Vital Records
Articles tagged Vital Records from The VRO Blog.
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.
Digital Birth Certificates in 2026: What They Are and Why You Still Need Paper
Digital birth certificates are starting to appear in a handful of states in 2026. Here is what a true digital record is, how it differs from a scan, and why you should still keep a certified paper copy.
Hurricane Season 2026: How to Protect Your Vital Records Before a Storm
A calm, practical checklist for protecting your birth certificate, passport, and other vital records before the 2026 hurricane season—and how to replace them if a storm strikes.
The Census Age Search Service Is Paused in 2026: What It Means and How to Prove Your Age or Birth
The U.S. Census Bureau’s Age Search Service is on pause as of March 4, 2026. Here is what the service does, who relied on it, and the practical alternatives for proving age or birth.
Avoiding Fraud: Best Practices for Safeguarding Your Vital Records
Why Safeguarding Your Vital Records is Critical to Avoid Fraud Vital records, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates, are more than just documents; they are gateways to your identity. Safeg
How Do You Correct a Birth Certificate? Your Complete Guide
A birth certificate is one of the most important documents in anyone’s life. It serves as legal proof of your existence and citizenship. People typically need to present this document for many purposes, such as getting m
Do Birth Certificates Expire? The Truth About Validity & Replacement (2026)
Many people ask: “Do birth certificates expire?” The short answer is no—birth certificates do not have an expiration date in the traditional sense. However, understanding the validity and usage of birth certificates is i