Miami Birth Document Procedures Guide

After giving birth in Miami, you need to complete various document procedures for your baby. This process may seem complicated but can be easily handled with the right information. As a team that has been working with families for years, we want to explain all document procedures step by step.

Birth Certificate

The birth certificate is issued by the hospital. Information is sent to Florida Vital Statistics within 5 days after birth. Make sure you provide the correct name, date of birth and parent information for your baby. The official birth certificate is ready within 2-3 weeks. We recommend getting more than one copy, as it is needed for other procedures. You can order the document from the Florida Department of Health or online. The original document is required for the apostille procedure.

Social Security Number (SSN)

When the birth certificate is issued at the hospital, the social security number application is also made. You don't need to make a separate application. The social security card arrives by mail within 2-4 weeks at the address registered in your baby's name. This number is required for all official procedures for your baby.

Passport Application

Applying for your baby's US passport is necessary to return to your home country. Required documents: birth certificate, social security number, passport photo, parent passports and ID documents. Both parents must be present during the application. Passport fee is approximately $135. Normal processing takes 4-6 weeks. You can pay an additional fee for expedited processing.

Apostille Procedure

An apostille procedure is required for the birth certificate to be valid in your home country. Apostille is an approval that ensures the international validity of the document. It is done through the Florida Secretary of State office. The original birth certificate is required. Processing fee is approximately $10. Normal processing takes 1-2 weeks.

Timeline

Birth day: Birth certificate and social security application are made at the hospital.
Week 1: Birth certificate is ready, get multiple copies.
Weeks 2-3: Social security card arrives. Get apostille done.
Weeks 3-4: Apply for passport.
Weeks 6-8: Passport is ready. Complete consulate procedures.