Search West Palm Beach Birth Records
Birth records in West Palm Beach are handled by the Palm Beach County Health Department. As the county seat, West Palm Beach is home to the main vital records office where residents can order birth certificates in person, by mail, or online. The office on Clematis Street serves walk-in visitors during the week. You need a valid photo ID to request a certified copy. The Palm Beach County office keeps records for births that took place anywhere in Florida, thanks to the state's centralized system.
West Palm Beach Quick Facts
Palm Beach County Health Department
The Palm Beach County Health Department vital records office is located at 800 Clematis Street in West Palm Beach. This is the main location for in-person birth certificate requests. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You can reach them by phone at 561-671-4013 or by email at CHD50ContactUs@FLHealth.gov.
Since West Palm Beach is the county seat, the vital records office is right in town. That makes it easy for local residents to walk in and get what they need. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. The staff will ask you to fill out a form and pay the fee. Most in-person requests are processed the same day. Under Florida Statute 382.013, all births in Florida must be registered within five days. The hospital files the paperwork with the state, so the record should be on file if the birth took place in Florida.
The Palm Beach County Health Department website has forms, fee schedules, and more details about vital records services. You can download the birth certificate request form before your visit to save time at the office.
| Office | Palm Beach County Health Department, Vital Records |
|---|---|
| Address | 800 Clematis St West Palm Beach, FL 33401 |
| Phone | 561-671-4013 |
| CHD50ContactUs@FLHealth.gov | |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | palmbeach.floridahealth.gov |
How to Order Birth Certificates in West Palm Beach
There are three ways to get a birth certificate in West Palm Beach. You can visit the Clematis Street office in person, order online, or send a mail request. Each method has different processing times and fees.
In person is the fastest way. Go to the Palm Beach County office and bring your photo ID. Fill out the form, pay the fee, and wait for your copy. Most requests are filled the same day. If the office is busy, it may take a bit longer. This is the best option if you are already in downtown West Palm Beach and need the certificate quickly.
Online orders go through VitalChek, the only vendor that the state works with. VitalChek adds a service fee on top of the $15 state fee. You pay by credit or debit card. The certificate is mailed to you once it is ready. Processing takes about three to five business days before shipping.
For mail requests, send a filled-out form, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for $15 to the Palm Beach County office at 800 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow two to four weeks for mail orders. Make sure the check amount is correct to avoid delays.
West Palm Beach Birth Certificate Fees
A certified birth certificate costs $15 for the first copy in Palm Beach County. Each extra copy ordered at the same time is $10. These fees come from Florida Statute 382.0255, which sets the fee schedule for vital records across the state. The office takes cash, checks, and money orders.
If you order through VitalChek, you pay the state fee plus a service charge. The total is higher than ordering in person. For West Palm Beach residents who can get to the Clematis Street office, in-person orders are the most affordable. Ordering several copies at once is smart if you need them for multiple things like a passport, school, or insurance.
Eligibility for West Palm Beach Birth Records
Florida law limits who can get a certified birth certificate. Under Florida Statute 382.025, birth records stay confidential for 125 years. Only certain people can request a certified copy.
Eligible people include the person on the record (if 18 or older), a parent or legal guardian, a spouse, a child, a sibling, a grandparent, or an attorney who represents one of those people. You must show a valid photo ID. Legal guardians bring court papers. Attorneys bring proof they represent a qualified person. If you do not qualify for a certified copy, you can still get an informational version. It has a stamp on it that says it is not valid for legal use.
Not sure if you qualify? Call 561-671-4013 before you visit the West Palm Beach office.
Birth Record Corrections in West Palm Beach
If there is a mistake on your birth certificate, you can have it corrected. Common problems include misspelled names, wrong dates, or missing parent information. The Florida Department of Health manages the amendment process. Under Florida Statute 382.016, changes to vital records go through the state office.
Minor corrections might be handled at the Palm Beach County level. Bigger changes usually need a court order. Adding a father's name, for example, requires either a court order or a signed paternity acknowledgment. Adoption-related name changes also go through the courts first. After the court signs off, the state updates the record. Then you can order a new certified copy in West Palm Beach with the correct information. Amendment fees are separate from copy fees.
State Birth Record Resources
The Florida Department of Health oversees all vital records statewide. The state office in Jacksonville at 1217 N Pearl St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 keeps records for all 67 counties. West Palm Beach residents can use the state office as an alternative to the local Palm Beach County office. Call 904-359-6900 for state-level questions.
Florida uses a centralized vital records system. That means any county health department can look up a birth record from any other county. If you were born in a different part of Florida and moved to West Palm Beach, you can still request your birth certificate at the Palm Beach County office. You do not have to contact the county where you were born. This makes things easier for people who have relocated within the state.
The state website has all the information about ordering birth certificates in Florida, which applies to West Palm Beach and the rest of the state.
Nearby Florida Cities
These cities are close to West Palm Beach and also have birth records pages on this site. Some are in Palm Beach County while others are in neighboring counties.
Palm Beach County Birth Records
West Palm Beach is the county seat of Palm Beach County. All birth certificate requests for the city go through the Palm Beach County Health Department. For the full list of services, fees, and office hours, visit the Palm Beach County birth records page.