I cannot find my Jamaican birth certificate

Question from Harold, Jonesboro, GA USA:

"I live in the U.S. and can not find my birth certificate. How do I get another copy from Jamaica?"

Answer by Wellesley:

Harold, no worries—this happens more often than you think. The good news is that you can get a replacement copy of your Jamaican birth certificate even while living overseas. The process is handled through the Registrar General’s Department, commonly called the RGD, which is the official agency responsible for birth, death, and marriage records in Jamaica.

You can apply online through their website at www.rgd.gov.jm. Once you're there, look for the section that says “Apply Online” and select the option for a birth certificate. You’ll need to fill out a few details like your full name, date of birth, parish of birth, mother’s name, and so on. The more accurate the information, the faster they can locate your records.

If you're applying from the U.S., you can also request express international shipping so the document reaches you quicker—though it does come with an extra cost. As of now, the standard cost for an online application with courier delivery to the U.S. is roughly between $50 and $70 USD, depending on the delivery speed you choose.

One tip: if you don’t have all the exact information, you can still submit the application and then work with an RGD representative who’ll help search their archives. They’ve been very helpful with diaspora requests, and you can even reach them by email or WhatsApp for updates once your application is submitted.

So yes, whether you're in Georgia or anywhere else in the U.S., you're just a few steps away from having your Jamaican birth certificate replaced. Just be sure to apply through the official RGD site, and not third-party agents unless you're 100% certain they're reputable.

📚 Recommended reading: Is Jamaica Safe To Travel? What Precautions Should I Take?

📅 Last updated: June 5, 2025

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