How to Get Copies of Birth Certificates, Marriage Licenses, and Vital Records Online

Birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and death certificates are called vital records because they are essential documents used for everything from applying for a passport to collecting Social Security benefits. Losing these documents or needing additional copies used to mean a trip to a government office. Today, most states allow you to order certified copies online.

VitalChek is the most widely used service for ordering vital records in the United States. It is an official partner of many state and county governments. When you order through VitalChek, you are ordering directly through the same government system — the documents are official, certified copies that are accepted everywhere.

Depending on your state, you may also be able to order directly through your state's vital records office website. These are often found by searching for your state name plus "vital records order online."

You will need to provide some basic identifying information — your full name, date of birth, place of birth, and your parents' names for a birth certificate. For a marriage license, you will need the full names of both parties and the approximate date and location of the marriage. Identity verification is required since these are sensitive documents.

Processing times vary. Expedited shipping is available for an additional fee, which can get you documents within a few business days. Standard processing typically takes one to three weeks depending on the state.

Costs also vary by state, but certified copies typically run between $10 and $30 each. VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the state fee. If you need the document quickly for Social Security, Medicare, a passport application, or estate purposes, the cost is well worth the convenience.