800-255-2414, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To further expedite the request, overnight services are offered.

ANY BIRTH RECORD That FULTON COUNTY IS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE CAN BE OBTAINED BY: THE STATE OF GEORGIA VITAL RECORDS DEPARTMENT 2600 Skyland Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30319 Telephone: (404) 679-4710

I think I've been screwed.

[DaBurgh]

Can you use your old passport to get a new passport and skip the birth certificate?

Read this: Get a passport

It's late in the day and I can't focus long enough to see if you can... lol


Primary Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (One of the following):
Previously issued, undamaged, and fully valid U.S. Passport (5 year for minors or 10 years for adults)
*Certified U.S. birth certificate (must meet all of the following requirements):
issued by the City, County, or State of birth
Lists bearer's full name, date of birth, and place of birth
Lists parent(s) full names
Has date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
Has registrar's signature
Has embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal of registrar
Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
Naturalization Certificate
Certificate of Citizenship

[DaBurgh]

Renew passport!

Renew a Passport

[Newsboy]

Originally Posted by DaBurgh

Renew passport!

Renew a Passport

Here's the problem: You can't renew a passport without a valid ID ... which is my drivers license .. which is expired.

[taurus2000]

Originally Posted by Newsboy

I think I've been screwed.

Yes, I couldn't remember the name. Vitalchek is the site for Alabama also...that's the legit one and the I've used multiple times.

[DaBurgh]

Originally Posted by Newsboy

Here's the problem: You can't renew a passport without a valid ID ... which is my drivers license .. which is expired.

Apply for a state issued ID?

How to Apply for a Georgia Identification Card | DDS