Vital records are documents that contain information about life events such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce. These records are issued by the state government's vital records offices and are used for a variety of purposes, including producing official documents and verifying family relationships. In the District of Columbia, birth certificates dating back to August 1874 are maintained by the Vital Records Division (DCVRD). Birth records become public information after 100 years, while death, marriage and divorce records become public information after 25 years.
To obtain a copy of a vital record, contact the vital records office in the state where the incident occurred. Vital records are available only to immediate family members: mother, father, current spouse, son, brother, sister, and grandparents with valid identification. When requesting a vital record, you will need to provide proof of your identity and relationship to the person whose record you are requesting. Depending on the state, you may also need to provide additional documentation such as a court order or a notarized statement.
Vital records can be used for a variety of purposes such as obtaining a passport or driver's license, applying for government benefits or insurance, or verifying family relationships. They can also be used to trace family history or to prove citizenship. If you need to obtain a vital record for any purpose, contact the vital records office in the state where the incident occurred. You will need to provide proof of your identity and relationship to the person whose record you are requesting.