Certified copies of birth certificates are official documents used to prove identity and personal information. These certified copies are often needed for:
✔ Driver’s license or Real ID
✔ Passport applications
✔ School enrollment
✔ Social Security purposes
✔ Insurance and benefits
✔ Legal and government requirements
Who May Request a Certified Birth Certificate
Under Connecticut law, certified copies may be issued to the following:
- The person named on the certificate (if age 18 or older)
- A parent or legal guardian
- Immediate family members (e.g., siblings, grandparents)
- Legal representatives (with proper documentation)
- Government agencies with legal purpose
Valid government-issued photo identification is required.
Types of Certified Copies
Standard Certified Copy
Includes the basic birth record information and is acceptable for most official uses.
Short Form Certified Copy (Wallet Size)
The short form birth certificate is a smaller, abbreviated version of the birth record. It contains essential identifying information but does not include all fields found on the full (long form) certificate. The short form may be acceptable for certain uses such as school enrollment, youth sports, or basic identification needs, but may not be accepted for federal or legal purposes such as passport, Real ID/DMV, or Social Security.
If you are unsure which version you need, please verify with the agency requesting the certificate.
How to Request a Certified Copy
In Person
Visit the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours with:
✔ Valid photo identification
✔ Required fee
✔ Information about the person on the birth certificate
Certified copies are usually issued while you wait.
By Mail
Send the following:
✔ Completed Birth Certificate Request Form
✔ Photocopy of valid photo ID
✔ Check or money order payable to Town of North Canaan
✔ Self-addressed stamped envelope (recommended)
Mail to:
North Canaan Town Clerk
100 Pease Street #7
North Canaan, CT 06018
Required Identification
You must present or submit a photocopy of an acceptable ID, such as:
✔ Driver’s license
✔ State ID
✔ Passport
✔ Military ID
If you have questions about acceptable forms of identification, contact the Town Clerk.
Fees
Connecticut state law establishes the fee for certified birth certificates:
$20 per certified copy
Accepted forms of payment:
(Cash, Check, Money Order)
Processing Times
- In Person: Usually same day
- Mail Requests: Typically 3–7 business days after receipt
Information You May Need
When requesting a birth certificate, be prepared to provide:
✔ Full name on the birth certificate
✔ Date of birth
✔ Place of birth (town/city)
✔ Parent(s) full names (including mother’s maiden name)
Forms & Downloads
Contact Us
If you have questions or need assistance:
North Canaan Town Clerk
100 Pease Street
North Canaan, CT 06018
Phone: (860)824-7313 x 106
Email: townclerk@northcanaan.org
Office Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday
8:30am-3:30pm
Open for Lunch
