What Are the Differences Between Authorized Copies of Vermont Vital Records Versus Informational Copies?
Authorized Copy:
Authorized copies of vital records, also referred to as certified copies, are official documents that can be used for legal purposes such as establishing identity. They are only issued to individuals with a ‘direct and tangible interest’ in the document. Informational copies cannot be used to verify identity and, in some states, including Vermont, can be requested by anyone who can provide the required information.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies of vital record certificates vary by state but can include short-form, unofficial (non-certified), “heirloom,” or “commemorative” certificates. The Vermont Department of Health does not offer any form of commemorative birth certificate. However, they do issue non-certified informational copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates.
Informational copies are not official legal documents, so they cannot be used for legal matters such as establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits. They are intended solely for personal use, such as display, personal record-keeping, or genealogical research. In compliance with Vermont’s Public Records Act, citizens have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records.
In Vermont, no documentation is required to request an uncertified copy of a vital record certificate, but you must be able to provide the requested information. Send written requests via email to [email protected] or mail to:
Vermont Department of Health,
Vital Records,
108 Cherry Street,
PO Box 70,
Burlington, VT 05402
And include the following information in your request:
- Type of event (birth, death, marriage, etc.)
- Name(s) of the individual(s) named on the certificate.
- Date of the event.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.