How Vital Records Online works

Select your certificate type

Choose from birth, marriage, divorce, or death certificate. VRO allows you to request certified copies issued from all 50 states in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Complete the application form

We have integrated all 50 states' application forms into one streamlined process.

Our user-friendly interface makes it easy to complete the application for the certificate you need, without the hassle of endless internet searches or deciphering complex documents.

Pay the fees

Obtaining certified copies is not free. At this step, you can select the number of certified copies you need and pay the following fees:

• State Fee
• Additional Copy State Fee
• Service Fee
• Identity Verification Fee

Additionally, you can enhance your experience with:

• Fast Track
• Application Insurance
• Premium Customer Support
• Expedited Return Envelope

Review and sign your application

Reviewing your application is crucial to avoid delays or rejections. Ensure all information is accurate and there are no typographical errors. Verify your mailing address to ensure the certificate is delivered correctly.

Sign the application

All applications must be signed by the applicant. Most states allow electronic signatures, but some may require a wet signature.

Provide a wet signature (if required)

If a wet signature is required, we will mail all necessary documents, including the application form, ID documents, payment for state fees, and a mailing envelope with a shipping label. Sign the application and the check, then mail the documents to the Health Department using the provided envelope.

Verify your identity

Identity verification is essential as only authorized individuals can request certified copies of vital records. Each state has specific ID requirements.

Visit our website at vitalrecordsonline.com, scroll down to the map section, and select the state to view ID requirements. Alternatively, visit your state's official vital statistics website.

Notarize your application (if required)

Some states require notarization of the application. If applicable, you can choose between:

• In-Person Notary: We prepare and mail the documents to you, including a map of nearby notary locations.
• Online Notary: Partnering with recognized online notarization services, you can complete the notarization process quickly online.

Additional documents for non-listed applicants

When the applicant is not the same person listed on the certificate, additional documents are required to prove identity and relationship:

• Immediate Family Members: Spouses, children, and parents must provide:
  • For children or parents: a certified copy of the birth certificate.
  • For spouses: a certified copy of the marriage certificate.
• Legal Representative or Guardian: Submit a document proving your legal relationship to the person on record.

Submit and track your application

Once all steps are completed, our team will review your application, payment, signature, and ID verification within 4 to 5 business days, or 1 to 2 business days with Fast Track. We ensure everything is in order before submitting it to the appropriate health department.

• Electronic Filing (California Only): For California, we offer electronic filing with the Health Department database, ensuring faster processing.
• Standard Filing: For other states, our team will manually prepare and mail your application documents to the Health Department Office.

Health Department processing

The Health Department processes your application, with times varying by state. Check current processing times here Our extensive database helps identify the fastest processing offices for quicker certificate delivery.

Receive your certificate

Finally, wait for your certificate to arrive. If you opted for the 2-day return envelope, expect delivery within 2 business days. Otherwise, it may take up to 5 business days.