Find US Vital Records Online
Are Vital Records Available to the Public?
Yes, vital records are generally available to the public, though access may be restricted based on the type of record and the requester’s relationship to the person named in the record. Vital records, which include birth, death, marriage, and divorce records, are essential documents maintained by government agencies. While informational copies are often available to the public, certified copies may require proof of identity or a legal interest in the record.
What Information is Included in Vital Records?
Vital records typically include the following information:
- Birth records: Full name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents' names
- Death records: Full name, date of death, place of death, cause of death, and the deceased’s personal information
- Marriage records: Names of the spouses, date of marriage, place of marriage, and officiant details
- Divorce records: Names of the parties, date of divorce, terms of the divorce, and court details
These records are essential for various legal, personal, and genealogical purposes.
How to Access Vital Records Online?
To access vital records online, you can use official government websites or authorized third-party services. Steps include:
- Visit the appropriate state or local government website: Many states offer online portals for ordering vital records.
- Provide necessary information: This may include the full name, date, and location related to the record.
- Pay applicable fees: Most online services require payment for processing and delivering copies of vital records.
- Verify your identity: Some records may require proof of identity before they are released.
What Do I Need to Access Vital Records?
To access vital records, you typically need the following:
- Basic information: Full name of the person on the record, date, and location of the event
- Proof of identity: A government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport
- Legal relationship: In some cases, you must prove your relationship to the person named in the record
- Payment: Fees for obtaining copies, especially certified ones
These requirements help ensure that sensitive information is only shared with authorized individuals.
Certified vs. Informational Copies: Key Differences
Certified copies of vital records are official documents that can be used for legal purposes, such as applying for a passport or settling an estate. They include a government seal and the signature of the issuing authority. Informational copies, on the other hand, are for personal use and generally cannot be used for legal purposes. Informational copies contain the same details as certified copies but are not considered legally binding.
Are Birth Records Available to the Public?
Yes, birth records are generally available to the public, but access to certified copies is often restricted to the individual named on the record, their parents, or legal representatives. Public access to birth records allows for genealogical research, background checks, and other personal inquiries.
How to Access Birth Records?
To access birth records, you can:
- Visit the vital records office: This is usually located in the state or county where the birth occurred.
- Request online: Use state government websites or authorized third-party services.
- Submit a mail request: Send a written request to the appropriate government office, including necessary details and payment.
Access to certified copies may require proof of identity or legal authorization.
Are Death Records Available to the Public?
Yes, death records are available to the public. However, access to certified copies may be limited to immediate family members, legal representatives, or others with a legitimate interest in the record. Public access to death records helps with genealogical research, verification of death for legal purposes, and other inquiries.
How to Access Death Records?
To access death records, you can:
- Request online: Many states provide online services for ordering death records.
- Visit the local vital records office: Located in the state or county where the death occurred.
- Submit a mail request: Provide the necessary details and payment to the appropriate office.
Certified copies may require proof of relationship or legal interest.
Are Birth Certificates Public?
Birth certificates are public records, but access to certified copies is usually restricted to protect privacy. While informational copies may be available to the general public, certified copies are typically only issued to the individual named on the certificate, their parents, or legal representatives.
Are Marriage Records Available to the Public?
Yes, marriage records are public records and are generally accessible to anyone. However, certified copies of marriage certificates may be restricted to the individuals named in the record or others with a legitimate interest. Marriage records are often used for legal purposes, genealogical research, and personal verification.
How to Access Marriage Records?
To access marriage records, you can:
- Request online: Use state or local government websites or authorized services.
- Visit the county clerk’s office: Located in the county where the marriage license was issued.
- Submit a mail request: Send the necessary details and payment to the appropriate government office.
How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate
To obtain a marriage certificate, follow these steps:
- Determine the issuing authority: Typically the county clerk’s office where the marriage license was issued.
- Provide necessary details: Names of both spouses, date, and place of marriage.
- Submit identification: Proof of identity may be required for certified copies.
- Pay the fee: Fees vary by location and the type of copy requested.
Are Divorce Records Available to the Public?
Yes, divorce records are generally public records, though access to certain details may be restricted to protect privacy. Certified copies of divorce decrees are usually available only to the parties involved, their attorneys, or others with a legal interest in the case.
How to Get Divorce Records?
To get divorce records, you can:
- Request online: Through state or county websites or authorized third-party services.
- Visit the courthouse: Go to the court where the divorce was finalized.
- Submit a mail request: Send the necessary details and payment to the court or government office that holds the records.
How to Obtain a Certified Divorce Certificate
To obtain a certified divorce certificate, you typically need to:
- Contact the court: Reach out to the court that issued the final divorce decree.
- Provide necessary information: Names of both parties, date, and location of the divorce.
- Show proof of identity: Certified copies may require proof of identity or legal authorization.
- Pay applicable fees: Fees vary depending on the jurisdiction and type of copy requested.
Are Death Records Available to the Public?
Yes, death records are available to the public, but access to certified copies is usually restricted to family members, legal representatives, or those with a legitimate interest in the record. Public access to death records facilitates genealogical research, verification of death, and other inquiries.
How to Access Death Records
To access death records, you can:
- Use online services: Many states offer online portals for ordering death records.
- Visit the vital records office: Located in the state or county where the death occurred.
- Submit a mail request: Provide the necessary details and payment to the appropriate office.
Certified copies may require proof of relationship or legal interest.