Guide
District of Columbia Vital Records Search at a Glance
DC Health's Vital Records Division issues birth and death certificates for events in the District once identity and eligibility are checked, usually in two to three weeks. Marriage records and divorce judgments are kept by the Family Court of the DC Superior Court.
Guide
District of Columbia Vital Records
- Obtain Birth or Death CertificatesVital Records Division to obtain or amend birth and death records
- Domestic Partnership RegistrationVital Records Division Regarding Domestic Partnerships
- District of Columbia MarriagesReceiving a Certified Copy of a Marriage License District of Columbia Courts
- District of Columbia DivorcesSuperior Court Domestic Relations Branch, certified divorce copies
- Family History and ArchivesInformation for Researchers Microfilm and Textual Records
Guide
Divorce certificate versus decree in the District of Columbia
The District keeps no divorce certificate or divorce index at its health department. DC Health's Vital Records Division issues birth, death and domestic partnership certificates, and its vital records page does not list divorce among them. A divorce in the District is proved with the judgment of absolute divorce, a court record obtained as a certified copy from the Superior Court's Family Court, Domestic Relations Branch, by email to FamilyCourtCertifiedCopies at dcsc.gov or by calling 202-879-1212. The Vital Records Division's page is at dchealth.dc.gov.
Straight answers
District of Columbia Vital Records Search, questions
Does the federal government keep birth certificates?
No. The CDC is explicit: 'The Federal Government does not maintain files or indexes of these records.' Every U.S. vital record is kept by the state where the event occurred.
What is the difference between a certified and informational copy?
A certified copy has a raised seal and is accepted by SSA, passport offices, and courts. An informational copy is marked 'Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity' and cannot be used for legal ID.
How long does a mail request take?
It varies by state, but a mail order to a state vital records office is typically 4 to 8 weeks. Walk-in county clerk requests can be same-day. Online orders through VitalChek add a separate processing time on top of the state's.
Who is legally allowed to order a certified copy?
Most states limit certified copies to the registrant, immediate family, and legal representatives. Informational copies are generally available to anyone after a waiting period defined by state law.
What if I was born abroad to U.S. citizen parents?
You should have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA, form FS-240). Replacements come from the U.S. Department of State, not from a state vital records office.