Vital Records Online (VRO) is a simple, secure online service for ordering Vermont vital records. Have your birth, death, and marriage certificates delivered safely to your address with guaranteed confidentiality of your personal information.
Summary:
Vermont has a rich history of vital records-keeping. These records serve as a valuable resource for individuals, families, and legal representatives seeking information about births, marriages, divorces, and deaths.
The Vermont Department of Health’s (VDH) Vital Records Office centrally oversees the state’s vital records. They are responsible for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of these records, ensuring that they are accessible to those who are authorized to request them. Vermont’s vital records system distinguishes between public records and confidential records. While some vital records are available to the general public, certain confidential records require authorization from family members or legal representatives.
Vermont residents have several methods to obtain vital records from the VDH Vital Records Office and other regional offices. Learn more about how to request certified replacements, where to request certified copies, why they are essential to have, and what they are used for.
Start Your Application Online for VT Vital Records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Obtain marriage records for yourself or a family member.
Get an original copy of a death certificate replacement for a lost record.
Vital records are needed for life’s most significant events, such as getting married, enrolling in school, joining the military, and traveling. They are official government-sealed and issued documents that help us prove identity and citizenship and assist in legal disputes, inheritance claims, and family ties. They also give valuable insights into the lives of our ancestors, providing full names, dates of birth and death, and locations for genealogical research.
If you misplace a vital record certificate, file a police report immediately and request a certified replacement copy as quickly as possible. To learn more about the uses of birth, death, and marriage certificates, refer to the FAQs section.
The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) – Vital Records Office centrally issues birth and death certificates to allow a more streamlined approach for residents requesting records statewide. In addition to the state-level option, some counties offer in-person applications for these vital records. Note that the procedure may differ between counties and the time period in which the record was created. For events that occurred from January 1, 1909, to the present, certificates can be issued by town or city clerk offices across the state, irrespective of the original county of filing. However, for records dated prior to 1909, individuals must request them from the specific county where the event was initially recorded.
Residents can digitally request certified copies online through VRO, or by mail through the state’s system. Search the comprehensive list of Vermont’s County vital record issuing agencies to find locations, contact information, and links to online applications for obtaining certified replacements.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Vermont, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting the Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Vermont residents can order vital record certificate replacements online, by mail, or in person (depending on the county.)
The VDH Vital Records Office centrally issues certified copies of birth and death and some county-issued marriage certificates but does not have a public counter for in-person requests. Ordering online is often the most dependable method in many cases.
The cost, eligibility, requirements, and processing times vary depending on the type of certificate you need and the method the application and packet are submitted. Be sure to carefully review the steps and conditions before beginning the application to request a certified copy of a vital record from the VDH.
❗️ The VDH-Vital Records of Vital Records does not have a public counter; therefore, in-person requests are unavailable. All submissions must be submitted online by mail or at a local office.
Ordering Vermont 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.)
You can request Vermont birth, death, or marriage certificates online if you confirm your eligibility as an authorized individual. Before starting the application, review and gather the necessary documents. You will receive a prompt to upload the required documents during the secure online application. The online application can be completed within five minutes on any internet-connected device.
VRO’s system assists with generating the documents and submitting your application packet, ensuring that your application avoids rejections due to common mistakes or missing documents from the health department that issues the certified record.
✔︎ 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.
Whether you can request your certificate in person will depend on the type of certificate you need and the county where it was filed. If you live near a Vermont Town/City Clerk who issues certified copies of vital records, you may be able to order them in person if the office is open for walk-ins. However, it is recommended to account for additional time in case of potentially long lines.
Mail is suitable if you live out of state; however, online ordering is the most convenient option for those living out of state or overseas, as it helps to avoid the complications of ordering in person at a local office. The process is generally the same whether you apply 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:
The eligibility requirements and procedure vary depending on the type of vital record. VRO can assist you or a family member acquire certified replacements by simplifying the application process, reducing mistakes, and expediting processing.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ If you choose 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 for requesting a vital record certificate is essential before collecting the required documents.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
When requesting a birth or death certificate, you must verify your identity by providing an ID accepted by the VDH. You can submit a photocopy of one valid (unexpired) government-issued primary ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, or two forms of secondary ID as defined by the VDH. If you do not have a valid (unexpired) primary ID, you must submit two forms of secondary identification. The required information and accepted IDs are listed in the table below.
The Vermont Department of Health does not require proof of identity when requesting marriage or divorce certificates. However, requirements may vary by county for local requests.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Vermont?
The VDH outlines distinct requirements for each type of certificate and individual circumstance. Review the table below for required information and acceptable documentation for obtaining certified vital record replacements.
❗️ Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
What Information is Required to Apply for Vital Records in Vermont?
When applying for a vital record in Vermont, applicants must provide key identifying information related to the record type. This may include names, dates, locations, and other relevant details to ensure accurate identification and processing of the request.
