To request a Guam birth certificate, submit a completed request form, a valid photo ID, and $5.00 per copy to the Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) at the Rancare Commercial Building, 761 S. Marine Corps Drive, Tamuning. The office operates under the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services and accepts requests in person, through a drop box at the building, or by mail.1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Where to Write for Vital Records – Guam
Who Can Request a Copy
Guam birth records are confidential. Only certain people can obtain a certified copy:
- The person named on the certificate, or a parent or legal representative of that person.
- A spouse, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild of the person named, where there is a direct and tangible interest.
- Anyone holding a court order from a judge of the Superior Court of Guam directing the Registrar to release the record.2Justia. Guam Code Title 10, Division 1, Chapter 3 – Public Health and Safety
Legal guardians should bring court-certified guardianship papers. Attorneys acting for the person named on the certificate should bring documentation of their authority. If you don’t fit any of these categories, you’ll need a court order before OVS will process your request.3Guam Legislature. Public Law 22-130
Information the Form Requires
Gather the following before you fill out the form. The Registrar uses these details to locate the record:
- Full legal name of the person on the certificate, exactly as recorded at birth.
- Date of birth (month, day, year).
- Place of birth, including the specific municipality in Guam.
- Parents’ full names, including the mother’s maiden name as originally filed.
Incomplete or mismatched details are the most common reason a record can’t be found. Double-check spellings — a small discrepancy in the mother’s maiden name can throw off the search. If you’re unsure of something, provide what you know and mark it as approximate.
Identification You Need to Include
Every request must include valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. A current driver’s license, U.S. passport, or military ID is acceptable. If you’re submitting by mail, include a clear photocopy of the front of your ID with your application.1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Where to Write for Vital Records – Guam
Fees and Accepted Payment
Each certified copy is $5.00, including additional copies ordered at the same time.1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Where to Write for Vital Records – Guam
Mail-in payments must be a cashier’s check or money order payable to the “Treasurer of Guam.” Personal checks are not accepted. Local checks drawn on a Guam bank are accepted for in-person and drop-box submissions.1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Where to Write for Vital Records – Guam To confirm current fees before submitting, call OVS at (671) 300-9263.4Department of Public Health & Social Services. Department of Public Health and Social Services
How to Submit Your Request
All three submission methods go to the same address: Rancare Commercial Building, CBU Box 109, 761 S. Marine Corps Drive, Tamuning, GU 96913.1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Where to Write for Vital Records – Guam
In Person
Walk-in service is available at the Rancare Commercial Building. Bring your completed form, payment, and original photo ID.
Drop Box
A drop box at the building entrance accepts requests outside counter hours. Include the same items you would hand over at the counter.
By Mail or From Off-Island
Mail your completed form, a cashier’s check or money order payable to the “Treasurer of Guam,” a photocopy of your ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The office returns your completed certificate using the envelope you provide, so it’s required.1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Where to Write for Vital Records – Guam If the certificate needs to reach an address outside Guam, include enough postage for the destination and note any special handling with your application. OVS does not currently offer online ordering of existing birth certificates.
Processing Time and How to Check Status
Turnaround depends on the current volume of requests. Plan on several business days for in-person or drop-box submissions and longer for mail-in requests, especially from off-island. To check status, call OVS at (671) 300-9263 through 300-9270 or email ovs@dphss.guam.gov.4Department of Public Health & Social Services. Department of Public Health and Social Services
Apostille for Use in Another Country
If a foreign country that participates in the Hague Apostille Convention needs to accept your certificate, you’ll need an apostille. This is a separate step handled by the Guam Department of Administration after OVS issues the certified copy, not by OVS.
Apostille appointments are available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The fee is $50.00 per document, payable by cash, check, or money order to the “Treasurer of Guam.” Processing takes a minimum of seven to ten business days. Seals and signatures on the certificate must be originals; photocopies won’t be apostilled. Bring your paid receipt when you pick up the finished document.5Guam Department of Administration. Apostille
Any accompanying documents in a foreign language must be translated into English by a certified translator and notarized as a true translation before submission.5Guam Department of Administration. Apostille