Vital Records Online (VRO) is a safe, secure, and simple service for ordering Montana vital records online. With VRO, you can easily obtain Montana birth, death, and marriage certificates from the comfort of your own home. Your vital records will be delivered safely to your address, and you can rest assured that your private information is kept confidential.
Summary:
Montana has a rich history of vital records. These confidential documents contain valuable information about life events such as births, deaths, and marriages. Vital records are made public 30 years after a person’s death. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS – Office of Vital Records) manages vital records and oversees the certification and issuance of copies.
Vital records serve various purposes, including legal matters and genealogical research. They provide important details about individuals, such as their full names, dates of birth and death, and locations.
To access vital records in Montana, you can request them online, in person, or via mail. Certain vital records are freely accessible from public archives for ancestral purposes.
Start your application online for MT vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Vital records play a significant role in various life events, such as enrolling in school, joining the military, traveling, or getting married. These documents are also crucial in proving your identity, citizenship, and family relationships.
Vital records provide extensive data about your forebears, including their complete names, birth and death dates, and locations. They provide valuable assistance in resolving legal disputes, claiming inheritance, and tracing genealogy.
If you happen to lose your birth, marriage, or death certificate, it is necessary to file a police report and request a certified replacement as soon as possible. For more information on the uses of vital records, you can check out the birth, death, and marriage certificate FAQs.
Montana’s County vital record issuing agencies maintain vital records at both county and state levels, and each county is responsible for certifying and issuing vital records that occur within its jurisdiction. If you need to obtain vital records from Montana, you have multiple options: online, in person, or via mail. You can easily find your county and request a copy of your vital record from the complete list of vital record issuing agencies. This list provides information such as locations, contact details, and access to online applications for requesting birth, death, and marriage certificates.
In Montana, birth and death certificates are issued centrally by the Montana DPHHS’s Office of Vital Records. You can obtain your birth or death certificate in person, online, or by mail through the state or county. While the process may vary depending on the county, many counties offer the option of submitting applications in person. Alternatively, marriage certificates are issued by the county where the marriage was recorded, not by the state. However, you can order marriage certificates from any location online using VRO.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Montana, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
If you’re a resident of Montana and need to request vital records from the state, you have a few options. You can request a copy online, in person, or via mail. Although marriage certificates can only be requested from the county that initially issued them, you can order a marriage certificate from any location when ordering through VRO.
Online requests are the most reliable and often the only option available. The Montana DPHHS – Office of Vital Records produces and certifies copies of vital records. However, each type of vital record has its own unique set of requirements that must be met. The process becomes easier once you understand the conditions for the specific type of vital record you need.
It’s important to note that the type of certificate you require and the method of ordering will affect the costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times. Whether you’re ordering online, by mail, or in person, it’s crucial to carefully review the steps and conditions before requesting a certified copy of a vital record from the DPHHS Office of Vital Records. This ensures that your documents, application, and payment are sent to the correct vital record location that can produce a certified copy of the original record.
❗️ The DPHHS – Office of Vital Records only issues birth and death certificates; marriage certificates are issued from the county office that created the original certificate.
Ordering Montana Vital Records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
If you are an authorized person and meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for a Montana birth, death, or marriage certificate online. Before applying, make sure you possess all the necessary documents to avoid any inconvenience.
You will be asked to upload copies of these documents during the secure online application process. Vital Records Online provides a simplified system that quickly collects and generates the required documents, guides you to the correct application, and submits your packet to the health department’s vital records office, which issues the certified record. The application process is simple and can be completed in just five minutes from any device with an internet connection. Vital Records Online’s process also ensures that your application is free from common mistakes or missing documents, which can lead to rejections.
✔︎ Our $29 processing fee includes your automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.
✔︎ 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 and printing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and handling process works.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when ordering a Montana birth, death, or marriage certificate unless you cannot provide a copy of an accepted form of ID.
Applying in person is practical if you live close enough to the state health department office that issues certified copies of original vital records. Montana has a physical office where you can obtain vital records, but be sure to confirm that it’s open for walk-ins and be prepared for long queues.
For those living abroad, ordering online is usually the most convenient way to request vital records. Ordering via mail or online can also be a more efficient approach than applying in person, especially if the local vital records office is closed or you want to avoid long queues. Mail is a good option for those living out-of-state, while online ordering is often the most convenient for residents living abroad. The steps for applying for vital records are generally the same whether ordering in person or by mail.
If you choose to apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following steps:
Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need the following:
Vital Records Online can help simplify the process and reduce errors, leading to faster processing times. Please note that each certificate type has specific requirements for who can request a certified replacement.
❗️ To avoid application rejections due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Confirm that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ Before receiving approval, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification.
❗️ If you mail your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
Understanding the conditions and requirements before collecting the necessary documents for your vital record application is essential.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
The Montana DPHHS – Office of Vital Records requires all applicants to prove their identity. A driver’s license, state photo ID, or passport can be used to verify identity for most types of records.
