Orders and Processing
The VitalChek Express Certificate Service provides a trusted and convenient way for you to order these U.S. vital records online – quickly, affordably, and with the utmost level of security to ensure your documents are safely handled. Government agencies across the nation trust VitalChek to handle your vital record orders, and you can too. Click here more information about the process.
Processing times can vary depending on the type of certificate, the vital record agency processing the request, and the shipping method you select during checkout..For more information, please watch this video.
If you have already submitted your order, please use the order number and pin from your confirmation email to log into My Order to see the status.
Actual times may vary from a day to several weeks. Order must be paid and completed in full (including uploading any required documents) for processing time to begin.
Agency processing times do not include shipping. We recommend express delivery with UPS Next Day Saver so you can track your package.
Required documents such as the Identity Verification Document may be submitted electronically by using your order number and pin (see confirmation email) to log into My Order. Once logged in, press the upload button to upload required documents scanned into your computer or photos taken with your tablet or phone. For more information on how to upload required documents, click here.
If you need to fax your documents, please follow the instructions on your Identity Verification Form. Click here for more information.
When uploading documents, please make sure that the image is clearly visible and the front and back of any required document are included. Acceptable formats are PDF, BMP, GIF, JPG, JPEG, and PNG. The max file size is 10MB.
Same day processing and shipping are not an option unless otherwise specified when placing an order. .For more information, please watch this video.
Current Legal Name – This is the name you currently use and is most likely on your driver’s license and/or ID. If you are married, this would be your first and married last name. In the ordering process, please use your own current legal name whether you are ordering your certificate or someone else’s.
Maiden Name – This is the last name of a person before any marriage, typically the last name a person was assigned at birth.
An identity Verification Document helps ensure the security of important documents such as vital records by verifying the identity of the person requesting the documents. After you place your order, you will be notified if any Identity Verification Documents are required. Identity verification documents typically include driver’s license, government issued id, or passport but may require other forms of identification also. Click here for more information.
Vital record agencies will not fax or email certified copies of vital records.
The Government Vital Records office that holds your record is the only location that has direct access to the information recorded on the certificate. Due to strict security requirements, the only way to gain access to that information is to place an order for a copy of the record. The government agency will not be able to provide any information on the document or determine if the document exists in their office until an order has been placed and a search conducted.
If no document is found that matches the request that you submitted through our web site, then the Government Vital Records office may provide you with a 'No-Record' result.
VitalChek accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
Shipping methods vary. During the order process, you will see shipping methods available.
Although it is more expensive, for your protection we recommend express delivery with UPS. This allows you to track your package and confirm delivery. Regular mail service is not certified or registered and does not provide this protection.
Costs can vary depending on type of certificate, the vital record agency processing the request, and the shipping method you select during checkout.Click here to receive an estimated cost (estimated cost does not include shipping fees) .For more information, please watch this video.
Please see terms of service when ordering for information on refunds and cancellations. Fees are non-refundable.
Some agencies (not all) will issue certified no record letters when record is not located after searching with information provided. Vital record agencies require that information is complete and accurate to provide vital records. If information is not complete at the time of submittal, it is possible that the record may not be located. Refunds will not be issued for records not located.
If you are attempting to order a vital record and our relationship dropdown list does not include an option pertaining to you, please be aware that some vital records agencies have strict limits on who can order a vital record. Additionally, there can be restrictions on who can order a record using online services, such as through VitalChek.
For alternative ordering options, you may want to visit the web site of the State or City/County health department or vital records office that holds your record. The CDC website linked below contains information on State vital records agencies where you can begin your search.
Where to Write for Vital Records: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm
Products
Yes, the certificate will be a government issued, certified document unless you choose “informational copy” or “souvenir/heirloom” as the reason you are requesting the certificate. The register’s seal may appear raised, embossed, impressed, or as a watermark.
Whose certificate you can order varies by type of certificate and the vital record agency processing the request. To see if you are entitled to receive a certificate; begin the order process (don’t worry, you aren’t obligated to finish the order). Once we have determined the certificate type, and the vital record agency that will be processing the request, we will let you know ‘who can order’.
The types of certificates offered vary by the vital record agency processing the request. If you would like to receive a Long Form Birth Certificate, ensure that during the ordering process you select the reason for ordering is to receive a “Long Form”. If “Long Form” is not an option in the reason menu, the vital record agency that is processing the request does may not offer it. For more information, click here.
Short Form Birth Certificates are the default certificate and are standard issue.
Information listed on birth certificates may vary depending on the vital record agency processing the request. Most agencies will list the parent’s names on the birth certificates.
If you are requesting a copy of your birth certificate to obtain a passport, please select “Passport” as the reason that you are requesting a copy of your birth certificate during the ordering process.
Types of certificates offered vary by the vital record agency processing the request. If Apostilled or Authenticated certificates are available, during the ordering process, you should select 'Apostille/Authentication' as your Reason for Order and the product type.
If you do not see a specific document type indicating Apostille or Authentication on the document selection screen, then you will only be provided with the default certificate available. Then you must send it to the Secretary of State's office to get it Apostilled/Authenticated. There will be an additional fee and time frame that will involve the Secretary of State's process. Click here for a listing of Secretary of State web sites and contact information.
My Order
Please use the order number and pin from your confirmation email to log into My Order to see the status.
In most cases once the order has been placed, no changes can be made.
In most cases once the complete order (including uploading any required documents) has been placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Please allow 2 to 4 business days (excluding holidays and weekends) for document verification. You may check the status of your order by using your order number and pin (see confirmation email) to log into My Order.
After placing your order on VitalChek.com, your order number and pin will be displayed. You will also receive your order number and pin in the confirmation email you receive.
VitalChek does not have access to any vital record, or the information contained therein. To correct an error on your certificate, you will need to contact the vital record agency who processed your request. Please visit Agency Listings for a list of all the vital record agencies who provide certificates. You will select the state, county, and/or city where the certificate was issued.
If the certificate is not found, a certified "no record letter" may be sent, documenting the name and date(s) searched. The letter will explain how to get a record on file or how to continue searching for the record (with the same agency or another agency). The vital records office will also provide their contact information for further assistance.
The vital record agency will not issue a refund because the fee collected is for the search of the document, not the document itself.
To protect against identity theft, the agency you are ordering from requires that the certificate be shipped to the address associated with the credit card used. To correct this issue, please change the shipping address so that it is the same as the billing address or use a credit card with a more acceptable billing address.
