Certificates
Birth Certificate and Death Certificate
If your baby was born alive regardless of gestational age, your baby receives two certificates: Birth Certificate and Death Certificate (Live birth means that the baby had an Apgar score of greater than 0 at any time)
Birth Certificate:
Parents complete a Birth Certificate Worksheet and turn it in to their nurse or the hospital Certificates Office.
The hospital Certificates Office submits the information to the state Vital Records Office.
The state will mail a Confirmation of Birth letter to the mother (usually within ten
days after she is discharged from the hospital).
The letter explains how to order the official Birth Certificate.
Death Certificate:
A form is completed by the physician (not the parents)
The hospital Certificates Office submits the information to the state Vital Records Office.
Can be ordered either from the Georgia Vital Records Office or through VitalChek
Fetal Death Certificate
If your baby died before birth (miscarriage or stillbirth) AND you were less than 20 weeks into your pregnancy, your baby receives one certificate: Fetal Death Certificate
Fetal Death Certificate:
A form is completed by the doctor (not the parents)
The hospital Certificates Office submits the information to the state Vital Records Office.
Call the state Vital Records Office to place an order at (404) 679-4702.
Allow 30 days after the loss before placing the order.
Fetal Death Certificate and Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth
If your baby died before birth (miscarriage or stillbirth) AND you were 20 weeks or more into your pregnancy, your baby recieves two certificates: Fetal Death Certificate and Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth
Fetal Death Certificate: A form is completed by the doctor (not the parents)
The hospital Certificates Office submits the information to the state Vital Records Office.
Call the state Vital Records Office to place an order at (404) 679-4702.
Allow 30 days after the loss before placing the order.
Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth
Click here for more information.
Memorial Certificate
A keepsake certificate created by the Perinatal Loss Office for those who had to terminate due to medical reasons (for the baby or the mother) or for anyone who desires one. This is not an official document. Contact the PNL Office at atlantapnl@live.com or (404) 851-8177. We will make a certificate for you and send it by mail. There is no charge.
Georgia Vital Records Contact Information:
Phone: (404) 679-4702 (Press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish)
Office Address (to visit in person): 2600 Skyland Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30319-3640
Website: http://health.state.ga.us/programs/vitalrecords/index.asp
Email: phvitalrecords@gdph.state.ga.us