If your ID is expired or you do not have it, you must submit two secondary forms of identification. If you cannot provide an acceptable form of ID, you must sign your application at a public notary.
The DPHHS – Office of Vital Records does not issue marriage certificates, so identification requirements may vary by county when requesting a marriage certificate.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Montana?
Before requesting certified replacement certificates for Montana births, deaths, and marriages, please review the eligibility requirements for each type of certificate and personal circumstance provided by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) – Office of Vital Records.
❗️ Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Father's Name, Full Name at Birth, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Place of Birth, Purpose for the Certificate, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Passport, State ID, Tribal ID, US Military ID |
ATM Card, College ID, Court Documents with Current Address, Credit Card, DD-214 Form, Debit Card, Fishing License, Insurance Record, Medical Card, Military Discharge, Pay Stub, Social Security Card, Traffic Ticket, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Card, Work ID |
| Death Certificate | Date of Birth, Date of Death, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Father's Name, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Name, Occupation, Place of Birth, Place of Death, Purpose for the Certificate, Sex, Spouse Name, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Passport, State ID, Tribal ID, US Military ID |
ATM Card, College ID, Court Documents with Current Address, Credit Card, DD-214 Form, Debit Card, Fishing License, Insurance Record, Medical Card, Military Discharge, Pay Stub, Social Security Card, Traffic Ticket, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Card, Work ID |
| Marriage Certificate | Bride Parents' Names, Bride's Date of Birth, Bride's Name Before Marriage, Bride's Place of Birth, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Groom Name, Groom Parents' Names, Groom's Date of Birth, Groom's Place of Birth, Mailing Address, Year of Marriage, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Who can request vital records in Montana?
If you are requesting a birth, death, or marriage certificate on behalf of someone else, you must ensure that you are eligible by checking the authorized third-party applicants for the certificate type you need.
Family members or legal representatives who are authorized to act on behalf of a person on record can request a copy of their vital record from the Montana DPHHS – Office of Vital Records. Third-party requests are allowed if there is a familial or legal relationship with the person on record and proof of such relationship is provided.
Please note that you may be asked for additional documentation proving your eligibility as a third-party applicant.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Attorneys, Caretaker, Children, Foster Parents, Grandparents, Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Other person of interest (personal and property rights), Parents, Person on Record, Physician, Spouse |
| Death Certificate | Not Restricted |
| Marriage Certificate |
✔︎ 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.
Do I need a notary with my application?
A notarized sworn statement is not required when requesting certified copies of Montana vital records. However, if the applicant is unable to provide an acceptable form of ID, then a notarized statement is required. If a third-party representative requests a vital record, they may need to provide a notarized statement, provided they are eligible. The eligibility criteria for requesting certified copies of birth or death certificates remain the same regardless of whether the request is made online, by mail, telephone, or in person.
Only individuals with a “direct, tangible interest,” such as family members or legal representatives, are eligible to obtain certified vital records.
An online notary is included with your order when ordering through Vital Records Online.
❗️ A notarized sworn statement may be necessary if an application is submitted without a copy of a valid government-issued ID or, in some instances of third-party requests.
If you need more information about unique circumstances requiring a notary with your application, visit the DPHHS – Office of Vital Records website at https://dphhs.mt.gov/vitalrecords/. If you decide to use a local public notary, remember to bring your ID to obtain a notary. Take into account that notaries are sometimes required for apostilles, corrections, or amendments to vital records. You can find more information about these conditions in other FAQs below.
❗️A notarized sworn statement may be required when a third party is requesting a birth or death certificate.
✔︎ A notary is generally not required to obtain authorized copies of Montana vital records. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity. However, you can also verify your identity with a notary instead of providing a photocopy of your ID.
✔︎ Vital Records Online includes an online notary service in your application packet. Otherwise, you must bring your ID when creating this document using a local public notary.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when requesting informational copies of Montana vital records unless a photo ID is not provided.
Replacing vital records can be costly, depending on the DPHHS – Office of Vital Records fees defined for each type of certificate. The cost can also increase based on how you submit your application and whether a notary is required to prove your identity.
If you order birth, marriage, divorce, or death records through Vital Records Online, the online Application Assistant starts at $29. The DPHHS – Office of Vital Records charges $12.00 for each certified copy of a birth certificate and $16.00 for each copy of a death certificate. Informational copies of birth certificates are $10.00, while informational copies of death certificates cost $14.00. As for marriage certificates, the fees vary depending on the county. Refer to the table below for the DPHHS – Office of Vital Records’ current fees for each type of vital record replacement.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $12.00 | $12.00 |
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Montana?
The processing and replacement times for birth, death, or marriage certificates from the DPHHS – Office of Vital Records may vary depending on staffing and the volume of backlogged orders. You can check the current processing and delivery times in the table below.
