FAQs

Vital Record Information

What is a vital record?

A Vital record is a document which records life events, kept and issued by governmental authorities, in this case by the state of birth. Some vital record jurisdictions also include records of civil unions or domestic partnerships. In the United States, vital records are typically maintained at both the county and state levels.

Why do I need a Birth certificate?

A birth certificate is an official notation that includes personal identifiable information that is issued by your state of birth. A birth certificate is often required as a means to legally prove your identity and/or age. Situations when you'll likely be asked to provide your birth certificate include, but are not limited to:
  • Applying for a passport
  • Applying for government benefits
  • Enrolling in some schools
  • Joining the military
  • Claiming pension or insurance benefits
  • Getting your driver's license
  • Getting a replacement Social Security card
  • Genealogy information
  • International use
  • Court proceedings
  • Social security

What is the difference between a long form and a short form?

Birth certificates have two common versions, the short and long form. Both versions contain important information (like place of birth and parents names) and the quantity of amount n varies from state to state. Depending on the reason for needing the certificate, you may be required to provide a long form.

Short Form Birth Certificate Format

A short form birth certificate contains almost all of the important information that is on a long form birth certificate except it may not have signatures or detailed parents information on it depending on the state location. It is usually used as proof of identity or citizenship. However, some states may not accept this version and require you ro request the long form. If you need the long form you will need to specify that in your application.

Long Form Birth Certificate Format

A long form birth certificate, which is often referred to as the official version, typically has all the information regarding an individual's birth birth. However, the information included varies from state to state (e.g.; time and place of birth, parent’s names,address, signatures of those present at birth, etc.) A long form is often used to start an adoption process, if you are applying for a dual citizenship, or to obtain a passport.

How can I get a certified copy of a vital record?

Vital Records is the fastest and most reliable way to acquire a certified copy of a birth certificate. All vital records ordered through VitalRecords-Online are certified copies and are generally acceptable for proof of citizenship, obtaining a passport, driver's license renewal, etc.

A certified copy of a birth certificate will usually include the following information (valid for obtaining a passport):

  • Issued by the office of vital statistics of the state, county, or city where the birth occurred
  • the full name at birth
  • the parent's full name(s)
  • Indicate the date and place of birth
  • Bear the embossed, impressed, multi-colored, OR raised seal and signature of the issuing authority (the state that you are ordering the certificate from decides on what type of certification seal to use)
  • Indicate a registration / file date within one year of the birth.

It is very important that if you need your certificate for a Passport application that you select this as the 'Reason' for ordering the record. If you require a certified document for use overseas (Marriage abroad, International Adoption, Dual Citizenship, etc.,) you will need a separate certification referred to as an 'Apostille' or 'Certification Certificate'.

VitalRecords-Online makes the process of requesting vital records easy, safe, and fast! Our application assistance services guarantee you get the right certificate.

Does a birth certificate have an expiration date?

Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates have no expiration date. However, if your copy is any way degraded or not all information is clearly visible, then you should consider requesting a new one.

About requesting your birth certificate

How do I request a birth certificate?

To request a birth certificate you are required to complete your state’s application form, attach a copy of a photo-ID, pay the state fees, and mail it to Health Department office. Please note, that in some cases the state requires that you have your application notarized.

What documents to I need to request a birth certificate?

The request a birth certificate you must be eligible (some states’ records are sealed and only provided to direct family members like parents, children, and siblings,) facilitate a copy of a valid photo-ID, that must also include your address and signature (e.g.: photo drivers license, State photo-ID, US Passport,) some states will require that you prove your identity by having your application notarized and mailing the sworn letter along with your application. Instructions on how to have your application notarized are included in our customized instructions package.

What information am I required to provide to get a copy of a birth certificate?

To complete your States’ application form you will be required to provide as much information as possible so that the Health Department is able to locate the birth certificate. Information required may include:
  • Full name of person at birth
  • Date of birth
  • Sex
  • County or city of birth
  • Hospital where birth occurred
  • Full maiden name of mother
  • Full name of father
  • Your name
  • Your signature
  • Your relationship to the person whose certificate you are requesting
  • Reason for requesting the certificate
  • Address where the certificate is to be mailed
  • Your daytime phone number

Who is eligible to request a birth certificate?

A certified copy of a vital record (birth) is issued to an applicant who has a direct and tangible interest in the record. All direct family members, and those with legal interest (court order) may request birth certificates.

Can I request a vital record in Spanish?

Yes. Most States offer the possibility to complete and send your application form in Spanish. If you need to send your application in Spanish, or if you want to know if your State offers this service, please contact us so we can help you.

