Homepage Blank CDC U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth Form
Table of Contents

The CDC U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth form is a crucial document in the journey of welcoming a new life into the world. This official record captures essential details about a newborn, such as the child’s name, date and place of birth, and the parents’ information. Understanding this form is important for parents, healthcare providers, and legal guardians alike. It serves not only as a vital record for identity and citizenship but also plays a significant role in public health statistics. The form includes sections that address the mother's health, prenatal care, and the circumstances surrounding the birth, providing a comprehensive snapshot of both the infant and the family. Ensuring accuracy in completing this form is paramount, as it can affect everything from obtaining a Social Security number to enrolling in school. By familiarizing yourself with the key components of the Certificate of Live Birth, you can navigate the process more smoothly and ensure that this important milestone is properly documented.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the CDC U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth form, accuracy and attention to detail are crucial. Here are some important guidelines to follow:

  • Do ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
  • Do use clear and legible handwriting if completing the form by hand.
  • Do include the full names of both parents as they appear on legal documents.
  • Do provide the date and time of birth as precisely as possible.
  • Do check the form for any errors before submission.
  • Don’t leave any required fields blank; fill in all necessary information.
  • Don’t use abbreviations or nicknames for names or places.
  • Don’t submit the form without the necessary signatures from parents or guardians.
  • Don’t forget to keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that the birth certificate is processed smoothly and accurately. It is essential to approach this task with care, as this document holds significant importance for the individual’s identity and legal status.

CDC U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth Sample

U.S. STANDARD CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH

LOCAL FILE NO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BIRTH NUMBER:

C H I L D

1. CHILD’S NAME (First, Middle, Last, Suffix)

 

 

2. TIME OF BIRTH

3. SEX

 

4. DATE OF BIRTH (Mo/Day/Yr)

 

 

 

(24 hr)

 

 

 

 

 

5. FACILITY NAME (If not institution, give street and number)

6. CITY, TOWN, OR LOCATION OF BIRTH

 

7. COUNTY OF BIRTH

 

 

 

8b. DATE OF BIRTH (Mo/Day/Yr)

 

 

 

M O T H E R

8a. MOTHER’S CURRENT LEGAL NAME (First, Middle, Last, Suffix)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8c. MOTHER’S NAME PRIOR TO FIRST MARRIAGE (First, Middle, Last, Suffix)

8d. BIRTHPLACE (State, Territory, or Foreign Country)

 

9a. RESIDENCE OF MOTHER-STATE

 

9b. COUNTY

 

 

 

 

 

9c. CITY, TOWN, OR LOCATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9d. STREET AND NUMBER

 

 

 

 

9e. APT.

NO.

 

9f. ZIP CODE

 

 

 

 

9g. INSIDE CITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIMITS?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F A T H E R

10a. FATHER’S CURRENT LEGAL NAME (First, Middle, Last, Suffix)

10b. DATE OF BIRTH (Mo/Day/Yr)

 

10c. BIRTHPLACE (State, Territory, or Foreign Country)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CERTIFIER

11. CERTIFIER’S NAME: _______________________________________________

 

12. DATE CERTIFIED

 

 

 

13. DATE FILED BY REGISTRAR

 

TITLE: MD DO HOSPITAL ADMIN. CNM/CM OTHER MIDWIFE

 

 

 

______/ ______ / __________

 

______/ ______ / __________

 

OTHER (Specify)_____________________________

 

 

 

MM

DD

YYYY

 

 

MM DD

 

YYYY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INFORMATION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE

USE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M O T H E R

14. MOTHER’S MAILING ADDRESS:

9 Same as residence, or: State:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City, Town, or Location:

 

 

 

 

Street & Number:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apartment No.:

 

 

Zip Code:

 

15. MOTHER MARRIED? (At birth, conception, or any time between)

Yes

No

16. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER REQUESTED

17. FACILITY ID. (NPI)

 

IF NO, HAS PATERNITY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BEEN SIGNED IN THE HOSPITAL? Yes

No

 

FOR CHILD?