The time it takes to receive your vital record in the mail can also be affected by the method you use to submit your application and documents. Ordering through Vital Records Online simplifies the process and provides options for expediting your order. By selecting this option, you can ensure quicker processing of your documents and application packet.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 2 to 3 weeks | N/A |
| Death Certificate | 2 to 3 weeks | N/A |
| Marriage Certificate | N/A | N/A |
| Divorce Certificate | N/A | N/A |
✔︎ All Vital Records Online includes an online notarization service that can be performed virtually during checkout.
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by the DPHHS – Office of Vital Records may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ We also advise allowing 2-3 additional days in your application process to ensure you obtain a notary if you manually submit your application.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
After submitting your application through Vital Records Online, you can track its progress through the order status system. Additionally, you can track your application packet to the Montana DPHHS – Office of Vital Records. First-class prepaid mail postage is included with every order.
If you decide to mail your application packet to the Vital Records Health Department manually, it is advised to purchase first-class mail tracking to ensure your application arrives successfully.
The Montana DPHHS – Office of Vital Records ships all vital records to your home through USPS first-class mail for security purposes. Please note that the DPHHS does not claim responsibility for misdirected or lost certificates. In case your birth certificate is lost, report it immediately.
Please be careful while providing your personal information, as a simple error or typo could result in your vital records arriving at an incorrect address.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Montana counties office locations directory.
An apostille is required for vital records filed with a foreign government. The Montana Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records initially filed with the DPHHS Office of Vital Records.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
The only options available to obtain an apostille for Montana vital records are through the Secretary of State or Vital Records Online. VRO’s apostille service includes birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates across all 50 US states, includes professional assistance, and can be conveniently completed online in just three simple steps. The cost starts at $149 (plus government fees) and is legally valid for governments in over 100 countries.
In most cases, obtaining a physical copy of your papers is unnecessary as the process can be done entirely online. Once your apostille documentation is completed, it will be shipped via FedEx or DHL. The delivery will be made to your doorstep no matter where you are located, whether you reside within the US or abroad. We rely on reputable courier services for worldwide delivery.
You will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Secretary of State at the following addresses:
For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Notary & Certifications Division,
Montana Secretary of State’s Office,
1301 E. 6th Ave,
Helena, MT 59601
For standard mail, use the following address:
Notary & Certifications Division,
Montana Secretary of State’s Office,
PO Box 202801,
Helena, MT 59620 -2801
You can reach the office at 406-444-1877 or online at https://sosmt.gov/notary/apostilles/.
The Office of Vital Records under DPHHS has provided a list of common scenarios to help you get an amendment for your birth and marriage certificate. If you need to correct or amend a birth, marriage, or death certificate of a family member, the Montana DPHHS Office of Vital Records offers an easy process authorized by law to do so.
Different forms may be required depending on the information that needs to be amended. Any changes made become addendums to the original vital record, but the original document cannot be altered by any entity. The process for requesting changes or amendments varies depending on the type of vital record that needs to be changed, and some amendments may require a court order in Montana, which typically requires an attorney.
Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
❗️ A notarized affidavit is always required for amendments.
Where can I search for free public records?
Montana’s birth and marriage records become public after 30 years, while death records are not restricted. Although finding free public records can be complicated, many vital records in Montana are readily available to the public. You can search through Montana’s archives of birth, marriage, and divorce records to find the information you want. However, be prepared to devote a substantial amount of time to review the records.
Are Montana Vital Records Open to the Public?
While most Montana state vital records are available to the public, the accessibility of these records depends on the type of record you are looking for and the date of the birth, death, or marriage. You can easily research specific types of vital records using third-party websites. These websites are not restricted to your geographic location and can be a convenient reference point when searching for records. However, the information on these third-party sites may not always be consistent with the official government records.
To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following information:
Since every Montana county and municipality creates uniquely designed vital records, you should check what the officially certified documents look like in the county where yours was issued. Informational copies of vital records often carry a stamp or large print across the document’s face with the words “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar.
Authorized Copy:
Only authorized or certified copies of vital records serve as legal documents for official identification purposes. It’s worth noting that informational copies, on the other hand, cannot be used to establish identity. Certified copies of vital records are solely issued to individuals with a direct and tangible interest in obtaining the document.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates, often referred to as short-form, unofficial (non-certified), “heirloom,” or “commemorative” certificates, are not official legal documents. Instead, they are intended only for display or personal reference. They cannot be used for official purposes like establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits. However, they can be helpful for personal record-keeping or genealogical research.
If you request an informational copy, you do not need to provide a Sworn Statement. Anyone can request an informational copy of a birth certificate, as long as the birth occurred 30 years before the date of application, for a non-refundable $10.00 fee. For an informational copy of a death certificate, the fee is $14.00, and the eligibility requirements are the same as for certified death certificates. The Montana DPHHS Office of Vital Records requires applicants to provide an accepted form of identification when requesting an informational or authorized birth certificate.
In compliance with the Montana Public Records Act (PRA), citizens have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Montana government website at https://dphhs.mt.gov/vitalrecords/
