Quickly, efficiently, and securely order your Nebraska birth, death, and marriage certificates online with Vital Records Online. Conveniently place your order online and deliver to your home address, keeping your private information confidential and secure throughout the process.
Summary:
The Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) is a state agency of Nebraska headquartered in Lincoln. The agency provides health and human services for both families and regular patients. DHHS is Nebraska’s largest agency, accounting for nearly one-third of the state’s government.
The Office of Vital Records preserves birth, death, marriage, and divorce records that occur in Nebraska. The records maintained by this office are issued as legally certified copies and are printed on multi-colored security paper with a digitally enhanced state seal.
Find out how to obtain official Nebraska vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, how they are used, and how to get certified copies.
Start your application online for NE vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Vital records are critical documents that play a crucial role in our lives and are necessary for many important life events, such as marriage, enrolling in school, joining the military, or traveling. These records prove your identity, citizenship, and family relationships.
Apart from establishing your identity, vital records can also help settle legal disputes, claim an inheritance, and investigate family history. They can provide key details about your ancestors, such as their full names, dates of birth and death, and locations.
However, losing a birth, marriage, or death certificate can be a matter of concern. It is advisable to file a police report and request a certified replacement as soon as possible.
To learn more about the benefits of vital records, you can refer to the frequently asked questions section on birth, death, and marriage certificates.
You have a few options if you need to obtain vital records in Nebraska. You can choose to order them online, in person, or by mail. While each county certifies and issues vital records that occur within its jurisdiction, the Nebraska DHHS – Office of Vital Records maintains and issues birth, death, and marriage certificates.
You can search the complete list of Nebraska’s county vital record issuing agencies. The list includes location details, contact information, and access to online applications that you can use to request birth, death, and marriage certificates.
While in-person visits are available on a per-county basis, ordering online is available through VRO for all Nebraska counties.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Nebraska, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Nebraska residents can request vital records online, in-person visits, or by mail. However, some counties do not offer in-person visits; consequently, online requests can be the most convenient option.
The Office of Vital Records located in Nebraska DHHS is responsible for producing and certifying vital records. The type of certificate you need and how you order it can also affect the requirements, associated costs, eligibility, and processing times. Whether ordering online, by mail or in person, it is crucial to review the steps and conditions before requesting a certified vital record copy from the DHHS – Office of Vital Records.
Make sure your documents, application, and payment for the fee are mailed to the correct vital record location that produces a certified copy of the original record.
Ordering Nebraska 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.)
Vital Records Online is a user-friendly system that simplifies the process of collecting and generating the necessary documents for ordering a birth, death, or marriage certificate in Nebraska. If you are an authorized person and meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply online. Before applying, confirm that you have all the required documents prepared for upload during the secure online application process.
Our system directs you to the appropriate application and submits your packet to the health department’s vital records office, which issues the certified record. You can complete the entire application process in as little as five minutes from any device with an internet connection. The Vital Records Online process also helps ensure your application is error-free and avoids rejections due to missing documents or common mistakes. If you are a non-authorized third party, the Nebraska DHHS – Office of Vital Records may require a virtual notary during the online ordering process.
✔︎ 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 Nebraska birth, death, or marriage certificate online unless you are a non-authorized third party.
Applying for vital records in person can be convenient for those who live near the state health department office that issues certified copies of original vital records. In Nebraska, you can visit a physical office to obtain vital records. However, confirm that the office is open to the public for walk-ins and be prepared for potentially long lines.
Ordering online or by mail can be more efficient than applying in person, especially if the local vital records office is closed or you prefer to avoid long lines. If you live out-of-state, you can choose to order by mail. For residents living abroad, online ordering is the most convenient option. The steps are generally the same whether you apply for vital records 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:
If you need to replace a birth, death, or marriage certificate for yourself or a family member, it’s important to know that each type of certificate has specific requirements for who can request a certified replacement. With Vital Records Online, the process is more accessible and helps prevent mistakes, leading to faster processing time.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied 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.
❗️ A notary is generally not required, only for non-authorized third parties who need notarized consent from an authorized person.
❗️ If you decide to 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 is crucial before gathering the documents for your vital record application.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
Before requesting certified copies of Nebraska vital records, confirm the required information and documents listed in the table below.
You must prove your identity to the Nebraska DHHS – Office of Vital Records to order certified copies. Generally, a valid driver’s license or state-issued photo ID is sufficient for most certificate types. Review acceptable IDs based on the certificate you need.
If you don’t have a valid ID, you may submit a secondary form of identification. If your ID is expired or you don’t have it, you must provide two secondary forms of ID.
For a certified birth certificate, you must verify your identity by submitting a valid government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) or two secondary forms of identification accepted by the DHHS – Office of Vital Records.
