Pre-adoption Birth Certificates
Birth Certificate Information and Eligibility
In Georgia, birth certificates are not public records. They are only issued to those with a direct and tangible interest in the person named on the certificate.
Legal authority: O.C.G.A § 31-10-26
Who Can Request a Standard Birth Certificate
To request a certificate, you must provide a valid government-issued photo ID and the specific documentation listed below.
| Relationship | Required Documentation |
|---|---|
| Self | Valid government-issued photo ID |
| Parent | Your name must be listed on the birth certificate |
| Spouse | Copy of marriage certificate, photocopy of spouse's signature, and a notarized letter of permission from the spouse |
| Grandparent | Birth certificate of the registrant's parent to prove relationship |
| Adult sibling or child | Your own birth certificate listing at least one shared parent and valid photo ID |
| Legal guardian | A certified copy of the court order establishing guardianship |
| Attorney | Notarized letter on letterhead with bar number, stating the reason and immediate family member represented. Adoptions require a notarized release from the biological mother. |
Requirements for Descendants of a Deceased Adoptee
If the adoptee is deceased, the following relatives may request the record by providing a copy of the adoptee's death certificate and the following.
| Relationship | Required Documentation |
|---|---|
| Child of adoptee | Your birth certificate showing the adoptee as your parent |
| Direct line descendant | Documentation proving your lineage (e.g., birth and death records for each generation) |
| Sibling | Your birth certificate listing one or both of the same parents as the adoptee |
| Parent | Your name must be listed on the adoptee's birth certificate |
Please note, if you have had a name change, you must provide official records like a marriage license or court order linking your current name to the relationship.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
To protect against identity theft, you must provide a photocopy of a valid photo ID.
Georgia-issued IDs
- Driver's license or state ID, unexpired or expired less than one year
- Weapons carry license, unexpired
- Department of Corrections ID, expired less than one year
Other Government and Official IDs
- Unexpired driver's license or state ID from any U.S. territory
- Unexpired U.S. or foreign passports
- Unexpired U.S. military, dependent, or veteran's ID
- Unexpired consulate card
- Unexpired Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card
- Current school or university ID with ID number and signature