Vital Records Online (VRO) is a secure US-based service for ordering Wyoming birth, death, and marriage certificates online. Your vital records will be delivered to your address securely, and your private information is always kept confidential.
Summary:
Wyoming has a rich history of vital records dating back to July 1909, which were centrally compiled in 1922. The Wyoming Department of Health – Vital Statistics Services (WDH-VSS) is responsible for collecting, storing, and issuing birth, death, and marriage certificates. Wyoming vital records are classified and can only be accessed by authorized individuals such as family members or legal representatives until a set number of years after a date of birth or death.
Learn more about how to order vital records in Wyoming, who can order certified copies, why they are essential to have, and where to obtain them.
Start Your Application Online for WY 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.
Birth, death, and marriage certificates facilitate life’s most meaningful events, such as getting married, proving identity and citizenship, enrolling in school or the military, and obtaining travel passports. Vital records are valuable for various purposes, including settling legal disputes, verifying familial relationships, claiming inheritances, and investigating family history. They can reveal information about our ancestors, such as their full names, addresses, and birth and death dates.
If you have lost or misplaced a birth, marriage, or death certificate, file a police report and request a certified replacement promptly. You can learn more about the importance and uses of birth, death, and marriage certificates in the FAQs section.
Birth, death, and marriage certificates can be obtained from the Wyoming Department of Health’s Vital Statistics Services using different methods.
All Wyoming vital records are initially registered with the county’s registrar where the event occurred and then filed with the Department of Health office (WDH-VSS). Accessibility to vital records will also depend on the county where the original record was created. Not all Wyoming county clerks issue birth or death certificates, and only some provide certified copies of marriage certificates recorded in their county.
In-person requests may only be available from specific county clerks’ offices. However, all certificate types can be ordered online via Vital Records Online. You can find the county that issued your original vital record in the complete list below of locations and access to online applications.
❗️ For those interested in ancestral or genealogical research, Wyoming vital records are freely accessible from public archives.
Visiting the Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Wyoming residents can order certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates online, by mail, or in person (depending on the county). Online requests are the most reliable and sometimes the only option. Birth and death certificates are only issued by the state. In contrast, marriage certificates may be obtainable through local offices if the county clerk offers walk-ins, depending on the county.
The procedure varies by record type and ordering method, but the process is straightforward once you understand the steps and qualify as an eligible individual for the certificate you need. The associated costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times for vital record replacements depend on the certificate type and how you order it.
It is crucial to review the steps and conditions carefully before applying for a certified vital record copy, regardless of whether you are ordering online, by mail, or in person. If you choose to apply by mail, confirm that the documents, application, and payment for the fee are mailed to the correct address to avoid delays or potential rejections.
Ordering Wyoming 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.)
To apply for a Wyoming birth, death, or marriage certificate online, you must meet the eligibility criteria and have all the necessary information and documents ready to upload during the secure online application process.
Vital Records Online provides a simple system to help generate the required with the appropriate application and submits your packet to the health department’s vital records office for you. VRO’s user-friendly service can be completed in five minutes on any device with an internet connection. VRO’s team of experts assists with handling documents and mail with premium support for error-checking to avoid application rejection due to common mistakes or missing documents.
✔︎ 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.
✔︎ If you can provide a photocopy of an accepted form of photo ID, a notarized sworn statement is not required when ordering a Wyoming birth, death, or marriage certificate online.
Ordering vital record certificates in person may be possible for those who live near the state health department’s vital records office in Cheyenne, WY. Before traveling, confirm that the office is open to the public for walk-ins, and be prepared to face potential long queues.
If you live too far to travel to the vital records office or prefer to avoid the inconveniences of applying in person, you can order your records by mail or online. Ordering via mail or online can be a more efficient approach if the office is closed or you live out of state. For those living abroad, ordering online is typically the most convenient option and saves time.