Yes

No

 

 

 

18. MOTHER’S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:

 

 

19. FATHER’S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INFORMATION FOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH PURPOSES ONLY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M O T H E R

F A T H E R

Mother’s Name ________________

Mother’s Medical Record No. _________________________

20. MOTHER’S EDUCATION (Check the

21. MOTHER OF HISPANIC ORIGIN? (Check

 

box that best describes the highest

 

the box that best describes whether the

 

degree or level of school completed at

 

mother is Spanish/Hispanic/Latina. Check the

 

the time of delivery)

 

“No” box if mother is not Spanish/Hispanic/Latina)

8th grade or less

No, not Spanish/Hispanic/Latina

Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, Chicana

9th - 12th grade, no diploma

Yes, Puerto Rican

High school graduate or GED

 

 

completed

Yes, Cuban

Some college credit but no degree

Yes, other Spanish/Hispanic/Latina

Associate degree (e.g., AA, AS)

 

(Specify)_____________________________

 

 

 

Bachelor’s degree (e.g., BA, AB, BS)

Master’s degree (e.g., MA, MS, MEng, MEd, MSW, MBA)

Doctorate (e.g., PhD, EdD) or Professional degree (e.g., MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD)

23. FATHER’S EDUCATION (Check the

24. FATHER OF HISPANIC ORIGIN? (Check

 

box that best describes the highest

 

the box that best describes whether the

 

degree or level of school completed at

 

father is Spanish/Hispanic/Latino. Check the

 

the time of delivery)

 

“No” box if father is not Spanish/Hispanic/Latino)

8th grade or less

No, not Spanish/Hispanic/Latino

Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano

9th - 12th grade, no diploma

Yes, Puerto Rican

High school graduate or GED

 

 

completed

Yes, Cuban

Some college credit but no degree

Yes, other Spanish/Hispanic/Latino

Associate degree (e.g., AA, AS)

 

(Specify)_____________________________

 

 

 

Bachelor’s degree (e.g., BA, AB, BS)

Master’s degree (e.g., MA, MS, MEng, MEd, MSW, MBA)

Doctorate (e.g., PhD, EdD) or Professional degree (e.g., MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD)

22.MOTHER’S RACE (Check one or more races to indicate what the mother considers herself to be)

White

Black or African American

American Indian or Alaska Native

(Name of the enrolled or principal tribe)________________

Asian Indian

Chinese

Filipino

Japanese

Korean

Vietnamese

Other Asian (Specify)______________________________

Native Hawaiian

Guamanian or Chamorro

Samoan

Other Pacific Islander (Specify)______________________

Other (Specify)___________________________________

25.FATHER’S RACE (Check one or more races to indicate what the father considers himself to be)

White

Black or African American

American Indian or Alaska Native

(Name of the enrolled or principal tribe)________________

Asian Indian

Chinese

Filipino

Japanese

Korean

Vietnamese

Other Asian (Specify)______________________________

Native Hawaiian

Guamanian or Chamorro

Samoan

Other Pacific Islander (Specify)______________________

Other (Specify)___________________________________

26. PLACE WHERE BIRTH OCCURRED (Check one)

27. ATTENDANT’S NAME, TITLE, AND NPI

28. MOTHER TRANSFERRED FOR MATERNAL

Hospital

NAME: _______________________ NPI:_______

MEDICAL OR FETAL INDICATIONS FOR

Freestanding birthing center

DELIVERY? Yes No

 

IF YES, ENTER NAME OF FACILITY MOTHER

Home Birth: Planned to deliver at home? 9 Yes 9 No

TITLE: MD DO CNM/CM OTHER MIDWIFE

TRANSFERRED FROM:

Clinic/Doctor’s office

OTHER (Specify)___________________

_______________________________________

Other (Specify)_______________________

 

REV. 11/2003

 

MOTHER

29a. DATE OF FIRST PRENATAL CARE VISIT

 

29b. DATE OF LAST PRENATAL CARE VISIT

30. TOTAL NUMBER OF PRENATAL VISITS FOR THIS PREGNANCY

 

______ /________/ __________ No Prenatal Care

 

 

______ /________/ __________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M M

D D

 

 

 

YYYY

 

 

 

M M

D D

YYYY

 

 

_________________________ (If none, enter A0".)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31. MOTHER’S HEIGHT

32. MOTHER’S

PREPREGNANCY WEIGHT

33. MOTHER’S WEIGHT

AT DELIVERY

34. DID MOTHER GET WIC FOOD FOR HERSELF

 

 

_______ (feet/inches)

_________ (pounds)

 

 

_________ (pounds)

 

 

DURING THIS PREGNANCY? Yes No

 

 

35. NUMBER OF PREVIOUS

36. NUMBER OF OTHER

37. CIGARETTE SMOKING BEFORE AND DURING PREGNANCY

 

38. PRINCIPAL SOURCE OF

 

 

LIVE BIRTHS (Do not include

PREGNANCY OUTCOMES

For each time period, enter either the number of cigarettes or the

 

PAYMENT FOR THIS

 

 

this child)

 

 

 

 

(spontaneous or induced

number of packs of cigarettes smoked. IF NONE, ENTER A0".