Who can request vital records in Vermont?
The person on record can request copies of birth, marriage, or divorce certificates provided they verify identity when applying. If you need to request a vital record on someone else’s behalf, ensure you are authorized by checking the eligibility requirements for each certificate type (see table below). You may need to provide additional documentation proving your eligibility as a third-party applicant.
Marriage records in Vermont are unrestricted, so anyone can request copies if they provide the required information. Only authorized individuals can obtain birth or death records, including family members, legal representatives, and those with legal interest or a court order (documentation required).
✔︎ If you can provide adequate documentation of legal interest in the record, you are eligible to request the certificate.
Do I need a notary with my application?
The Vermont Department of Health generally does not require applicants to obtain notarized statements when requesting certified vital record copies, regardless of certificate type, order method, or who is making the request.
A notarization is typically only required when making certain amendments to a record. For more information regarding these circumstances, see the “Amendments” section in other FAQs below or visit the VDH’s website at https://www.healthvermont.gov/stats/vital-records.
✔︎ A notary is generally not required to obtain authorized copies of Vermont vital records. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity.
The total cost of ordering a vital record certificate depends on the VDH’s fees and how you submit your application. VRO’s online Application Filing Service starts at $29. The Vermont Department of Health charges a fee of $10.00 for each certified copy of a birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificate.
✔︎ 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 Vermont?
Processing and delivery times for birth, death, or marriage certificate requests can vary. Refer to the table below for the current expected waiting times. Keep in mind that processing times can fluctuate depending on the volume of backlogged orders the VDH receives.
The method you use to submit your application and documents can also impact how long it takes to receive your certificate in the mail. When ordering through VRO, you can save time generating your application documents and skip manually submitting your application packet by mail or in person. Expedited processing is also available to process, submit, and receive your records as quickly as possible.
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by VDH-Vital Records may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ 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 VRO, you can monitor your order processing status and track the application packet to the VDHVital Records Office using the first-class prepaid mail postage included with your order.
If you mail the application and documents manually to the vital records office, remember to purchase first-class mail tracking to ensure your application arrives successfully. Before sending your application packet, carefully review it to avoid any errors or typos that could result in your personal information being sent to the wrong address.
The VDH ships all certificates securely with first-class mail services, but they do not claim responsibility for misdirected or lost certificates. If your certificate is lost, file a report with the police immediately.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Vermont counties office locations directory.
The Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA) issues apostilles for vital records originally recorded by the VDH, which are commonly required when a vital record is submitted to a foreign government.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
An apostille for Vermont vital records can be acquired through the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA) or Vital Records Online. VRO offers professional assistance in obtaining apostilles for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates across all 50 states. VRO’s apostille services have legal validity with governments in over 100 countries. Starting at $149 (plus government fees), the entire process can be completed online in three steps:
In most circumstances, you don’t need physical copies of your documents, so the entire procedure can be completed online. Once your apostille application is accepted, the apostille is securely sent to you via FedEx or DHL, regardless of whether you reside in the US or abroad.
You will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA) at the following addresses:
For standard mail or express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Vermont State Archives and Records Administration,
1078 U.S. Route 2 Middlesex,
Montpelier, VT 05633-7701
You can reach the office at 802-828-3700 or online at https://sos.vermont.gov/secretary-of-state-services/apostille-or-authentication/.
The VDH has a simple process for amending a birth, marriage, or death certificate, providing a list of common scenarios and requirements. The required documentation and conditions for amending a record will depend on the record type and the change being made. In Vermont, many amendments require a court order, which may necessitate hiring an attorney. Certain amendments, such as changing the sex listed on a birth certificate, require a notarized sworn statement.
All corrections or amendments are added as addendums to the record. 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?
In Vermont, some important documents are available for public access. Birth records can be accessed by the public after 100 years, while death and marriage records can be obtained after 25 years. However, searching through archives for birth, marriage, and divorce records can be time-consuming.
Are Vermont Vital Records Open to the Public?
While many state records in Vermont are public, access to records depends on the types of records you’re looking for and the year when the birth, death, or marriage occurred. You can utilize third-party websites as good reference points to expand your research beyond your geographic location. However, be aware that the data on third-party sites can differ from official government records.
To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following information:
Vital record certificates can vary by county and municipality. Therefore, to verify the authenticity of your certificate, you should check what an official (certified) certificate looks like in the county where yours was issued.
To verify if your Vermont vital record is official, you can look for specific features that are present on a certified copy. These features include:
If you are unsure if your vital record is official, contact the Vermont Department of Health Vital Records Office or the local registrar’s office where the record was filed for assistance.
You can determine if your copy is uncertified (informational) by looking for a stamp or large print across the face of the document that reads “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar.
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 vitalrecords@vermont.gov 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:
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Vermont government website at https://www.healthvermont.gov/stats/vital-records
