FAQs Vital records

Everything you need to know about vital records and why you may need them. The difference between long and short forms, as well as, how you can obtain a certified copy. All this and more answered in this section.

What is a vital record?

A Vital record is a document which records life events, kept and issued by governmental authorities, in this case by the state of birth or death. Some vital record jurisdictions also include records of civil unions or domestic partnerships. In the United States, vital records are typically maintained at both the county and state levels.

Why do I need a Birth certificate?

A birth certificate is an official notation that includes personal identifiable information that is issued by your state of birth. A birth certificate is often required as a means to legally prove your identity and/or age. Situations when you'll likely be asked to provide your birth certificate include, but are not limited to:
  • Applying for a passport
  • Applying for government benefits
  • Enrolling in some schools
  • Joining the military
  • Claiming pension or insurance benefits
  • Getting your driver's license
  • Getting a replacement Social Security card
  • Genealogy information
  • International use
  • Court proceedings
  • Social security

Why do I need a Death Certificate?

A death certificate is an official document that records a person’s cause of death along with personal identifiable information (like place of birth, name of parents, address, age at time of death,) that is issued by the state where the death occurred. A death certificate is often required to legally prove the identity of the deceased in order to request certain benefits or for genealogy purposes. Situations when you'll likely be asked to provide a death certificate include, but are not limited to:
  • Estate settlement
  • Pension / Retirement
  • Property transfer
  • Stocks / bonds
  • Genealogy
  • Insurance
  • Benefits (including Veterans benefits)
  • Legal purposes
  • Amendment of a vital record
  • Social security
  • Discharge loan
  • Tax purposes

What is the difference between a long form and a short form?

Birth certificates have two common versions, the short and long form. Both versions contain important information (like place of birth and parents names) and the quantity of amount shown varies from state to state. Depending on the reason for needing the certificate, you may be required to provide a long form.

Short Form Birth Certificate Format

A short form birth certificate contains almost all of the important information that is on a long form birth certificate except it may not have signatures or detailed parents information on it depending on the state location. It is usually used as proof of identity or citizenship. However, some states may not accept this version and require you ro request the long form. If you need the long form you will need to specify that in your application.

Long Form Birth Certificate Format

A long form birth certificate, which is often referred to as the official version, typically has all the information regarding an individual's birth birth. However, the information included varies from state to state (e.g.; time and place of birth, parent’s names,address, signatures of those present at birth, etc.) A long form is often used to start an adoption process, if you are applying for a dual citizenship, or to obtain a passport.

How can I get a certified copy of a vital record?

Statistic Vital Certificate is the fastest and most reliable way to acquire a certified copy of either a birth or death certificate. All vital records ordered throughStatistic Vital Certificateare certified copies and are generally acceptable for proof of citizenship, obtaining a passport, driver's license renewal, etc.

A certified copy of a birth certificate will usually include the following information (valid for obtaining a passport):

  • Issued by the office of vital statistics of the state, county, or city where the birth occurred
  • Show the full name at birth
  • Show the parent's full name(s)
  • Indicate the date and place of birth
  • Bear the embossed, impressed, multi-colored, OR raised seal and signature of the issuing authority (the state that you are ordering the certificate from decides on what type of certification seal to use)
  • Indicate a registration / file date within one year of the birth.

It is very important that if you need your certificate for a Passport application that you select this as the 'Reason' for ordering the record. If you require a certified document for use overseas (Marriage abroad, International Adoption, Dual Citizenship, etc.,) you will need a separate certification referred to as an 'Apostille' or 'Certification Certificate'.

Statistic Vital Certificatemakes the process of requesting vital records easy, safe, and fast! 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

Vital Record Services

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