A driver’s license or state photo ID will suffice for most types of vital records requests.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Nebraska?
The Nebraska DHHS – Office of Vital Records has established specific criteria for each type of certificate and personal circumstance, so checking the details beforehand is necessary to ensure a successful process.
❗️ 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, Email, Father's Name, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Name, Phone Number, Place of Birth, Purpose for the Certificate, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, State ID |
|
| Death Certificate | Date of Death, Email, Father's Name, Full Name of Person of Record, Funeral Home Name, Mailing Address, Mother's Name, Phone Number, Place of Death, Place of Residence, Purpose for the Certificate, Spouse Name, Year of Birth, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, State ID |
|
| Marriage Certificate | Bride Name, Bride's Name Before Marriage, Date of Marriage, Email, Groom Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number, Place where License Was Issued, Purpose for the Certificate, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, State ID |
Who can request vital records in Nebraska?
When the person on record requests a certified copy of their vital record, they must provide proof of identity when making the request. If you order a birth, death, or marriage certificate on behalf of someone else, confirm that you are eligible by reviewing the authorized third-party applicants for the type of certificate you need.
The Nebraska DHHS – Office of Vital Records permits only specific individuals, such as family members or legal representatives of the individual on record, to legally request a copy of the vital record. Third-party applicants must have some form of familial or legal relationship with the individual on record, which they will need to provide proof of.
If your relationship with the individual on record does not qualify you as an eligible individual, you may still obtain the certificate by submitting a “notarized written consent of the registrant, or the parent or guardian of a minor registrant, to obtain the certificate.” You may be asked to provide additional documentation proving your eligibility as a third-party applicant.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Children, Person on Record, Spouse |
| Death Certificate | Children, Parents, Spouse |
| Marriage Certificate | Children, Person on Record |
✔︎ 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.
❗️ Third-party requests for Nebraska birth certificates must have a notarized letter of consent to release information from the certificate holder or legal guardian.
Do I need a notary with my application?
When requesting certified copies of birth or marriage certificates from the Nebraska DHHS – Office of Vital Records, applicants are not required to obtain notarized statements. This also applies to death certificates requested by immediate family members of the individual on record, regardless of the method of request – whether online, by mail, by telephone, or in person. However, a notarized statement may be necessary when a third-party representative requests a vital record.
If you are ordering through Vital Records Online, an online notary is included with your order.
❗️ A Notarized sworn statement may be required:
You can find more information regarding exceptional cases when a notary is required on the DHHS – Office of Vital Records website at https://dhhs.ne.gov/pages/vital-records.aspx. Notaries are often necessary in other situations, such as requesting apostilles, corrections, or amendments to vital records. Refer to the other FAQs below to learn more about these conditions.
❗️ A notary is generally not required to obtain authorized copies of Nebraska vital records. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity.
✔︎ 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 may be required when a third party who is not an immediate family member of the record holder is requesting a birth or death certificate. Depending on the certificate type, some immediate family members may also need to provide a notarized statement.
The DHHS – Office of Vital Records determines the fees for each type of certificate. The total cost of obtaining the vital record will depend on how you submit your application and whether you need a notary to prove your identity. If you use Vital Records Online to order birth, marriage, divorce, or death records, the online Application Assistant will cost $29. Additionally, the DHHS – Office of Vital Records charges a fee of $17.00 for each certified copy of a birth record, $16.00 for each certified copy of a marriage certificate, and $16.00 for each certified copy of a death certificate.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $17.00 | $17.00 |
✔︎ 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 Nebraska?
Processing and replacement times for birth, death, or marriage certificates can vary. You can check the current processing and delivery times in the table below. Please note that the method you choose to submit your application and documents can also affect the total time it takes for you to receive your vital record in the mail.
If you order through Vital Records Online, you can simplify the process of gathering documents and submitting your application packet. You can also expedite your order for quicker processing of your documents and application packet. However, remember that these times may change based on the volume of requests received by the DHHS – Office of Vital Records.
If you need a notary, you can include the notarization online as an extra step during checkout when processing your order on Vital Records Online—otherwise, account for additional time to obtain a notary from a local entity.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 2 to 5 weeks | N/A |
| Death Certificate | 2 to 5 weeks | N/A |
| Marriage Certificate | 2 to 5 weeks | N/A |
| Divorce Certificate | 2 to 5 weeks | 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 DHHS – Office of Vital Records may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ Account for 2-3 additional days in your application process to ensure you obtain a notary (if required).
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
Once you have submitted your application through Vital Records Online, you can track the order status to monitor the progress of your application and order processing. Additionally, you can track your application packet to the Nebraska DHHS – Office of Vital Records with the prepaid mail postage included with your order.