 

DELIVERY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

losses or ectopic pregnancies)

Average number of cigarettes or packs of cigarettes smoked per day.

Private Insurance

 

 

35a.

Now Living

 

35b. Now Dead

36a. Other Outcomes

 

 

 

Number _____

 

 

Number _____

Number _____

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# of cigarettes

# of packs

Medicaid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Before Pregnancy

_________

 

OR

________

Self-pay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Three Months of Pregnancy

_________

 

OR

________

Other

 

 

None

 

 

 

None

None

 

 

 

Second Three Months of Pregnancy _________

OR

________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Specify) _______________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third Trimester of Pregnancy

_________

OR

________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35c. DATE OF LAST LIVE BIRTH

36b. DATE OF LAST OTHER

39. DATE LAST NORMAL MENSES BEGAN

 

40. MOTHER’S MEDICAL RECORD NUMBER

 

 

 

_______/________

PREGNANCY OUTCOME

______ /________/ __________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MM

Y Y Y Y

_______/________

M M

D D

YYYY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MM

Y Y Y Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEDICAL

41. RISK FACTORS IN THIS PREGNANCY

 

43. OBSTETRIC PROCEDURES (Check all that apply)

46. METHOD OF DELIVERY

 

 

 

(Check all that apply)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AND

Diabetes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cervical cerclage

 

 

 

 

 

 

A. Was delivery with forceps attempted but

 

HEALTH

 

Prepregnancy

(Diagnosis prior to this pregnancy)

 

Tocolysis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

unsuccessful?

 

 

 

Gestational

 

(Diagnosis in this pregnancy)

 

 

External cephalic version:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

No

 

INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Was delivery with vacuum extraction attempted

 

Hypertension

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Successful

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepregnancy

(Chronic)

 

 

 

Failed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

but unsuccessful?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gestational

(PIH, preeclampsia)

 

 

None of the above

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

No

 

 

 

Eclampsia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C. Fetal presentation at birth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previous preterm birth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cephalic

 

 

 

 

 

44. ONSET OF LABOR (Check all that apply)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breech

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other previous poor pregnancy outcome (Includes

 

Premature Rupture of the Membranes (prolonged, ∃12 hrs.)

Other

 

 

 

 

perinatal death, small-for-gestational age/intrauterine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D. Final route and method of delivery (Check one)

 

 

growth restricted birth)

 

 

Precipitous Labor (<3 hrs.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vaginal/Spontaneous

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pregnancy resulted from infertility treatment-If yes,

 

Prolonged Labor (∃ 20 hrs.)

 

 

 

 

Vaginal/Forceps

 

 

check all that apply:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vaginal/Vacuum

 

 

Fertility-enhancing drugs, Artificial insemination or

None of the above

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cesarean

 

 

 

 

 

Intrauterine insemination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If cesarean, was a trial of labor attempted?

 

 

Assisted reproductive technology (e.g., in vitro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

45. CHARACTERISTICS OF LABOR AND DELIVERY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian

 

 

 

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Check all that

apply)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

transfer

(GIFT))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Induction of labor

 

 

 

 

 

 

47. MATERNAL MORBIDITY (Check all that apply)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mother had a previous cesarean delivery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Complications associated with labor and

 

 

 

Augmentation of labor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If yes, how many __________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

delivery)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-vertex presentation

 

 

 

 

 

Maternal transfusion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

None of the above

 

 

Steroids (glucocorticoids) for fetal lung maturation

 

 

Third or fourth degree perineal laceration

 

 

42. INFECTIONS PRESENT AND/OR TREATED

 

 

received by the mother prior to delivery

 

 

 

 

Ruptured uterus

 

 

DURING THIS

PREGNANCY (Check all that apply)

Antibiotics received by the mother during labor

 

 

Unplanned hysterectomy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clinical chorioamnionitis diagnosed during labor or

Admission to intensive care unit

 

 

Gonorrhea

 

 

 

 

 

maternal temperature >38°C (100.4°F)

 

 

Unplanned operating room procedure

 

 

Syphilis

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moderate/heavy meconium staining of the amniotic fluid

 

following delivery

 

 

Chlamydia

 

 

 

 

Fetal intolerance of labor such that one or more of the

None of the above

 

 

Hepatitis B

 

 

 

 

 

following actions was taken: in-utero resuscitative

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hepatitis C

 

 

 

 

 

measures, further fetal assessment, or operative delivery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Epidural or spinal anesthesia during labor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

