---
title: "How to Obtain Vital Records | Birth, Death, Marriage Guide"
description: "Learn how to request birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records. Complete guide to vital records by state with fees and processing times."
lang: en
json-ld:
---

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[Home](/)[Resources](/resources)How to Obtain Vital Records 

Document Guide 

# How to Obtain Vital Records

Birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records are essential for passports, benefits, and legal matters. Learn how to request them from any state.

10 min read 

All 50 states 

Eligibility explained 

## Example State Vital Records Offices

State

Agency

Birth Cert Fee

Typical Time

California

CDPH Vital Records

$28

2-4 weeks

Texas

DSHS Vital Statistics

$22

2-3 weeks

Florida

DOH Vital Records

$19

3-4 weeks

New York

DOH Vital Records

$30

4-6 weeks

Fees and processing times are approximate and subject to change.

1

### Determine Which Vital Record You Need

Vital records document life events. Know exactly what you're requesting:

Types of Vital Records:

• Birth certificates

• Death certificates

• Marriage certificates/licenses

• Divorce decrees/certificates

• Domestic partnership records

Certificate Types:

• Certified copy: Official document with state seal

• Informational copy: Marked 'not valid for legal purposes'

• Long form: Contains all recorded information

• Short form: Summary/abstract version

Most official purposes (passport, SSN, benefits) require certified long-form copies.

2

### Identify Where the Event Occurred

Vital records are typically maintained by the state or county where the event occurred:

Where Records Are Kept:

• Birth: State of birth (city/county may have copies)

• Death: State where death occurred

• Marriage: County where license was issued

• Divorce: County where divorce was finalized

Important Notes:

• Event location matters, not where you live now

• Some states have statewide vital records offices

• Others require requests to specific counties

• Records before ~1900 may be with county clerks only

If you don't know where an event occurred, you may need to search multiple jurisdictions.

3

### Verify Your Eligibility

Not everyone can obtain every vital record. Access rules vary by state:

Generally Eligible Requesters:

• Person named on the record (for birth/marriage)

• Parents of the person named

• Immediate family members

• Legal guardians or representatives

• Attorneys with written authorization

• Government agencies for official purposes

Death Certificate Access:

• Often more broadly available

• Some states sell informational copies to anyone

• Cause of death may be restricted

You'll need to prove your relationship and may need to provide:

• Valid government ID

• Proof of relationship (your birth certificate)

• Power of attorney or official orders

4

### Complete the Application Form

Each vital records office has its own application form:

Information Typically Required:

• Full name on the record

• Date of the event (or range if unknown)

• Place of the event (city, county, state)

• Parents' names (for birth certificates)

• Your relationship to the person

• Purpose of the request

• Number of copies needed

For Birth Certificates, Also Include:

• Birth name (if different from current)

• Hospital name (if known)

• Mother's maiden name

Complete all fields accurately. Incomplete applications cause delays.

5

### Submit Request and Pay Fees

Multiple methods exist for requesting vital records:

Request Methods:

• Online: Fastest for many states (VitalChek, state portals)

• Mail: Complete form, include payment and ID copies

• In-person: Visit vital records office during business hours

• Phone: Some states allow phone orders with credit card

Typical Fees (vary by state):

• Birth certificate: $15-35

• Death certificate: $15-30

• Marriage certificate: $10-25

• Additional copies: $5-15 each

• Rush processing: $10-30 extra

Acceptable Payment:

• Credit/debit cards (online/phone)

• Money orders (mail requests)

• Personal checks (some states)

• Cash (in-person only)

6

### Receive Your Documents

Processing times depend on the state and request method:

Typical Processing Times:

• Online with rush: 3-7 business days

• Standard online: 2-4 weeks

• Mail requests: 4-8 weeks

• In-person: Same day to 1 week

Delivery Options:

• Standard mail (included in base fee)

• Expedited shipping (additional fee)

• Express/overnight (highest cost)

When You Receive Documents:

• Verify all information is correct

• Check for required seals and signatures

• Request corrections immediately if errors found

• Store safely—replacements take time

Some states now offer electronic certified copies for certain uses.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can I get a copy of someone else's birth certificate?

Access varies by state. Generally, you can obtain records for yourself, your minor children, or deceased relatives. Some states allow parents to access adult children's records. Legal representatives with proper documentation can also request records.

### How do I get a birth certificate if I was born abroad?

U.S. citizens born abroad may have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) from the State Department. Request copies from the U.S. Department of State, not individual states. Foreign birth certificates come from the country of birth.

### What if my name has changed since the vital record was issued?

Request the record with your name as it appears on the original document. You'll typically need to provide proof of name change (marriage certificate, official orders) when using the document for official purposes.

### Can I request records from any state I live in?

No. Vital records must be requested from the state where the event occurred. If you were born in Ohio but live in California, request your birth certificate from Ohio. Your current residence doesn't change where records are held.

## Need Vital Records Retrieved?

We handle vital records requests from all 50 states. Skip the paperwork and let us retrieve your documents quickly and securely.

[Vital Records Services](/services/vital-records)[Call 833-725-5800](tel:833-725-5800)

**Disclaimer:** This guide is for informational purposes only. Vital records requirements, fees, and processing times vary by state and change frequently. Contact the issuing agency for current information.

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