To get a copy of an Affidavit of Parentage, contact the state vital records office in the state where the child was born. That office is the most common custodian of signed acknowledgments, and it can either pull the record for you or point you to the agency that has it. You’ll need to prove you’re eligible to receive it, provide identifying details about the parents and child, and pay a fee that typically runs between $15 and $30 for a certified copy.
Figure Out Which Agency Has the Record
Where your affidavit ended up depends on where and when it was signed. Three agencies commonly hold these records:
- The state vital records office (sometimes part of the department of health) is the usual custodian, especially when the form was signed at the hospital after birth. Federal law requires the state agency responsible for birth records to offer voluntary paternity establishment services, so these offices routinely process and store acknowledgments.1Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 42 USC 666 – Requirement of Statutorily Prescribed Procedures to Improve Effectiveness of Child Support Enforcement
- The state child support enforcement agency handles these records in some states, either instead of or alongside vital records. If the form was signed at a child support office, start there.
- The county clerk or family court holds the record if paternity was established through a court proceeding rather than a voluntary form.
If you’re unsure, call the state vital records office first. Staff can confirm whether they have the file or redirect you.
Confirm You’re Eligible to Request It
Paternity records are restricted. States generally limit copies to people with a direct connection to the record: either parent named on the affidavit, the child once they reach the age of majority, a legal guardian or court-appointed representative, or an attorney representing one of those parties. If you don’t fall into one of those categories, you’ll likely need a court order to get a copy.
Gather the Details You’ll Need
Agencies need enough identifying information to locate the specific record. Have the following ready before you apply:
- Full names of both parents as they appeared on the original form
- The child’s full name at birth
- The child’s date and place of birth, including city and state
- The approximate date the affidavit was signed or filed
- A case number, if the acknowledgment came out of a court proceeding
Not every agency asks for every item, but having all of it on hand prevents a search from stalling. Mismatched or incomplete information is one of the most common reasons a request gets rejected.
Submit the Request
Most state vital records offices accept requests through more than one channel. A growing number partner with VitalChek, an online ordering service used by more than 450 government agencies, which handles submission and payment electronically. You can also request by mail with a downloadable application from the agency’s website, or walk in to the office if you need the record quickly.
Whichever route you take, expect to include a copy of a government-issued photo ID: a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport. Some agencies accept a notarized request by mail in place of the ID copy. Fill out the application carefully; small inconsistencies with the agency’s records cause delays.
Fees and How Long It Takes
Fees vary by state but generally run $15 to $30 for the first certified copy, with additional copies ordered at the same time often costing less. Online orders through third-party services typically add processing or convenience fees, and expedited shipping costs extra. Payment methods depend on the agency and the submission channel, but checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards are commonly accepted.
Processing time depends on how you submit and whether the agency can find the record cleanly. In-person requests at a walk-in counter are sometimes handled the same day. Online and mail-in requests usually take one to six weeks, with mail landing on the slower end. Where expedited processing is offered, paying for it can shorten the wait considerably.
Check the Copy When It Arrives
Review the document carefully as soon as you receive it. Confirm the spelling of every name, the child’s date and place of birth, and both parents’ identifying information. If you need the copy for a legal purpose, such as a custody filing, child support case, or passport application, make sure it carries the agency’s official seal or certification stamp. An uncertified photocopy won’t be accepted in court or by most government agencies. If anything is wrong, contact the issuing office to begin a correction.
If You’re Thinking About Rescinding, Act Fast
Timing matters for one group of requesters in particular. Federal law gives either parent who signed the acknowledgment 60 days to rescind it for any reason. If an administrative or court proceeding involving the child (such as a child support case) starts before those 60 days are up, the rescission deadline moves to the date of that proceeding, whichever comes first.1Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 42 USC 666 – Requirement of Statutorily Prescribed Procedures to Improve Effectiveness of Child Support Enforcement
After the 60-day window closes, the acknowledgment can only be challenged in court, and only on the grounds of fraud, duress, or a material mistake of fact. The person challenging it bears the burden of proof, and obligations like child support continue during the challenge unless a court orders otherwise for good cause.1Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 42 USC 666 – Requirement of Statutorily Prescribed Procedures to Improve Effectiveness of Child Support Enforcement If rescinding is on the table, getting the signed copy quickly and checking the filing date is how you find out whether you’re still inside the window.