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The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) announced today that effective Sept. 1, 2008, fees for birth and death certificates will increase from $10 each to $15 each.

''This fee increase will provide a small portion of the deficit caused by our standstill budget for 2009. We will strive to maintain our services to the public during this financially difficult time,'' said Secretary of Health and Commissioner of Health Dr. Mike Crutcher.

Birth records are not open for public inspection and may only be applied for by the person whose name is on the birth certificate, or immediate next of kin, or an authorized agent who must provide a written statement indicating that they are working in the best interest of the registrant. Proper photo identification is required.

To obtain a copy of an Oklahoma birth certificate, applicants will need to provide date of birth, place of birth, parents' names, mother's maiden surname, and furnish a photo I.D. Corrections or additions to birth records may require additional fees and the submission of required documentation. Instructions and assessment of fees will be made on an individual basis after review of the requested record.

Acceptable current photo IDs are: state-issued drivers license, state-issued ID, government-issued military ID, US Passport, United States Bureau of Indian Affairs identification card with photo, or a tribal identification card by federally recognized tribes with photo. Please note the ID must be legible and must be current.

Applicants for an Oklahoma death certificate must provide a current photo ID, as well as the decedent's name, date and place of death.

Checks or money orders must be made payable to the Vital Records Service, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope should be included for return of the requested certificates, if requested by mail.

Persons can acquire birth or death certificates by visiting or mailing their request and check to the Vital Records Service at the following locations:

- Oklahoma State Department of Health, 1000 N.E. 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73117, or call (405) 271-4040.
- Pittsburg County Health Department, 1400 East College Avenue, McAlester, OK, 74501, or call (918) 423-1267.
- Tulsa City-County Health Department, Central Regional Health Center, 315 S. Utica, Tulsa, OK, 74104, or call (918) 594-4840.

For additional information on obtaining birth and death certificates visit this Web site: http://vr.health.ok.gov.