The procedure is similar 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:
Learn more about our services for requesting birth, death, or marriage certificates for you or a family member. The eligibility criteria for requesting a certified replacement vary by certificate type. VRO simplifies the application and submission process while minimizing errors, resulting in faster processing times and reduced chances of application rejections.
❗️ 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.
❗️ Before receiving approval, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification. This is only required if you are unable to provide a photocopy of an ID accepted by the WDH-VSS.
❗️ 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 requirements before gathering the documents for your vital record application is compulsory.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
The WDH-VSS requires all applicants to provide proof of identity with their application, such as a driver’s license, a state-issued photo ID, or a passport. Alternative forms of ID, such as military or tribal IDs, are also accepted. Refer to the table below for a complete list of accepted IDs and other requirements.
If your ID has expired for less than 60 days, it will still be accepted by the WDH-VSS. If you cannot provide a copy of an acceptable ID, you must sign your application before a notary.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Wyoming?
The WDH-VSS defines specific eligibility requirements for each type of certificate and personal circumstance. Be sure to review the criteria for requesting Wyoming birth, death, and marriage certificates.
❗️ 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 Wyoming?
When applying for a vital record in Wyoming, 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 Wyoming?
The individuals authorized to request certified copies of vital records vary depending on the certificate type. Refer to the table below for eligibility of who is authorized to obtain certified copies of Wyoming birth, death, or marriage certificates in Wyoming.
The record holder is always entitled to request a copy of their vital record certificate. However, they must provide proof of identity with the application or when acquiring a notarization for their application.
If you need to order a birth, death, or marriage certificate on behalf of someone else, confirm that you are eligible to submit the request. Third-party applicants, such as family relatives and legal representatives, must also provide proof of their authorization to act on behalf of the individual 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.
Do I need a notary with my application?
In Wyoming, notarizations are typically only required when the applicant does not have a valid ID accepted by the WDH-VSS. In such cases, the applicant must sign their application form in front of a notary to serve as proof of identification.
If you provide a photocopy of your valid, government-issued ID, you do not need to obtain a notarization, regardless of whether you order online, by mail, or in person. Notaries are also not required for authorized third-party applicants.
An online notary is included with your order when ordering through Vital Records Online. If you decide to use a local public notary, you must bring your ID unless the notary knows you personally or you have a credible witness who knows both you and the notary personally.
❗️ A notarized sworn statement may be required under the following circumstances:
You can visit the WDH-VSS website at https://health.wyo.gov/admin/vitalstatistics/ for additional information regarding unique circumstances that may necessitate a notary. For more information about amendments, see other FAQs below.
✔︎ A notary is generally not required to obtain authorized copies of Wyoming vital records. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity.
❗️ If you cannot provide a photocopy of a primary ID accepted by the WDH-VSS, you must sign your application before a notary.
✔︎ Vital Records Online includes an online notary service in your application packet.
The total cost of requesting your records will depend on the fees charged by the WDH-VSS for each type of certificate, the method of application, and whether a notary is necessary to prove your identity.
The WDH-VSS charges a fee of $25.00 for a certified copy of a birth, marriage, or death certificate. Additional death certificates ordered simultaneously are $20.00 each, but additional copies of birth and marriage certificates are $25.00 each. When requesting birth, marriage, divorce, or death records through Vital Records Online, the online Application Filing Service starts at $29.
✔︎ 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 Wyoming?
Processing and shipping times can vary depending on factors such as your submission method and the volume of requests received by the WDH-VSS.
Ordering through VRO simplifies the process of generating the documents and submitting your application packet, with options to expedite your order for quicker processing. If a notary is required, you can include an online notarization during the checkout process on VRO—otherwise, factor in additional time to obtain a notary locally.
The table below displays the WDH-VSS’s current processing and delivery times for receiving a birth, death, or marriage certificate. Please note that these times are subject to change depending on the volume of requests received by the WDH-VSS.
✔︎ All orders through Vital Records Online include an online notarization service that can be performed virtually during checkout.
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by WDH-VSS 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 required).
