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RECORD GUIDE / 04

Vital records

Vital-record access begins with the event and where it occurred. The federal government does not distribute identifying birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates.

Reviewed by PublicReports · Updated

PLACE THE RECORD→OPEN CUSTODIAN→VERIFY RESULT

01 / ROUTE

Start with event type and place.

The CDC’s official directory routes applicants to the state or area where the event occurred. That office publishes its own eligibility, identity, fee, and ordering rules.

BIRTH / DEATH

Birth or death certificate

Choose the state or area where the event occurred, then follow that jurisdiction’s certificate instructions.

CDC · Where to Write ↗
MARRIAGE

Marriage record

Start with the place of the event. The responsible state or local office and available copy type vary.

Open the CDC directory ↗
DIVORCE

Divorce certificate or case file

A vital-record certificate and a court case file are different. Choose the document needed before selecting an office.

Compare court records →

Vital records / VISUAL NOTES

Editorial illustrations clarify the workflow. They do not depict a specific office, person, or record.

Illustrative vital-record archive with preservation folders, blank index cards, and gloves
ILLUSTRATIVEEvent type, place, and certificate purpose shape a vital-record request.
Illustrative civic building with an abstract United States routing map
ILLUSTRATIVEState directories are starting points; the responsible agency remains the source.
Illustrative government archive reading room with document boxes and an open folder
ILLUSTRATIVEThe custodian and its archive define what the search can cover.

02 / SEARCH KIT

Bring the strongest identifier you have.

Use the exact labels and formats described by the official system.

Event type
Birth, death, marriage, or divorce determines the issuing office and copy.
Event place
Use the state or area where the event occurred, not only a current address.
Event date
Provide the date or best supported range according to the agency’s instructions.
Names on record
Use names as they would have appeared at the time of the event.
Certificate purpose
Informational and certified copies can have different eligibility and use.

03 / OFFICIAL SOURCES

Open the custodian, then read its scope.

CDC / NCHS
Where to Write for Vital RecordsOfficial state and area routing for vital-record applications
USA.GOV
State health departmentsOfficial route to state health agencies

04 / LIMITS

A searchable index and an official certificate are not interchangeable.

Eligibility

The issuing office may limit who can receive an identifying or certified copy.

Identity proof

Read current identification and relationship requirements at the official office.

Event jurisdiction

A record is usually routed by where the event occurred, not where the requester lives.

Court vs. vital copy

A divorce decree or case file may come from a court even when a vital-record office issues a certificate.