Nebraska Birth Records Search
Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services collects, maintains and issues birth records for the state. They have been keeping Nebraska birth records since 1904. Some records exist that are older than 1904.
NE birth records are private, and only you, your spouse, your parent or your child may get a copy of your specific record. The only other people who can gain access are: a legal representative with documentation, a government agency, someone performing genealogy, a legal guardian or the executor of your will.
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You can apply for a Nebraska birth records search, but if no record is found, they will notify you in writing. The fees are non-refundable regardless of whether or not they locate your birth certificate.
You must also bring a valid, government-issued photo ID or send in a copy with your mailed application. Examples are driver’s license, passport, state ID, or military ID.
You will need the following information when applying:
- Full name of the person on the birth record.
- Birthdate.
- City of birth.
- County of birth.
- Father’s full name.
- Mother’s full name.
- Adoption status.
- The purpose of the application.
- Applicant’s name, address, phone, and email address.
If you are not the person named in the Nebraska birth record, you need to prove your relationship to that person. Your application must also be signed to be valid.
Types of NE Birth Records
The state offers only certified copies of birth certificates to its residents. A certified copy is legal proof of your identity, and you can use it for any government purpose such as applying for retirement benefits, to school or the military or getting a driver’s license or passport.
It does offer services to amend an incorrect birth record or file a delayed birth record. You can contact them directly for more information about these services.
State Population
Nebraska has a current population of 1.93 million people. Positioned in the center of the U.S., it is ranked 25th regarding population growth and has a steady annual rate of 0.80%.
With a surface area of 77,354 square miles and only 23.8 people per square mile, Nebraska ranks 16th as the largest state in the country and 43rd concerning population density.
It was part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 but became its own state in March of 1867.
Population change from 2010-2016
Population by Gender
There are more women than men in Nebraska. The total population of Nebraska is estimated at 1,907,603 people with 951,217 male and 956,386 female. There are 5,169 more more women than men in the state, which is 50.14% of the total population.
The Nebraska Gender Ratio is 99 men to 100 women (99:100) or 0.99. State’s gender ratio is higher than the national average of 97 men to 100 women (97:100) or 0.97.
Gender ratio in 2016
Total population in 2016
Timeline of male/female population from 2010-2016
Nebraska Birth Statistics
The state's birth rate decreased to 13.93 births per 1,000 population in 2016 with 26,589 total births — the lowest in Nebraska history, and higher than the national birth rate - 11.95 births per 1000 women. The total number of births for 2016 was 26,589, 0.67% of the number of nationwide registered births.
State Birth Rate
Top 5 States with Lower/Higher Birth Rates than Nebraska
| Top 5 states with a lower birth rate than Nebraska | Top 5 states with a higher birth rate than Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Arkansas - 13.07 | Utah - 16.47 |
| Mississippi - 12.59 | Alaska - 15.12 |
| Rhode Island - 9.04 | Texas - 14.03 |
| Georgia - 12.63 | District Of Columbia - 14.47 |
| New Hampshire - 9.11 | North Dakota - 15.04 |
Top 5 Counties in Nebraska with the lowest/highest Birth Rate
| Top 5 counties in Nebraska with the lowest birth rate | Top 5 counties in Nebraska with the highest birth rate |
|---|---|
| Lancaster County - 12.98 | Douglas County - 15.91 |
| Sarpy County - 13.76 | Sarpy County - 13.76 |
| Douglas County - 15.91 | Lancaster County - 12.98 |
Fertility Rate in NE
In Nebraska the fertility rate based on historical data went from 72.51 to 69.83 from 2010-2016, and currently is higher than the crude fertility rate of the US - 72.22 births per 1000 women. The state reproductive age of the mother has seen an increase during the last 6 years, going from 27.78 to 28.90.
State fertility rate timeline with the average age of mother
Fertility Rate By County
The top reproductive counties of Nebraska are Douglas County - 76.04, Sarpy County - 67.49 and Lancaster County - 59.75.
State Average Birth Weight and LMP Gestational Age
Where to Obtain a Nebraska Birth Certificate
The state charges $17 for a birth record search and certificate. You must make checks payable to Vital Records.
If you want to request a copy of your birth certificate in writing, mail your paperwork to:
Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Public Health, Vital Records, P.O. Box 95065, Lincoln, NE 68509-5065
Processing time is 7-10 days for mail-in requests.
You may also perform Nebraska birth records search online and order your birth certificate through VitalChek. Genealogy requests cannot be processed through VitalChek; you must visit in person or apply by mail.
If you have questions or need additional information, you can contact them at (402) 471-2871.