FAQ About COVID-19 Impact on Vital Record Agencies
In response to coronavirus (COVID-19), many government agencies are reducing work staff, readjusting work schedules and closing field offices. Some vital record agencies are presenting delays in their processing time.
Will I experience long times when calling Vital Record Agencies?
Due to the mandatory Real ID driver’s license, there is currently an extraordinary demand for birth certificates. This created a backlog in many states and counties, which led to an increase in phone calls. As the COVID-19 unfolds, it is adding additional stress to the vital record agencies. With the government closing their offices to the public, the number of calls to vital record agencies has increased substantially. unfortunately, it has resulted in longer wait times. s
- Will my vital record request experience delays due to the COVID-19?
As agencies across the country struggle working with a reduced staff, we anticipate an increase in wait times for orders to be completed. We continue to monitor the processing times at the various agencies and will update our customers as the current times may continue to change.
Please understand that vital records processing time may increase nation-wide (or state-wide if you are talking about a particular state). The states which have the office closed will have a longer processing time, but all applications will be processed in the order they were received. - Can I order a birth, marriage or death certificate given the current situation?
Yes, we will continue to process requests in the order they come in.
- How can I know the current status of my order If I have already placed an order?
First, you should go to the customer login page. At this page, you have the ability to login and view the status of your order. Then, your login will be the email address and phone number you listed on your application as the contact email and contact phone number of the applicant. Finally, if you have any issues, please reach out to us with the “contact form”.
- How long will my order take to be processed?
Due to the unprecedented circumstances, process times may vary by each particular agency. Changes in processing times may change quickly. We will continue to monitor processing times and kept you updated as they change.
What is the current situation on the Vital Record Agencies located in my state?
We have created a list with the vital record state agencies who have reported close or any change or delay in their processing time.
Last update: 03/20/2020
| State | Agency | Mail Processing | Updates |
| California | California Dept. of Public Health | Yes | State office does not have a walk-up window – some of the various counties are closed. |
| Illinois | Illinois Dept. of Public Health | No | Office closed. Expect important delays. |
| Indiana | Indiana State Dept. of Health | Yes | Closed to the public. |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Vital Records | Yes | Closed to the public. |
| Michigan | Michigan Department of Health and Human Services | Yes | Closed to the public. |
| Mississippi | Mississippi State Department of Health | Yes | Closed to the public. |
| Nevada | Nevada Department of Health and Human Services | No | Office closed. Expect important delays. |
| New York | New York State Vital Records | Limited | Closed to the public. Expect some delays. |
| Ohio | Ohio Vital Records | No | Office closed. Expect important delays. |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Vital Records | Yes | Closed to the public. |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Department of Health | Yes | Closed to the public. |
| Texas | Texas Department of State Health Services | Yes | Closed to the public. |
| Virginia | Virginia Department of Health | Yes | Closed to the public. |
