Hawaii (HI) Vital Records

Vital Records Online is a trusted and dependable US-based service for online requests for Hawaii birth, marriage, and death certificates. The online application system guarantees the safe delivery of your documents while maintaining the utmost confidentiality of your private information.

History of Vital Records in Hawaii

Hawaii Government-Issued Vital Records

Hawaii, “the Aloha State,” entered the union as the 50th state on August 21st, 1959. Hawaii is home to 1.4 million people.

The Hawaii Department of Health(HDOH) is headquartered in Honolulu CDP, Honolulu County, on the island of Oʻahu. The mission of the Department of Health is to protect and improve the health and environment of all people in Hawaii. The Office of Health Status Monitoring is responsible for registering, preserving, amending, and certifying all vital events.

Hawaii’s vital records are made public after 75 years. The state’s eligibility requirements are like most states. When ordering a certified copy of a birth, death, or marriage certificate, the requestor must be named on the record or be a parent, guardian, spouse, descendant, common ancestor, or a person or agency acting on behalf of the registrant.

If you are working on an ancestry project, the Vital Records Office can help you access the many available public archives. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, and how they are used.

Start your application online for HI vital records

Certified Birth Certificate
Hawaii Birth Certificate

Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.

Certified Marriage Certificate
Hawaii Marriage Certificate
Obtain marriage records for yourself or a family member.
Certified Death Certificate
Hawaii Death Certificate
Get an original copy of a death certificate replacement for a lost record.

Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My Hawaii Vital Records?

Birth, death, and marriage certificates are fundamental documents for our lives. They serve as official proof of identity, citizenship, and family relationships but also aid in resolving legal issues, claiming inheritances, and researching familial lineage. These documents can reveal valuable information about your forebears, including their full names, birth and death dates, and places of origin. In the event of a misplaced birth, marriage, or death certificate, you should immediately report the loss to the police and request a certified replacement.

Where to Get Hawaii Vital Records

Each county is responsible for certifying and issuing vital records of events that occur within its jurisdiction. If you need a replacement, you can use the directory of vital record-issuing agencies in each Hawaiian county. This list provides locations, contact information, and online applications for acquiring copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates.

❗️ If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Hawaii, they are freely available from various public archives.

Visiting Vital Records Office

  • Long waiting lines
  • Complex and tedious application process
  • Strict business hours and closed during holidays
  • Extremely busy phone line
  • No trackable application
  • Only checks and money orders

Visit Directory

Ordering Vital Records Online

  • No waiting in long lines
  • Simplified and streamlined application process
  • 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error checking
  • Custom trackable application interface
  • Convenient fee payment by credit card

Get Started Online

How to Order Hawaii Vital Records

Hawaiians have several options for obtaining their vital records. Though making requests in person or by mail is possible, online applications are the most dependable and often the only available option. If you meet the eligibility requirements as an authorized person, you can order certified vital record copies from the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Office of Health Status Monitoring. Follow the guidelines for each birth, death, or marriage certificate, as each vital record has a unique set of criteria. Once you understand the criteria, the process is straightforward.

The type of certificate you request and the method you order will determine the costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times. Whether ordering online, by mail, or in person, you should acquaint yourself with the procedure and stipulations before requesting a certified vital record copy from the DOH-OHSM.

Ordering Online

Ordering Hawaii Vital Records online is quick and effortless and involves 2 simple steps:

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents, and
  2. process your order.

(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)

Authorized individuals can apply for Hawaii birth, death, or marriage certificates online. Be sure you possess the required documents before starting the process, as you will need to upload copies of these documents during the secure online application process.

Vital Records Online streamlines the process of collecting and generating the necessary documents and provides clear guidance on how and where to submit these documents. The application can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, allowing you to complete the entire request in as little as five minutes. Vital Records Online’s service also helps ensure your application is not rejected due to common errors or missing documents.

✔︎ First-Class mail tracking is included with every online application.

✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.

✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning, printing, and providing an online notary for your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and premium handling process works.