How do I replace a birth certificate?

If you can't find your original copy, you will have to apply to get a new certified copy of a birth certificate. To replace a birth certificate you will have to complete an application form, make a copy of the ID required, pay the government fees and mail in your application to the Health Department. Please note that some States may require that you verify your identity by having your application notarized.

How do I request a birth certificate for a newborn?

A birth certificate is a common form of identification your child will use throughout his life. The process of getting a birth certificate for your newborn begins at the hospital when you provide information to a nurse or midwife so she can complete the birth certificate application for you. If you do not apply for the certificate in the hospital, you may do so by using our services. We will provide you with all of the instructions on how to submit your application to your local Vital Records Office. In either case, because many states will not automatically send you a copy of the birth certificate, taking proactive steps to get a certified copy now can save time when you need require it for identification purposes.

How can I request a birth certificate if I changed my name?

If you have changed your name due to adoption, you may be required to have a court order to successfully change your name. This just means you’ll be required to prove who you are, and in most cases you’ll have to include why you’ve decided to rename yourself. Please note that, a name change due to marriage doesn’t require a legal name change on your birth certificate.

I’m adopted. How can I request a copy of my birth certificate?

When a child is born, the state of birth issues an original birth certificate (also known as OBC). However, when a child is adopted, a new certificate is issued, an amended birth certificate (or ABC). An ABC s any or all of the information on the original but replaces the birth parents’ names with those of the adoptive parents, as well as the child’s name if it is being changed. The OBC is usually sealed by the court along with the other adoption papers. The original birth certificate is generally not available to the adopted person. Please keep in mind that not all birth certificates are equal, some states may change information when issuing amended birth certificates, for example ing place of birth as the residence of adoptive parents, even if that differs from the actual place of birth. The information included and format can vary greatly from state to state.

About birth certificate processing times and fees

What are the fees to request a birth certificate?

The fees for birth certificates vary from state to state. Check all the information regarding the vital records fee of your state.
VitalRecords-Online charges a transparent service of $59.00 fee for our filing assistance service.
Our fees include :
  • All 11 states forms that guarantee the fastest, easiest, and most reliable services
  • Our filing assistance service includes the filled out form as well as a verification process from one of our expert team members
  • Dedicated Customer Service 24/7
  • Customized instructions
  • Your certificate in your hand guaranteed!.

How long does it take for the state to process my request for a birth certificate?

Processing of vital records applications varies from state to state. Each state’s turnaround time depends on number of applications received. Check all the information regarding the processing times of your state.

What is rush service?

Some states offer Rush Service, this may include rush processing or expedited mailing service, or only one of the two. If your state offer this option and you wish to request it but didn’t at the time you submitted the form you can contact us and we will amend it for you.

About Coronavirus (COVID-19)

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

A new type of virus that can affect your lungs and airways is making its way around the world and putting people in worry. COVID-19 is so much hyped at this time and has caught the attention of every country. Today, from kids to old people everyone is aware of the Corona Virus. It is spreading day by day all over the globe. Some countries have already built special hospitals just to take care of Corona patients. Here, we are going to let you know more about this virus and how to keep yourself and your family & friends safe from it. What precautions you should take to stay away from it and avoid getting sick.

What is Coronavirus?

The Coronavirus, officially named as COVID- 19 has spread like a fire in the jungle. It is significantly increasing all around the world. It is basically a combination of different viruses that usually cause mild illnesses, such as a common cold. Coronavirus can be compared to seasonal flu but it's more contagious. Nevertheless, most patients can be cured. It is more dangerous for the elderly, and young people with compromised immune systems. It can be passed on to anyone just by physical contact or touch. Experts have figured out that it is spreading through close contact with an infected person. For instance, If the infected person sneezes, coughs or touches you, germs can be passed on very quickly and easily. However, it is not yet clear that if a person can transmit the virus to someone else before he/she starts showing symptoms. In addition to that, researchers are not yet sure if you can catch coronavirus (COVID-19) from touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face or mouth.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Researchers have worked day and night to find out the main symptoms of coronavirus. Because it acts as flue and cold, it is quite difficult to differentiate between them. Now, there are some common symptoms that everyone should know to keep themselves and others safe from this vital virus:
  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Difficulty in breathing
If you’ve caught this virus, you can start showing symptoms anywhere from 2-14 days after the exposure. If you experience any of these symptoms or have a doubt, it is better to avoid any physical contact with others, except to seek medical help. There are now tests available to determine if you are infected with this virus or not. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine available for this coronavirus yet. But all doctors and researchers are working on it and trying their best to find its cure as soon as possible. So, you should take extra precautions in order to avoid contracting this virus.

