Vital Records
Articles tagged Vital Records from The VRO Blog.
Annulments: Whether a Record Exists, and What You Can Actually Get a Copy Of
An annulment treats a marriage as never validly formed, but it still creates a court record. Here is what exists, who holds it, and which document an agency actually wants.
When Does a Vital Record Become Public? State Access Windows for Family Researchers
Some states open birth records after 75 years. One waits 125. Others never use a clock at all. Here is how the three models work and what several states actually do.
When the Record Predates Statewide Registration: Genealogy Without a Birth Certificate
Statewide birth registration did not exist in most states until the early 1900s. If your ancestor was born before it reached their state, no certificate was ever created. Here is what stands in for it.
"Cause of Death: Pending" — What It Means and How to Get the Amended Certificate
A pending cause of death is not an error. It is a normal medical examiner workflow. Here is what the certificate can still be used for and how the final version is issued.
Ordering a Death Certificate When the Death Happened in Another State
The death certificate is held by the state where the death occurred, not where the person lived. Here is how to order across state lines and why eligibility rules change at the border.
How to Get a Copy of a Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRDA)
A Consular Report of Death Abroad is not a state vital record, so it cannot be ordered from a state office. Here is who may request a copy, what it costs, and how long it takes.
Back-to-School 2026: The Documents You Need to Enroll Your Child
A practical 2026-2027 back-to-school checklist covering the documents most districts require to enroll your child, plus how to quickly replace a missing birth certificate.
Social Security Is Ending Paper Checks in 2026: How to Switch Before You Miss a Payment
The federal government is ending paper checks for Social Security benefits in 2026. Here’s who’s affected, why it’s happening, and exactly how to switch to direct deposit or a Direct Express card before your next payment.
2027 Social Security COLA Estimate: What It Means and the Records to Have Ready
The 2027 Social Security COLA is estimated at about 3.4%-3.6%, official in October 2026. Learn who’s affected and the certified records to have ready.