The four main categories of vital records and where to find them.
| Record Type | Issued By | Typical Fee | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | State vital records office | $10-$30 | Proof of identity, citizenship, passport, Social Security |
| Death Certificate | State vital records office | $10-$25 | Estate settlement, insurance claims, survivor benefits |
| Marriage Certificate | County clerk / state office | $5-$20 | Name change, insurance, immigration, tax filing |
| Divorce Decree | Court clerk / state office | $10-$25 | Remarriage, name change, financial separation |
National-level resources for vital records research and verification.
CDC National Vital Statistics System National Archives — Vital Records FamilySearch.org — Free Vital Records Social Security Death IndexFrequently Asked Questions
What are vital records?
Vital records are government documents that record key life events: birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates/licenses, and divorce decrees. They are maintained by state vital records offices (sometimes called the Bureau of Vital Statistics, Office of Health Statistics, or Division of Public Health) and are among the most legally significant public records in the United States.
How do I order a birth certificate?
Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. Most states offer online ordering through VitalChek or their own portal, mail-in requests, or in-person pickup. You will need government-issued photo ID and, in some states, proof of relationship. Fees range from $10-$30. Processing is typically 2-6 weeks by mail.
How do I get a marriage certificate?
Marriage certificates are issued by the county clerk where the marriage license was obtained (not necessarily where the ceremony occurred). Contact the county clerk's office or the state vital records office. Many counties offer online ordering. Fees range from $5-$20.
How do I get a divorce decree?
Divorce decrees are filed with the court that granted the divorce (usually the county superior/district/family court). Contact the court clerk's office. Some states also maintain divorce records at the state vital records office. Certified copies typically cost $10-$25.
Who can access vital records?
Access varies by state and record type. Generally, the person named on the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, and authorized government agencies can obtain certified copies. Many states make older records (50-100+ years) available to the general public for genealogy research. Informational (non-certified) copies are available to anyone in some states.
What is the difference between a certified and informational copy?
A certified copy bears the official seal and signature of the issuing authority and is accepted as legal proof for government, financial, and legal transactions. An informational copy contains the same data but is marked "not for legal purposes" and cannot be used for official business. Certified copies cost more and have stricter eligibility requirements.
Can I search vital records for free?
Many states offer free online vital records indexes that let you search names and dates. However, obtaining a certified copy always requires payment. Free genealogy resources like FamilySearch.org provide access to historical vital records indexes. The Social Security Death Index is free to search.
Step-by-Step Guide
Determine if you need a birth certificate, death certificate, marriage license, or divorce decree. Each has a different issuing office.
Each state has a centralized vital records office (often under the Department of Health). Some records are held at the county level.
Most states restrict certified copies to the person named, immediate family, or their legal representative. Abstract copies may be available to the public.
Download the official application form from the state's vital records website. Fill it out completely — errors cause delays.
Fees typically range $10–$30 per certified copy. Submit by mail, in person, or online through VitalChek (a state-authorized portal).
What Records Are Available
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive vital records?
Processing times vary: online orders via VitalChek take 5–15 business days. Mail requests can take 4–8 weeks. Expedited in-person service is often same-day at county offices.
Can I get vital records for free?
Certified copies require a fee. However, some states provide free death certificates to immediate family within 90 days of death. Genealogical (informational) copies may be free for records older than 100 years.
Are vital records public information?
Partially. Death records are generally public after a set period (varies by state). Birth records are restricted for 75–100 years in most states. Marriage and divorce records are typically public.
What ID is required to request vital records?
You'll need a valid government-issued photo ID. For someone else's records, proof of relationship (birth certificate, court order, or notarized authorization) is also required.