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How-to · Records & IDs

Get a free birth certificate if you are homeless

A participating homeless service provider can help you order your own birth certificate at no cost, including one from another state.

Steps

4 steps
  1. Find a participating providerUse the interactive map (filter by county) or the list of participating organizations. You can go to any one of them.
  2. Contact them before a records officeThe page says to contact a participating provider first, before going to the Portland or a county vital records office.
  3. Ask them to help with the orderThey can help with the forms, tell you what documents are needed, arrange payment, and give a place to ship the certificate.
  4. Get your proof of identity togetherProviders can also help you get acceptable proof of identity, and work with Oregon Vital Records if you have none.

Bring

  • Proof of identity
  • Address to mail the certificate
The free grant covers only your own certificate, not certificates for family members.
  • How-to

    Add a deaf or hard-of-hearing symbol to DMV records

    Records & IDs
    1. Choose when to add itPick it when you first get a card, or replace an existing card online through DMV2U or at a DMV office.
    2. For a license, permit or ID cardAsk DMV to add the symbol at issuance and meet the usual requirements for the transaction.
    3. For a vehicle registrationComplete the application and say you want the designation added.
    + 1 more step in the full guide
    Oregon DMV503-945-5000
  • How-to

    Apply for a substitute address to keep yours private

    Records & IDs
    1. Find an Application AssistantUse the locator on the ACP page to find a certified victim advocate near you.
    2. Apply with the Application AssistantYou must work with an advocate the Attorney General has designated. Eligible health care providers apply with the DOJ Civil Rights Unit.
    3. Use your substitute addressUse it for mail, an Oregon driver's license or ID, child support, a marriage license and school enrollment.
    + 1 more step in the full guide
    CostFree mail forwarding service
    Oregon DOJ Address Confidentiality Program503-373-1323
  • How-to

    Correct an error on an Oregon birth record

    Records & IDs
    1. Prove you are eligibleYou must be 18 or older. If your ID matches the person or a parent on the record, nothing else is needed; name changes need proof.
    2. Find your type of correctionThe page lists, by topic and age, the affidavit or form and original evidence you must send.
    3. Fill out the Amend a Birth Record formRead the instruction pages first. Complete the fee table and sign it.
    + 3 more steps in the full guide
    BringCopy of acceptable photo IDAffidavit or form, if requiredOriginal evidence document, if required
    Cost$35 amendment fee; new certificates are extra
    Oregon Health Authority, Vital Records Amendments Unit