For many low-income families, simply accessing basic legal documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, can be a significant hurdle—one that limits their access to crucial services, including housing, healthcare, education, and government assistance. While the importance of vital records—birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates—may seem obvious, the cost, process, or lack of documentation can create real barriers for people in vulnerable situations.
Fortunately, many state-funded programs recognize this gap and have created resources for low-income families, individuals experiencing homelessness, veterans, and domestic violence survivors to obtain these documents at low or no cost.
State Programs That Provide Free or Discounted Vital Records
California
- Under AB 1733, individuals experiencing homelessness can request free birth certificates through a simple affidavit, with assistance available from county registrars or local nonprofits.
- Many counties will accept testimonials or affidavits as an alternative to a photo ID.
- If you’re experiencing homelessness, you can get a free certified birth certificate. Just fill out a short affidavit form saying you don’t have housing and submit it with your application through your county’s registrar’s office.
New York – Domestic Violence Support Services
New York shelters and legal aid organizations often work with local health departments to waive fees for women escaping domestic violence who need vital records to start over, such as birth certificates for children or marriage certificates for legal proceedings.
Florida
Programs such as 2nd Chance Society and IDignity provide birth certificates and state IDs to low-income adults and homeless individuals, often coordinated through case managers in shelters or nonprofit clinics.
Illinois
Schools must enroll homeless or displaced youth regardless of their documentation, and school liaisons can assist families in obtaining the necessary birth certificates after enrollment, as permitted under the McKinney-Vento Act.
Arizona
The Homeless ID Project operates clinics where individuals experiencing homelessness—including veterans—can get birth certificates and IDs free of charge.
D.C. (Washington D.C.)
The No-Fee Birth Certificate Program, offered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) in collaboration with D.C. Health, aims to lower barriers for District-born individuals experiencing homelessness who need access to their birth certificate. The program offers two key components:
First, new self-service kiosks at the D.C. Office of Vital Records use secure, advanced technology to help residents born in the District verify their identity more easily.
Second, an automated electronic voucher request form is available for Homeless Service Providers to complete on behalf of their clients. The voucher enables individuals to obtain their birth certificate free of charge.
Massachusetts
Reduced Fees for Public Assistance Recipients – In Massachusetts, residents receiving public assistance (TANF, SNAP, Medicaid) may be eligible for reduced or waived fees for birth or marriage records.
Oregon
Housing Assistance & Vital Record Vouchers – Oregon provides housing-first programs where shelter intake staff assist individuals in obtaining birth certificates needed for employment or rental agreements. Some countries even issue voucher codes to cover fees. Who qualifies: Homeless or low-income families, especially in housing programs.
Texas
Texas offers one free copy of a birth certificate to veterans for benefits enrollment, job applications, or medical care under the Veterans Free Copy Program.
Washington State
A recent change in Washington state law now allows the Department of Health and local health offices to issue certain vital records at no cost under specific conditions. These conditions include:
- When a record is needed to support a veteran’s compensation or pension claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Individuals experiencing homelessness in Washington can request a free birth certificate from the Department of Health.
State Laws on Vital Records
Several states have laws that waive fees or simplify access to vital records for people experiencing homelessness. For more information, refer to the State Laws on Vital Records, which summarizes current state laws regarding access to critical records for children and youth experiencing homelessness.
Other Programs Assisting with Vital Records
Nationwide Veterans Support Programs
Suppose you’re a veteran or in a veteran household. In that case, many VA programs and local nonprofits (like Supportive Services for Veteran Families, or SSVF) can help you get your records free, including for your spouse or children. Veterans Affairs (VA) offices or partner nonprofits often assist with obtaining certified birth, death, or marriage records for veterans and their dependents.
Local Nonprofits & Shelters
In urban areas like Philadelphia, organizations such as the Homeless Advocacy Project assist with managing applications and fee waivers.
Community centers and churches across the country often collaborate with county offices to assist clients in applying for vital records at no cost.
Caseworkers, advocates, and agency staff, when they understand these programs, can connect clients with critical documentation and serve as a vital bridge to stability and independence.
How to Get Started: What You Need and Where to Go
Getting started often begins with contacting your state or county’s vital records office, where you can find clear instructions, forms, and support. Each state has its own process, so it’s important to follow the specific guidelines for where you live, or where the event (birth, marriage, or death) took place. Below are the general steps to take to get the vital documents you need.
1. Identify the Needed Records
- Birth certificate for age, citizenship, and children’s school enrollment
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree for name changes or spousal benefits
- Death certificate for Social Security survivor benefits, insurance, or estate handling
2. Confirm Eligibility
Check if they are eligible for waivers under categories like:
- Homelessness or transitional housing
- Low-income through state assistance
- Veteran or veteran family status
- Foster care or youth support programs
3. Gather Documentation
- Provide a signed affidavit stating their circumstances.
- Offer any available ID (even expired)
- Use letters from shelters, social service caseworkers, or case managers if ID is not available.
4. How to Request
There are three main ways to request vital records, depending on your state:
Online: Most state health departments have a website where you can submit requests directly. However, these sites often do not accept fee waivers and may be challenging to navigate for those unfamiliar with the process. Online, via state portals or platforms like Vital Records Online (VRO).
By Mail: Requests can be mailed with payment or a fee waiver form; however, this method may be slow and is challenging for those without access to printers or reliable mailing addresses.
In Person: Many county offices offer same-day issuance of records, particularly when documentation is provided in person. This is ideal for those in shelters or working with caseworkers.
5. Track Progress and Receive Certificates
Processing times vary, typically 1–6 weeks. Many programs prioritize expedited services for vulnerable populations.
Why Acting Now Matters
These documents unlock more than Eligibility—they open doors:
- School success for children
- Housing stability with IDs and benefit access
- Financial opportunity through job eligibility and tax credits
- Veteran and survivor benefits
- Peace of mind and legal clarity for future planning
By understanding available programs and resources, agencies and families can make critical progress toward stability and independence.
Everyone Needs Legal Identity and Access
State-funded programs are breaking down barriers so that vital records are accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford them. Whether you’re a parent trying to enroll your child in school, a veteran applying for benefits, or someone rebuilding after hardship, having certified vital records is essential to moving forward.