None of the above

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

None of the above

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWBORN

Mother’s Name ________________

Mother’s Medical Record No. ____________________

NEWBORN INFORMATION

48. NEWBORN MEDICAL RECORD NUMBER

54. ABNORMAL CONDITIONS OF THE NEWBORN

55. CONGENITAL ANOMALIES OF THE NEWBORN

 

 

 

(Check all that apply)

 

(Check all that apply)

49. BIRTHWEIGHT (grams preferred, specify unit)

Assisted ventilation required immediately

Anencephaly

 

 

Meningomyelocele/Spina bifida

______________________

 

following delivery

Cyanotic congenital heart disease

9 grams 9 lb/oz

 

 

 

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

 

Assisted ventilation required for more than

 

Omphalocele

 

 

 

six hours

 

50. OBSTETRIC ESTIMATE OF GESTATION:

 

Gastroschisis

 

 

 

 

 

 

_________________ (completed weeks)

NICU admission

Limb reduction defect (excluding congenital

 

 

 

 

 

 

amputation and dwarfing syndromes)

 

Newborn given surfactant replacement

Cleft Lip with or without Cleft Palate

 

Cleft Palate alone

 

 

 

therapy

 

51. APGAR SCORE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Down Syndrome

 

Score at 5 minutes:________________________

 

 

 

 

 

Antibiotics received by the newborn for

 

Karyotype confirmed

If 5 minute score is less than 6,

 

Score at 10 minutes: _______________________

 

suspected neonatal sepsis

Karyotype pending

Seizure or serious neurologic dysfunction

Suspected chromosomal disorder

 

 

Karyotype confirmed

52. PLURALITY - Single, Twin, Triplet, etc.

Significant birth injury (skeletal fracture(s), peripheral

Karyotype pending

 

Hypospadias

 

(Specify)________________________

 

nerve

injury, and/or soft tissue/solid organ hemorrhage

 

 

None of the anomalies listed above

 

which

requires intervention)

53. IF NOT SINGLE BIRTH - Born First, Second,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third, etc. (Specify) ________________

9 None of the above

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

56. WAS INFANT TRANSFERRED WITHIN 24 HOURS OF DELIVERY? 9 Yes 9 No

57. IS INFANT LIVING AT TIME OF REPORT?

58. IS THE INFANT BEING

IF YES, NAME OF FACILITY INFANT TRANSFERRED

 

 

Yes No Infant transferred, status unknown

BREASTFED AT DISCHARGE?

TO:______________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

Yes No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rev. 11/2003

NOTE: This recommended standard birth certificate is the result of an extensive evaluation process. Information on the process and resulting recommendations as well as plans for future

activities is available on the Internet at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/vital_certs_rev.htm.

Listed Questions and Answers

  1. What is the CDC U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth form?

    The CDC U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth form is an official document used to record the birth of a child in the United States. It serves as a vital record and is essential for establishing identity, citizenship, and eligibility for various services.

  2. Who is responsible for completing the form?

    The form is typically completed by the hospital staff or healthcare provider who assists with the birth. However, the parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring that all information is accurate and complete.

  3. What information is required on the form?

    The form requires several details, including:

    • Child's full name
    • Date and time of birth
    • Place of birth (hospital or facility name)
    • Parents' names and addresses
    • Parent's date of birth and place of birth
    • Mother's marital status
  4. How do I obtain a copy of the Certificate of Live Birth?

    To obtain a copy, you can contact the vital records office in the state where the birth occurred. Each state has its own process for requesting copies, which may include submitting a form and paying a fee.

  5. What should I do if there is an error on the certificate?

    If you find an error on the certificate, contact the vital records office as soon as possible. They will provide instructions on how to correct the information, which may involve submitting supporting documentation.

  6. Is the Certificate of Live Birth the same as a birth certificate?

    Yes, the Certificate of Live Birth is often referred to as the birth certificate. It is the official record of a child's birth and is used for legal purposes.

  7. When should the form be submitted?

    The form should be submitted to the appropriate state vital records office shortly after the birth, typically within a few days. This ensures that the birth is officially recorded in a timely manner.

  8. Can I use the Certificate of Live Birth for identification purposes?

    Yes, the Certificate of Live Birth can be used as proof of identity and citizenship. It is often required for obtaining a passport, enrolling in school, or applying for government benefits.

Form Overview

Fact Name Details
Purpose The CDC U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth form is used to officially document the birth of a child in the United States.
Standardization This form is standardized across the country to ensure consistency in the recording of vital statistics.
State-Specific Variations While the CDC provides a standard template, individual states may have specific requirements or additional forms based on state law.
Governing Laws Each state governs the issuance and use of birth certificates through its own public health laws, which may vary in terms of requirements and processes.