Vital Records Office Directory

A comprehensive and reliable database of U.S. government offices who issue vital records, including Health Departments, County Clerk offices, and City Clerk offices. Locate a facility quickly and easily by searching with your ZIP code or city.

Locate an Office

Use our interactive map to find the vital records office nearest you and start the application process.

What Do We Do

We work to quickly get your vital records to you. Our database of U.S. Vital Records Offices tells you where to go to process your request.

How Did It Go?

Let us know about your experience, and tell others how our database and tools helped you.

What Are Vital Records?

Vital records are official documents issued by the government. They represent important life events, including births, deaths, marriages, and divorces:

Birth certificate: includes details of the child and the parents
Death certificate: records information of the death and the deceased
Marriage certificate: proves a marriage between 2 people
Divorce certificate: confirms a divorce has been finalized

Vital records have been collected and stored by the U.S. government since the 1900s. These documents usually contain the name of the individual, the date of the event, and the county, state, or town where the event took place.

What are vital records used for?

Many legal processes require you to have the correct vital records. These documents are mandatory, and you cannot complete certain formalities without them.
A vital record is often used as a form of identification. Many government procedures, like applying for a driver’s license or a passport, require you to have a copy of your birth certificate.
Other protocols require specific records to complete the action. For example, citizens who intend to remarry must have a copy of their divorce certificate to receive a marriage license.

Request a replacement vital record

It is important to keep vital records safe. If you have lost a government-issued certificate, it is highly recommended to request a replacement.

A birth certificate is the most requested document, as it acts as a form of official identification. If you have lost your original birth certificate, you can easily apply for a copy through your local vital records office.

Explore Vital Records Offices by State

Select a state and find your nearest vital records office.

What Type of Record Are You Looking For?

Birth Certificate

A birth certificate is an official document that records a birth. It includes vital information about the child and parents, including names, date and time of birth, and place of birth.

You need a birth certificate to prove your identity when applying for many government services.

Death Certificate

A death certificate officially declares a person’s death. It shows important details relating to the deceased and their family members.

Legal processes, including arranging a burial service, executing a will, and claiming life insurance, often require a death certificate.

Vital Records and Genealogy Information

We have compiled the principal sources of vital records, organized by U.S. state. You can find useful information for each office on the separate state pages.

Our database provides details of vital records offices to help you find the most convenient option for your needs. Find contact information, office hours, and other helpful details.

Discover genealogical records

If you are searching for information on your family’s history, we also offer information on genealogical records. You can build your family tree and discover your roots by requesting the vital records of family members. Browse our database of useful links to find the best places to obtain genealogical records in your state.

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About Us

We are a verified and trusted database of vital records departments. Get a certified copy of your birth certificate and other important government documents by finding your nearest and most convenient office.

Discover a comprehensive list of vital records offices in each state, with practical information and details on how to request your documents. We also offer additional details on where to find genealogical records near you.

We have everything you need to help you replace a government document, or find more about your family’s history.

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