Order In-Person or by Mail

Applying in person is feasible for applicants who reside within travel distance of the Hawaii State Department of Health. However, you may face long queues at the local office. Those who cannot travel to the state health department or prefer to bypass these inconveniences can submit their applications via mail or online.

Whether you are requesting records by mail or in person, the basic requirements are similar, with a few additional steps when ordering by mail:

  • gathering your documents,
  • getting photocopies of your documents,
  • completing the correct form, and,
  • presenting everything to the health department during regular business hours.

Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need to complete the following steps:

  • purchasing an envelope,
  • including a physical check or money order,
  • obtaining a notarized sworn statement (if required), and,
  • issuing it to the DOH-OHSM.

Be sure to carefully check the required criteria for each document before mailing it to avoid errors or incomplete information that could cause your application to be denied.

❗️ Ensure that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies of the preserved original record.

❗️ If you choose to mail your application and documents, we recommend purchasing mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.

Requirements

Understanding the conditions and requirements is essential before gathering the required documents for your vital records application.

Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization

As outlined in the table below, certain documents and information are required when ordering certified copies of vital records in Hawaii.

All applicants must provide proof of their identity, as mandated by the Hawaii State Department of Health – Office of Health Status Monitoring (DOH-OHSM). The only accepted form of identification is a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license.

What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Hawaii?

The DOH-OHSM defines specific criteria for each type of certificate and unique scenario. Be sure to review the eligibility conditions and requirements for obtaining replacements for birth, death, and marriage certificates in Hawaii.

Certificate Required Information ID Requirements Options
Birth Certificate Current Age,
Date of Birth,
Email,
Full Name of Person of Record,
Mailing Address,
Parents Names,
Phone Number,
Place of Birth,
Sex,
Your Name,
Your Relationship to the Person of Record,
Your Signature
Passport,
State Driver's License,
State ID
Death Certificate Date of Death,
Full Name of Person of Record,
Mailing Address,
Phone Number,
Place of Death,
SSN,
Sex,
Your Name,
Your Relationship to the Person of Record,
Your Signature
Passport,
State Driver's License,
State ID
Marriage Certificate Bride Name,
Date of Marriage,
Email,
Groom Name,
Mailing Address,
Phone Number,
Place of Marriage,
Your Name,
Your Relationship to the Person of Record,
Your Signature
Passport,
State Driver's License,
State ID

Who is Authorized to Order

Who can request vital records in Hawaii?

The person on record can request a certified copy of their vital records. The record holder is required to provide proof of identity with the application.

To request a vital record for someone else, you must first check the eligibility requirements for each birth, death, or marriage certificate to ensure you are authorized to submit an application on their behalf. A third party can legally order a certified copy of a vital record declared by the DOH-OHSM, but they must have a “direct and tangible interest” in the record. A complete list of eligible third parties can be found on the OHSM’s website.

Certificate Authorized People
Birth Certificate Adoption Agencies, Aunts/Uncles, Children, Cousins, Ex-Spouse, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Interested Parties (personal or property rights legal need), Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Other Person by Court Order, Parents, Person on Record, Siblings, Spouse
Death Certificate Adoption Agencies, Aunts/Uncles, Children, Cousins, Ex-Spouse, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Interested Parties (personal or property rights legal need), Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Other Person by Court Order, Parents, Siblings, Spouse
Marriage Certificate Adoption Agencies, Children, Ex-Spouse, Grandparents, Interested Parties (personal or property rights legal need), Legal Representative, Other Person by Court Order, Parents, Person on Record, Spouse

✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record for that person.

Notarized Sworn Statement

Do I need a notary with my application?

The DOH-OHSM generally does not require applicants to obtain a notarized sworn statement with their application to prove their identity when requesting certified copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates. Whether ordering in person, online, or by mail, you only need to provide a government-issued ID to verify your identity.

❗️A notary is generally not required to obtain authorized copies of Hawaii vital records. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity.

Costs and Fees

The cost of requesting your vital record replacements depends on several factors, including the DOH-OHSM’s fees for each type of certificate and the method you choose to submit your application.

