Vital Records | Welcome

How to obtain Vital Records (such as birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, naturalization, adoption and land records) from each state, territory and county of the United States. See the guidelines for information on how to order Vital Records. If you are looking for Vital Records from a foreign county, see my links to international Vital Records web sites.

In general, Vital Records weren't kept in the United States until the early 1900s. Vital Records usually contain the full name of the individual involved in the event, the date of the event, and the county, state, or town where the event took place. Many Vital Records contain much more information. For example, birth records usually have the parent's full names, the name of the baby, the date of the birth, and county where the birth took place, marriage records often record the names and birthplaces of each individual's parents. Divorce records usually list the names of the couple's children. Death certificates often mention where the individual will be buried, and also give the name of the individual who reported the death, and death certificate.

	Birth Certificate A birth record contains information about the birth of an individual. On a birth record, you can usually find the mother’s full maiden name and the father’s full name, the name of the baby, the date of the birth, and county where the birth took place. Many birth records include other information.
	Death Records To obtain a copy of any of a death certificate in the United States, write or email the Vital statistics office in the state or area where the event occurred. To ensure that you receive an accurate record for your request and that your request is filled with all due speed.
	Marriage License A marriage record contains information about a marriage between two individuals. On a marriage record, you can at least find the bride’s and groom’s full names, the date of the marriage, and county where the marriage took place.
	Divorce Decree To obtain a copy of any of a divorce decree in the United States, write or email the Vital statistics office in the state or area where the event occurred. To ensure that you receive an accurate record for your request and that your request is filled with all due speed.
	Background Check A background check or background investigation is the process of looking up and compiling criminal records, commercial records and financial records (in certain instances such as employment screening) of an individual.
	Property Records Don’t solely rely on others to provide you with information about a property. Arm yourself with an accurate, timely and comprehensive Property Records report.


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Select a state to obtain birth certificate, death record, or marriage license information for that area: