Where to Write For Vital Records

As part of its mission to provide access to data and

information relating to the health of the Nation, the

National Center for Health Statistics produces a number of

publications containing reference and statistical materials.

The purpose of this publication is solely to provide

information about individual vital records maintained only

on file in State or local vital statistics offices.

An official certificate of every birth, death, marriage, and

divorce should be on file in the locality where the event

occurred. The Federal Government does not maintain files

or indexes of these records. These records are filed

permanently either in a State vital statistics office or in a

city, county, or other local office.

To obtain a certified copy of any of the certificates, write

or go to the vital statistics office in the State or area where

the event occurred. Addresses and fees are given for each

event in the State or area concerned.