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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