When requesting birth, marriage, divorce, or death records via Vital Records Online, the processing fee starts at $29. The DOH-OHSM charges a $10.00 fee for each certified copy of a birth, death, and marriage certificate and $4.00 for each additional copy.

Certificate Fee Additional Copy
Birth Certificate $12.50 $4.00

✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order at reduced prices to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.

Vital Records Online Logo VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.

Processing and Delivery Times

How long will it take to receive my vital records from Hawaii?

Processing times for birth, death, or marriage certificate replacements vary depending on external factors. The table below lists the current processing and delivery times for each certified vital record replacement. Please note that these times may change depending on the volume of requests received by the DOH-OHSM and the method of application submission.

Certificate Processing Time
Birth Certificate 6 to 8 weeks
Death Certificate 6 to 8 weeks
Marriage Certificate 6 to 8 weeks
Divorce Certificate 6 to 8 weeks

❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause prolonged wait times, extra shipping costs, or exposure of personal information.

How to Track My HI Vital Record?

After processing your application through Vital Records Online, you can monitor the status of your order. First-class mail tracking is included with your online order to ensure your application successfully arrives at the correct Hawaii Health Department. The Department of Health and Social Medicine (DOH-OHSM) ships all vital records via USPS first-class mail for security reasons. However, they are not responsible for any misdirected or lost certificates. In the unfortunate event of a lost certificate, report the loss immediately and request another replacement.

❗️ If you fill out and submit your vital records application manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking that is addressed to the correct health department to ensure successful delivery.

Hawaii (HI) Vital Record Office Locations

Local Vital Records offices may be closed to the public.

Online Applications are available 24 hrs, 365 days per year.

Search (A-Z) Hawaii vital records issuing agencies in your county.
Address Hours Application
(DOH-OHSM)

State Department of Health Office,
Room 103, 1250 Punchbowl Street,
Honolulu, HI

Phone: (808) 586-4539

Mailing Address:

State Department of Health Office,
of Health Status Monitoring Vital Records Issuance Section, 

PO Box 3378,
Honolulu, HI 96801

7:45 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Hawaii County
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1402
Hilo, HI 96720
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Honolulu County
1151 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Kalawao County
200 South High Street
Wailuku, HI 96793
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Kauai County
4396 Rice Street
Lihue, HI 96766
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Maui County
200 S. High St. 2145 Wells St.
Wailuku, HI 96793
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
❗️ Displays the first 20 counties. Use the search to find your county.
Find additional Hawaii Vital Records locations at onlinevitals.com

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Apostilles

An Apostille is typically required when filing a vital record with a foreign government. Apostilles are issued by The Office of the Lieutenant Governor for vital records initially filed with the DOH-OHSM Vital Records Issuance Section. They can be requested for birth, death, and marriage certificates.

How can I get an apostille for a vital record?

Apostilles for Delaware vital records can be obtained online through Vital Records Online or through the Hawaii DOH-OHSM.

Vital Records Online provides apostille services for all 50 US states, is recognized by governments and organizations, and is legally valid in over 100 countries. Vital Records Online provides apostille services for Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates, with professional support. The cost for the apostille service starts at $149 (plus government fees) and can be completed entirely online in three steps.

  1. Complete the Apostille Express online application.
  2. Submit the required documents for approval.
  3. Receive your apostille document.

In many cases, we will not need to receive a physical copy of your documents, so you may be able to complete the process 100% online. Once your apostille document is ready, we will mail it to you via FedEx or DHL. Regardless of whether you live in the U.S. or abroad—we use recognized shipping companies to deliver your documents anywhere in the world.

You can request an apostille for your vital record while ordering your new certificate from the DOH-OHSM.

If you are manually sending your certificates, you will need to submit the following items:

  1. The DOH’s request form for the certificate you are requesting (birth, death, or marriage). For “Reason for Request,” you must write “apostille” and the country you will be submitting your certificate to.
  2. A completed “Lt. Governor’s Apostille or Document Certification Form.”
  3. A  money order or cashier’s check of $1, payable to the “Lt. Governor’s Office.”
  4. An additional money order or cashier’s check for fees relevant to birth, marriage, or death record requests, payable to the “Hawaii Department of Health.”
  5. A photocopy of your valid, government-issued photo ID.
  6. A pre-paid, self-addressed stamped envelope.