Who can catch coronavirus?

Everyone should do their best to avoid such things that spread coronavirus. But It is especially important for people who:
  • Are 70 years old or over
  • Have a long-term condition
  • Are pregnant
  • Have a weakened immune system

Do’s and Don’ts

There are a few things you can do or avoid in order to stay safe from coronavirus.

Do’s:

  • Always wash your hands when you get to work or home
  • Wash your hands with soap and water and do this for at least 20 seconds
  • Always keep hand sanitizer with you and use it when needed
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing
  • Immediately put the tissue in the bin and wash your hands afterward
  • Avoid close contact with people who appear to be sick or have coronavirus
  • Avoid social activities
  • Avoid events with large groups
  • Use services from home if available

Don’ts

  • Do not touch your nose, mouth or eyes with unwashed hands
  • Do not have visitors to your home, including family and friends

What precautions you should take?

Since researchers and experts believe that the main cause of spreading this virus is through physical contact with the infected person, so it is better to limit your close contact with others. As it passes from one person to the other, it is better to avoid large gatherings like marriage ceremonies, sports events, concerts, public transport, universities, school, and colleges as much as possible. Because this virus spreads so fast, you’ll definitely want to limit your close contact with other people. In addition, if you see anyone who appears to be sick, like if you see someone sneezing a lot, coughing and looks sick, it is best to avoid close contact with that person.
In order to keep yourself away from this virus, there are a few things you can do:
  • Avoid close contact with others
  • Wash your hands often
  • Keep a sanitizer with you
  • Do not touch your face or mouth without washing your hands
One of the most important things to do is, wash your hands often and thoroughly. You should wash your hands when you touch anything in public and also, use a soap to wash your hands. You should wash it for at least 20 seconds so that all germs can be killed and can’t do any effect on you. It is very much important to wash your hands after sneezing, coughing, blowing your nose and touching anything in public. When you’re in public and touch anything like buttons in the elevator, receive cash and touch anything in public transport, etc. It is a must for you to wash your hands right away. If you do not have access to the sink, you can also use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. You should rub it well into every surface of your hands until it dries out. Do not touch your face or mouth without washing your hands first. Unless you’re sick, you don’t need a facemask but if you wear one, it is good for your own health. In fact, it is highly recommended that you do not purchase a facemask since they are already in short supply and it is better if someone who has coronavirus wears the masks instead in order to stop this virus spreading.

How can we help you stay safe?

We are well aware that you still have important things to take care of. There are certain things that can’t be done from home. Fortunately, for your safety and good health, we can help you take one thing off from your list, from the safety of your house. With our safe, secure and streamlined system, you can avoid all interactions with people in government offices. There is no need for you to spend your whole day standing in a long queue and interacting with people when there is a virus spreading all over the world. To make things better for you, we have introduced a system with the help of that you can order your certified birth certificate, marriage certificate, or death certificate online. So, you don’t have to risk exposure to the coronavirus to get those vital records that you need.

How does our system work?

When we realized what a hassle it can be to get your official documents, we decided to develop a system to make things easier for everyone. We have created a streamlined process that lets you get your official records completely online. There is now no need to drive anywhere and stand in queue for hours just to wait for your turn so that you can fill out complicated paperwork and applications. With us, you don’t need to do any of that. There is just a short questionnaire for you to fill out, and that’s all you have to do. A simple and easy questionnaire to take care of everything. After you submit this simple form to us, we will take care of the rest. We will deal with all the forms and red tape for you. We will complete your application and make sure that there is no mistake and everything is correct. After that, we will mail your filled-out application to you and provide you with a pre-paid, secure envelope and instructions for submitting it. All you need to do is just follow the instructions and put your application and required identification in the envelope and send it off in the mail. You will receive a tracking number in order to check where your important documents are. You will also receive a notification when your application reaches its destination. Then all that is left for you is to sit back and wait for your certificate to be mailed to you.

Why our service is the best?

We have dedicated experts that can help you navigate the application process. They take care of everything with the help of their experience. Every single application is processed through them and they take a close look at every application just to make sure that there is no error in it and it is up to mark. If any alteration is required, they do that and make sure that it will be accepted. We’ve worked very hard to provide our customers with the best and the fastest turnaround time possible. In order to do that, we’ve built a huge database with application information for counties all over the U.S. This helps us determine which office is best for us to send your application for the fastest filing. Also, we know that your privacy is important and we have made our online system extremely secure. When you use our services, you will save time and overall cost with a fully secured system. Click here to fill out your application form right now from your home and protect yourself from the coronavirus.