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
You can monitor the processing status when you submit your application through VRO. You can also track the delivery of your application packet to the health department with first-class prepaid mail postage included with your order.
If you prefer to mail the application packet manually, we recommend purchasing first-class mail tracking to confirm its successful delivery. The WDH-VSS ships all vital records securely via USPS first-class mail but is not responsible for any lost certificates.
If your birth certificate is lost, report it immediately. Carefully review your application packet before sending it; a small error or typo could expose your personal information if the documents are sent to the wrong address.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Wyoming counties office locations directory.
An apostille is required to certify a vital record for use abroad. The Wyoming Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records originally filed with WDH-VSS.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
Apostilles can be requested from the Secretary of State or via Vital Records Online.
VRO offers reliable apostille services in all 50 states and is legally recognized by governments and organizations in over 100 countries for Wyoming birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. The service starts at $149 (plus government fees) and includes professional assistance. The entire process can be completed online in just three steps:
In most cases, providing physical copies of the required documents is unnecessary, allowing you to complete the entire procedure online.
Once the apostille is issued, it will be shipped to you through FedEx or DHL for global delivery, ensuring that your documents arrive at your doorstep regardless of your location, whether in the US or abroad.
You will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Secretary of State at the following address:
For standard mail or express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Wyoming Secretary of State,
Herschler Building East,
122 W 25th St, Ste 100,
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020
You can reach the office at 307-777-7370 or online at https://sos.wyo.gov/Services/Authentication.aspx.
The WDH-VSS provides examples of typical scenarios to assist birth, marriage, or death certificate corrections. Depending on the certificate type and the information that needs to be amended, specific forms and documentation are required for the amendment process. Some amendments to a Wyoming vital record may require a court order, generally requiring an attorney.
Supplemental changes are added to the original vital record as addendums; no entity can alter the original document.
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?
Wyoming is a closed record state, meaning vital records are considered confidential and closed to the public. However, all birth certificates become publicly available 100 years after the date of birth, and all marriage, divorce, and death certificates are made public after 50 years.
Although searching for free public records can be complicated, many Wyoming vital records are freely and readily accessible to the public. If you have sufficient time to dedicate to browsing records, you can search Wyoming’s archives of birth, marriage, divorce, and death records to find the information you want.
Are Wyoming Vital Records Open to the Public?
Public access to Wyoming vital records depends on the type of record you’re looking for and the year when the birth, death, or marriage occurred.
You can utilize third-party websites to research specific types of vital records. These websites can provide a good point of reference when researching records because they are easily accessible and allow you to expand your search 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:
Different counties can create distinct vital record certificates. You can confirm what the official certified birth, death, and marriage certificates look like by referring to the county where the original was initially recorded and issued to ensure that it is an official, authorized copy.
You can confirm that your certificate is not an informational copy by ensuring it does not have a stamp or large print reading “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar.
Authorized Copy:
Certified copies of vital records are legal documents that can be used for official identification purposes. In contrast, informational copies are not valid for establishing identity. Only individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in a vital record certificate can order certified copies.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies of vital records can vary by state. They can include short-form, unofficial (non-certified), “heirloom,” or “commemorative” certificates.
Informational copies are not official legal documents and cannot be used for official purposes like establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits. These documents are intended only for personal use, including display, genealogical research, and personal reference or record-keeping.
The WDH-VSS does not currently offer uncertified copies for display or personal reference purposes. However, they do offer “verifications” for genealogical research on records that are still closed. Applicants still must prove their relationship to the person on record. The requestor must also provide evidence that the individual(s) listed on the record is deceased (by providing copies of death certificates) as well as documentation showing how the requestor is related to the individual on record (through copies of birth and marriage records). Verifications are a redacted version of the full record. A notarization is not required to order a verification of a Wyoming vital record.
In compliance with the Wyoming Public Records Act, 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 Wyoming government website at https://health.wyo.gov/admin/vitalstatistics/