All requests for vital record apostilles are submitted to the DOH-OHSM Vital Records Issuance Section at the following address:

State Department of Health,
Office of Health Status Monitoring,
Vital Records Issuance Section,
PO Box 3378,
Honolulu, Hawaii 96801

You can reach the office at (808) 586-4539 or online at https://health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords/apostilles/.

Correcting or Amending Vital Records

DOH-OHSM has compiled a list of frequent circumstances that require an amendment to a person’s birth or marriage certificate.

The Hawaii State Department of Health – Office of Health Status Monitoring (DOH-OHSM) provides a simple procedure for when an individual must correct or amend a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or a family member’s death certificate. The forms required depend on the information that needs to be amended. When a vital record is changed, an amendment is necessary. Supplemental changes become addendums to the original vital record; however, it is impossible to alter the original document.

The requirements for requesting changes or amendments vary depending on which vital record needs to be amended and which changes need to be made.

Generally, to correct or amend a vital record, you will need:

  1. A completed amendment application
  2. Supporting documentation (this may include a court order or notarized statement)
  3. Appropriate fee(s)

Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.

REAL ID ACT

  • The DMV prefers a birth certificate when verifying your identity for the REAL ID;
  • The deadline to obtain a Real ID has been extended to May 7th, 2025.

The REAL ID Act is a new federal law regarding driver’s licenses that may affect those individuals whose vital records do not match their driver’s licenses. To prevent delays when applying for your Real ID driver’s license, you are encouraged to review your birth and/or marriage to ensure your name, sex, and date of birth are listed correctly.

Search Public Records

Where can I search for free public records?

Hawaii’s vital records, including birth, marriage, death, and divorce records, are made public after 75 years. Although finding free public records can be difficult, many vital records in Hawaii are freely and readily available to the public. You can browse Hawaii’s vital record archives to find the necessary information, but thoroughly reviewing these records may require a significant time investment.

Are Hawaii Vital Records Open to the Public?

In Hawaii, the majority of state records are publicly accessible. However, access depends on the record type and the year the birth, death, or marriage occurred.

Various third-party websites can assist you in researching specific types of vital records. Geographical constraints are not limited on these platforms and can serve as excellent reference points for record research. However, the information on these sites may not always align with official government records. To find a record on a third-party website, the requester must provide the following:

  • The location of the record you’re looking for, including the city, county, or state where it was recorded.
  • The name of the person on record,  if they are not a minor.

Hawaii residents have the right under the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) to inspect or obtain copies of public vital records.

How to Verify if Your Vital Record is Official

Every state, county, and municipality maintains unique vital records. Depending on the issuing authority of your birth, death, or marriage certificate, you can verify the appearance of your certificate to confirm you possess the official certified copy. Vital records labeled “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or words to that effect, distinguished by a stamp or large print, are informational copies, not official documents.

What Are the Differences between Authorized Copies Versus Informational Copies?

Authorized Copy: 

Authorized Copies of vital records are official documents issued by the relevant authority, such as the Department of Health or Office of Vital Records. These certified copies can be used for legal purposes such as establishing identity, applying for passports, registering for school, or settling estates. They typically bear a raised or colored impressed seal to denote their authenticity. Only specific individuals, such as the person named on the record, immediate family members, or their legal representatives, are eligible to request authorized copies.

Authorized vital records are recognized as legal documents exclusively issued to individuals with a direct and tangible interest in the record. Unlike informational copies that cannot validate identity, these copies serve as official identification.

Informational Copy: 

In contrast, informational copies are not considered legal documents and cannot be used to establish identity or for other official purposes. They are typically marked with a phrase similar to “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity.” These copies are primarily used for personal records or genealogy research. They are available to anyone who wishes to obtain them and does not have the same access restrictions as authorized copies.

For an informational copy, a Sworn Statement isn’t necessary. You can acquire public vital records without any additional paperwork. Thanks to the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), it’s your legal right to inspect or get copies of public records.

Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.

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