When I was growing up, there was a running joke that my grandmother was a year younger than her twin brother was. We had no way of knowing what the truth was because the birth certificate had been forged, until I got the idea to search online for birth data.

Background Information to Start the Records Search
First, you have to know this is an absolutely true story and yes my family is a little crazy. My grandmother, “Jan,” was born in either 1904 or 1905. Her birth certificate said 1905 but her twin brother, “Jon’s,” birth certificate said 1904.

Now, we all know there is no way that my great-grandma had twin babies a full year apart. This is just not happening and they were born in June. So, we can rule out December 31, 1904 and January 1, 1905.

The story goes: My grandma wanted to marry my grandpa but my great-grandparents said no because she was too young at the age of 17.

This made us wonder. Did they lie about my grandmother so she couldn’t get married or did they lie about her brother so he could join the army? My grandmother says she honestly did not remember, which one was the lie.

Simple Online Birth Search
The debate had gone on in our family for years but it was about to be solved with a birth records search. We went online and entered my grandmother’s name and the city she was born. It came up with a record but we wanted to check it against her twin brother’s name. Therefore, we went in and put his name in as well. Sure enough, up came a record for him as well.

You will not believe this, but according to the official records by grandmother and her twin were born a year apart. I thought this was odd, as this cannot be possible. Everyone knows that my grandmother and her brother are twins. It is even listed on the birth certificates as a multiple birth.

After a little more digging, I found the birth certificates were filed in 1922. This told me that they were indeed born in 1904 and that my grandmother was a year younger. I figure they filed the certificate so “Jon” could join the military. They also filed the false certificate so my grandmother could not marry my grandfather for another year.

Conducting Your Own Birth Search
Whatever your reasons to conduct a birth search, you might be surprised at what you find. You do need to realize like I did, that the further back you go, the more likely errors occur. Apparently, it was very easy for the birth certificates to be forged. It is still fun to find out. Start your birth data search today and see what you find.

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If you are searching for a birth certificate with the Colorado Vital Statistics department, you should know that the process is simple, but involves a few steps.  Birth certificates are available in both English and Spanish.

Certified Copies of Vital Records
If you need a certified copy of a birth certificate you will need to send in your application with a bit of information.  You need the name on the certificate as well as the appropriate date.  The names of both parents should be included on the application as well.  Colorado keeps records of births going back as far as 1910.  You can also get a copy from the county clerk’s office.

You can apply in person or send in the application by mail, apply online or fax it in.  For those that fax in the application an additional service charge is assessed for the convenience.

Heirloom copies are also available.  While these have no legal purpose or validity, they are wonderful if you wish to commemorate the birth of a special individual.

Verifying a Birth Date
If you are searching for a birth certificate with the intent of verifying a birth date, then you really don’t need to have the State send you a certified copy of a birth certificate.

There are many good search services online that will provide you with access to their databases.  These databases contain scans of the documents the state has, but they can’t provide certified versions.

If you are creating a genealogy, then you need dates, names, and places much more than you need a seal from Colorado Vital Statistics.  Learn how private   investigators research Colorado vital statistics in a nationwide search.  This insider’s information should provide you with the knowledge to answer any question you may have.

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If you need a copy of a vital statistics document, you can easily be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information.  While each state has slightly different rules for finding and accessing the vital statistics you desire, your best starting point is the state vital statistics office.

What You Need to Find Your Vital Statistics
When you are searching for vital statistics, you will need to prove whom you are and why you want the certificates.  Prepare to send along a copy of your driver’s license as well as an explanatory letter.  Include at least one phone number where you can be reached.  This cuts down time wasted on questions being mailed.

Find Birth Certificates
Some states manage these by county.  Others have a statewide clearinghouse.  To figure out where to send your request, visit or call the state’s vital statistics office.

You will find the location to which you will send your request and the complete list of data they desire from you before they will release the document.  Make sure to include a SASE along with your request and check to ensure a return of your desired certificate.

Find Death Certificates
You will need to provide a name, both formal and any commonly used nicknames, date of death, and gender.  Anything you can add to those minimum requirements will speed up the process.  If you know where the individual passed, you will improve your chances of a correct and speedy match.

Find Marriage Licenses
Usually states have marriage licenses stored by the county.  To obtain a copy, you will need to contact the county in which the marriage took place.

They will ask for the names of the couple, including a maiden name.  The location and date of the marriage will also be necessary.  With this information and your own paperwork, you should be able to obtain a copy of the requested marriage license.

If all this seems like a lot of work, it is.  You can make the process simpler by contacting an online search company and let them take on much of the challenge.

These sites make the task of finding any type of vital statistic or background information much simpler and easier.  Stop wasting your time searching through every county courthouse.  Find vital statistics quickly and easily.

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