by Knowledge of one’s genealogy helps in giving a person a sense of who they are. Birth records are a good place to learn one’s genealogy. Luckily, all states in the United States have been keeping birth records for long time. We will look at how to find birth records in Montana on this article.
Montana, found in the western part in the mountain west of the United States, has a population of about 1 million. Montana began birth registration in 1907. However, the state began complying with birth registration in 1920. There are a number of counties who did record births before 1907.
Genealogical searches can be done from Montana County Birth (1840 – 2004) and also from Montana, Birth Index (1870 – 1986). With all the information on birth years and place, you can find birth record information from the appropriate county court clerk. There is a list of counties you can go through online.
With details such as a full name, date and place of birth, you can make a request for birth records from Montana Department of Public Health and Human Service or from VitalChek.
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Uses of Birth Records in Montana
Birth records in Montana for very useful when it comes to the following:
- School registration
- Personal identification
- Proof of citizenship
- Obtaining a passport
- Applying for social security
- Driver’s license application
Montana Birth Records Restrictions
It is not everyone who have access to birth records in Montana. In Montana, birth records that are over 30 years are considered public records and can be accessed by anyone who needs them. Birth records that are less than 30 years are not public records. The following individuals qualify to access birth records that are less than 30 years in Montana:
- The individual on the birth certificate 14 years or older
- The parent or grandparent of the individual on the birth certificate
- The spouse of the individual on the birth certificate
- The child of the individual on the birth certificate
- The legal guardian of the individual on the birth certificate
- Anyone who has legal interest in the birth certificate
How to Find Montana Birth Records
If the applicant meets any of the above listed requirements to access birth records in Montana then they should apply using the Birth Certificate Application Form. Applicants can then either mail an application and visit in person to DPHHS Office of Vital Records. The application should be accompanied by a valid legal photo identification document plus proof of payment.
The acceptable photo identification documents must be signed and examples of them include:
- Driver’s License
- State ID Card
- Passport
- Military ID Card
- Tribal ID Card
Applicant can also provide two other secondary identification documents if they can’t provide the ones listed above. One of these documents must contain a signature of the applicant. Documents that are accepted in Montana include:
- Car registration/Insurance
- School ID card
- Doctor/Medical record
- Library card
- Fishing license
- Insurance record
- Pay stub
- Utility bill with applicant’s current address
- Traffic/ Pawn ticket
- Voter registration card
- Yearbook
Applicants who are registrants on the record and do not have these identification documents can ask a close relative with these documents to request the birth records on their behalf. Applicants can also use certified declarations as identity to get a Montana certified birth certificate.
On top of these requirements, applicants should also provide the full name of the person listed on the record, date and place of birth, proof of relationship to birth records or a court order authorizing them to gain access to the records.
Requesting Birth Records by Mail in Montana
Applicants who qualify for birth records in Montana can mail their filled in application form in a self-addressed stamped envelope with a money order or check in it to State Vital Records Office:
Montana Office of Vital Statistics
111 North Sanders, Room 6
PO Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604
Phone: (406) 444-4226
Fax: (406) 444-1803
Requesting Birth Records in Person in Montana
In person request can be done by visiting the Vital Records Office to deliver the completed application form. The form should be accompanied by the mentioned valid identification documents plus payments through approved channels. Application can be submitted to:
Office of Vital Records
Department of Public Health and Human Services
111 North Sanders Street Room 6
P.O. Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604
Other Montana Birth Records Sources
Third party sites also do offer birth records searches in Montana. These sites normally charge extra fees for such a service. They are also known to provide timely results on a request. The Office of Vital Records however, does not guarantee that these records obtained from these websites will be accurate.
These ideas can help speed up your search process you are look for methods on how to find birth records in Montana. Choices that you include getting your records through the mail, online and in person.
