Montana was one of the later states to join the Union, and it was in 1889 that it became the 41st American state.
Montana began collecting birth registrations at the state-level in 1907, though it took until 1920 for it to become a regular occurrence. So records can be incomplete between 1907 and 1920, and you may also find records older than 1907 if you are looking at individual county archives. Some areas began collecting their own records since 1864.
The privacy laws surrounding Montana birth records means that only direct relatives may request a certificate, as well as any legal representatives who need the documents. Eligible relationships include child, parent, grandparent, spouse or authorized guardian or caretaker.
Anyone over the age of 14 can also request their own birth certificate as well. Along with the application forms, you will have to provide proof of your own identity and of your relationship to the person on record. This applies for all official certified copies of a birth record.
The state also issues informational copies, provided that the date of birth is more than 30 years ago. These can be acquired by anyone, regardless of relationship to the person on the record.
Forms for a Montana birth record request can be downloaded from the Department of Public Health and Human Services website (https://dphhs.mt.gov/certificates/birthappfillable.pdf). The fields to identify the record you want should be filled in as much as you can, including their full name, date and place of birth, parent's full names (including the maiden name for the mother). You also have to provide your own contact information.
Not only will you need to provide a clear photocopy of your driver's license or other government-issued photo ID, you will also need to get your forms notarized to validate your identity before submitting the application. If you don't have a photo ID, the forms list all the alternative ID you can use, but you will need 2 pieces in that case.
The form will list the current fees, so double-check what the rate is before putting your application together. Requests without the right fees will be returned. It is $12 USD for a certified copy of a Montana birth record, and $5 each for any additional copies of the same record. Informational copies are only $10 each. These fee aren't refunded should the office be unable to find the record. Checks and money orders need to be made out to Montana Vital Records.
When you have all the material together, you can send it by mail to the Office of Vital Statistics, Department of Public Health and Human Services, PO Box 4210, Helena MT, 59604 USA. They don't typically offer counter service, so mail is only only option. Expect at least a 3 week delay for processing.
If you are looking for Montana birth records for before 1907, you will have to contact each county's registrar's office to see what type of records archive they have and whether or not they have any additional birth registrations beyond what the state has to offer.
How to request Montana birth certificates:
Step 1.
To make a request for Montana birth records by mail, you will need to fill out an application for a Montana Birth Certificate. Fill out the application completely.
Step 2.
Include a copy of your identification with your request. The easiest method is to include a copy of your current, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. If you do not have a photo ID, check the Department's website for acceptable identification.
Step 3.
Mail in the identification and completed application, along with a check or money order in the amount of $12, to the Department. Mailed requests are generally returned within two weeks.
The Department can be contacted for further questions regarding accessing Montana birth records at:
Montana Department of Public Health
Office of Vital Statistics
111 N. Sanders Rm. 209
P.O. Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604
(406) 444-2685
How To Access Montana Birth Records
Montana birth records can be used as identification, and they are one of the most commonly requested records asked for from the Department of Public Health and Human Services. Requesting your Montana birth records is easy when you know the steps to follow.
Requests Can Be Made In Different Ways
When you need to order Montana birth records, there are multiple ways that you can make the request. Orders can be placed online and over the phone through an independent provider. You can also mail or fax in an application.
Who Is Allowed Access?
Montana birth records are not considered public information. This means that you need to show that you are authorized to receive a copy of the birth record. This includes the person themselves, their parents, legal guardians, and other authorized representatives of the person. Proof of identity and authorization to receive the record is required with your request.
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