If you choose to mail the application packet manually, we advise purchasing first-class mail tracking to ensure that your application arrives successfully. The Nebraska DHHS – Office of Vital Records ships all vital records to your home via USPS first-class mail for protection. However, they do not take responsibility for any misdirected or lost certificates. If you lose your birth certificate, you must immediately file a report. It is compulsory to avoid simple errors or typos that could expose your personal information if sent to the wrong address.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Nebraska counties office locations directory.
When submitting a vital record to a foreign government, it is necessary to obtain an apostille. The Center for Health Statistics provides apostilles for vital records initially filed with the DHHS – Office of Vital Records.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
You can request apostilles from the Center for Health Statistics or Vital Records Online for Nebraska vital records. Vital Records Online provides a reliable service for apostilles across all 50 US states, is recognized by various governments, and holds legal validity in over 100 countries. The service provides professional assistance for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. With a starting price of $149 (plus government fees), the entire process can be completed online in just three simple steps for convenient online processing.
You can complete the apostille documentation process entirely online, eliminating the need to acquire a physical copy of your papers. Once completed, your documentation will be dispatched via reliable courier services such as FedEx or DHL and delivered right to your doorstep, no matter where you are located in the world.
You will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Center for Health Statistics at the following addresses:
For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Nebraska Secretary of State,
Notary Division,
1201 N Street, Suite 120,
Lincoln, NE 68508
For standard mail, use the following address:
Nebraska Secretary of State,
Notary Division,
PO Box 95104,
Lincoln, NE 68509
You can reach the office at (402) 471-2558 or online at https://sos.nebraska.gov/business-services/apostilles-and-authentications.
The DHHS Office of Vital Records provides a list of common scenarios that can assist individuals in acquiring an amendment to their birth or marriage certificate. The process for correcting or amending a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or a family member’s death certificate in Nebraska is straightforward and authorized by law.
The requirements and procedures for requesting changes or amendments vary depending on the type of vital record that needs to be changed. In some cases, a court order may be required for certain amendments, which typically necessitates the involvement of an attorney in Nebraska. Different forms are required depending on the information that needs to be amended, as an amendment is required when a vital record is changed. Supplemental changes become addendums to the original vital record, but the original document cannot be altered by any entity.
Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
Nebraska birth and death records become public after 50 years from the individual’s death. However, Nebraska marriage records are kept confidential indefinitely. While searching for free public records can be challenging, many vital records in Nebraska are available to the public for free. You can browse through Nebraska’s archives of birth, marriage, and divorce records to find the information you need, but be prepared to spend a significant amount of time reviewing the records.
Are Nebraska Vital Records Open to the Public?
In Nebraska, most state records are available to the public. However, the accessibility of these records depends on the type of record you are looking for and the year when the birth, death, or marriage occurred. Several third-party websites are available that are not limited to your geographical location to make it easier to research specific types of vital records. While these websites can provide a good point of reference when researching records, it’s important to keep in mind that the data on third-party sites may differ from official government records.
To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following information:
Birth and death records are made available to the public under the Public Records Statutes.
Vital records vary by state, county, and municipality. Depending on where your Birth, Death, or Marriage Certificate was issued, it may be helpful to compare the appearance of your documents to official certified copies to ensure you have the correct version. One way to distinguish informational copies from certified copies is to look for a stamp or text on the document that indicates it is not valid for establishing identity. To verify whether your certificate is a certified copy, you can check the official documents in the county where it was issued.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized or certified copies of vital records are considered legal documents and can be used for official identification purposes. Alternatively, informational copies cannot be used to establish identity. It is also worth noting that certified copies of vital records are only issued to individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the document.
Informational Copy:
When you request a copy of a birth or marriage certificate for informational purposes, it is known as a short-form, unofficial (non-certified), “heirloom,” or “commemorative certificate.” You are not required to provide a Sworn Statement when requesting an informational copy. Informational copies are not official legal documents and, therefore, cannot be used for official purposes such as establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits. Instead, they are intended for personal reference or display and are often used for personal record-keeping or genealogical research.
In Nebraska, citizens have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records in compliance with the Nebraska Public Records Statutes. Only one form of non-certified/commemorative certificate is available: a commemorative birth certificate for non-viable births. These certificates are not available for regular births. If you order a commemorative birth certificate for a non-viable birth, it is important to note that it is not proof of a live birth. The commemorative certificate is commemorative in nature and has no legal effect. The department will not register the birth associated with a commemorative certificate issued under this section or use it to calculate live birth statistics.
A commemorative certificate cannot be used to establish, bring, or support a civil cause of action seeking damages against any person or entity for bodily injury, personal injury, or wrongful death for a non-viable birth. The following statement will appear on the front of the commemorative certificate: “This commemorative certificate is not proof of a live birth.”
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Nebraska government website at https://dhhs.ne.gov/pages/vital-records.aspx
