Vital Records FAQs
Find out more about who we are and how our application assistance service works:
Is Vital Forms Direct affiliated with the U.S. Government?
No. Vital Forms Direct is a private company and is not affiliated with the U.S. Government or any state vital records office.
We provide application assistance services to help customers across the United States request birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates more easily. We don't issue certificates ourselves or influence issuance decisions.
We provide application assistance services to help customers across the United States request birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates more easily. We don't issue certificates ourselves or influence issuance decisions.
Is Vital Forms Direct a legitimate, secure service?
Yes. We provide a secure online service for people who want help preparing and submitting vital records applications. Our service includes a simplified application form, expert review to help reduce errors, personalized processing instructions, and customer support.
Vital Forms Direct uses 256-bit SSL encryption to keep your personal data safe, so you can submit your details with confidence.
Vital Forms Direct uses 256-bit SSL encryption to keep your personal data safe, so you can submit your details with confidence.
How is this different from ordering directly from the state?
You can request vital records directly from the relevant state or county office.
Vital Forms Direct charges a $49 service fee for application assistance, which includes form preparation support, review, processing instructions, and dedicated customer support.
Vital Forms Direct charges a $49 service fee for application assistance, which includes form preparation support, review, processing instructions, and dedicated customer support.
Everything you need to know about vital records and why you may need them, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates:
What is a vital record?
Why do I need a birth / death certificate?
A birth certificate is often required to legally prove your identity, citizenship, or age. You may need it when applying for a passport, signing up for government benefits, enrolling in school, joining the military, getting a driver's license, or requesting a replacement Social Security card.
A death certificate is often required when completing legal and official steps after a loved one passes. You may need copies for estate settlement, pension or retirement benefits, property transfer, insurance, Veterans benefits, Social Security paperwork, tax purposes, or other legal matters.
A death certificate is often required when completing legal and official steps after a loved one passes. You may need copies for estate settlement, pension or retirement benefits, property transfer, insurance, Veterans benefits, Social Security paperwork, tax purposes, or other legal matters.
What's the difference between a long form and a short form certificate?
Vital records like birth certificates are often issued in 2 formats: short and long form. The amount of information shown varies from state to state, but tends to be brief on short form records.
How can I get a certified copy of a vital record?
Vital Forms Direct is a convenient and reliable way to get certified copies delivered to your home address. Our application assistance services guarantee you get the right certificate.
Does a birth / death certificate have an expiration date?
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates have no expiration date. However, if your copy is any way degraded or not all information is clearly visible, then you should consider requesting a new one.
Here, you'll find key information about how to request a certified copy of a U.S. birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificate.
How do I request a birth / death / marriage / divorce certificate?
To get a certified copy of a vital record, fill out our simple application form. You'll need to provide a copy of a photo-ID, and pay the associated fees. You may also need to have your application notarized, depending on the state and certificate type.
What documents do I need to request a certificate?
The requirements for your vital record application depend on the state where you're applying. In most cases, you need to provide a copy of your photo ID and evidence that you're eligible to request the document, if it's not in your name.
Who is eligible to request a copy of a vital record?
A certified copy of a vital record can be issued to a spouse or relative. People with a direct and tangible interest in the record may also be eligible. The rules vary from state to state so check the requirements in the relevant jurisdiction.
Here are the key details on state fees, processing times, and rush services.
What are the fees to request a vital record certificate?
The fees for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates vary from state to state. Check the information regarding the vital records fee in your state for more information.
Vital Forms Direct charges a $49 fee for our filing assistance service. This includes a simplified application form, expert verification to help eliminate errors, personalised processing instructions, and dedicated support.
Vital Forms Direct charges a $49 fee for our filing assistance service. This includes a simplified application form, expert verification to help eliminate errors, personalised processing instructions, and dedicated support.
How long does it take for the state to process my request?
Processing times for vital records applications vary from state to state. Each state's turnaround time depends on the number of applications received. We'll keep you up to date on the progress of your application via email.
What is rush service or premium processing?
Some states offer a rush service, which may include rush processing and expedited mailing, or only one of the two. Where available, Premium Processing can help customers move through the application support process more quickly.
If you need a copy of a vital record urgently and a rush service is not available, an in person application may be the fastest option.
If you need a copy of a vital record urgently and a rush service is not available, an in person application may be the fastest option.
Here are the answers to some common customer questions. If you need more support or information, please contact us.
What's the status of my order?
We'll let you know about the status of your application by email. Check your inbox regularly for updates. If you haven't received any messages from us, please check your junk email folder and contact us in case of any doubts.
What happens if I made a mistake on my application?
If you notice a mistake on your application, please contact us as soon as possible. Get in touch through our Contact Form or via email at info@vitalformsdirect.com and we'll get back to you in 72 hours or less.
I have a problem with my order. What can I do?
We're here to help, whether you've started the application process or you're still checking the requirements. Contact us with any queries or issues and we'll be in touch. Please include your order number in your message if you have one.
How can I track my order?
Tracking options for your postal order depend on the mail service used. We'll update you by email with the details relevant to your application.
Ready to Order Your Vital Record?
We make it fast and simple to get the vital record certificate you need from the comfort of your home. Get official documents from any U.S. state with a quick online application and avoid long waits at county clerk offices.
Select the certificate you need to begin your application.
