Barack Obama’s Birth Date: Verified Facts
Barack Obama was born on August 4, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii. This is confirmed by his official White House biography, long-form birth certificate released by the White House in 2011, and state health records available to journalists and researchers. He is the 44th President of the United States and the first African American elected to the office. For reliable, everyday reference, this profile explains not only the date but related milestones in a concise, source-consistent way.
Key Life Milestones at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Barack Hussein Obama II | Official records |
| Date of Birth | August 4, 1961 | Birth certificate; White House bio |
| Place of Birth | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | State health records; White House bio |
| Presidential Inauguration | January 20, 2009 (first); January 21, 2013 (second) | Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies |
| Presidential Terms | 44th President: 2009–2017 | Federal records; official chronologies |
| Major Legislative Milestones | Affordable Care Act (2010); Dodd-Frank Act (2010); American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (2009) | Congressional records; public law database |
Obama’s Birthday in a Calendar Year
Because Obama’s birthday is August 4, it falls in summer during the Northern Hemisphere, typically after Independence Day (July 4) and before Labor Day (first Monday in September). In non-leap years, August 4 is the 216th day with 149 days remaining; in leap years it is day 216 with 150 days remaining (counting January 1 as day 1). This can matter for longitudinal comparisons of age, tenure, and event timing across datasets that use day-of-year metrics.
Common Questions About Obama’s Birthday
- What is Barack Obama’s date of birth? August 4, 1961. This is documented on his official White House page and his long-form birth certificate released by the White House in April 2011.
- Where was he born? He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Birth index records from Hawaii state archives corroborate this publicly available information.
- How old would he be today? As of 2025, he turns 64 years old in August; by late 2025 he will be 64. Age calculations are based on the fixed date August 4, 1961.
Context: Why Birth Information Is Public
Presidential birth details are a matter of public record used by historians, journalists, and institutions for accurate biographical and chronological work. The long-form birth certificate, released in 2011, lists hospital, time of birth, and parental information and is archived in official state and federal collections. Such documentation supports transparency and enables consistent reference across research and reporting.
Notable Related Dates
Beyond the birthday, several dates frame key moments in Obama’s public life. Inauguration days mark constitutional transitions of power; major legislative signings—such as the Affordable Care Act in March 2010—anchor policy timelines. While these are not personal milestones, they help situate the presidency within a broader historical timeline and allow comparative analysis of leadership periods.
Comparative Perspective
Compared with recent presidents, Obama’s birthday in August places his birth earlier in the calendar year than some modern presidents with late-year birthdays. Using a consistent, verifiable date like August 4, 1961, reduces ambiguity in timelines, age-related reporting, and event correlation. This stability makes the date a reliable anchor for longitudinal analyses across decades.