Birth and Death Records

Search Birth and Death Records for Vital Statistics and Genealogy Research

What Information Can Be Found in Birth and Death Records?

If you're looking for lost relatives, proof of United States citizenship, or you're simply documenting your family tree or conducting genealogy research for medical or other reasons, birth and death records will be an integral part of your search. Birth and death certificates can help verify the spelling of a name, the age, or history of a certain person. Though vital records were not routinely maintained in the United States until the early 1900's, there is still much information that can be found around these milestone life events. Birth records are administered at the state level because birthplace is considered a determinant of citizenship. The type of information that you can find in birth and death records includes:

Birth Certificates

Full names of subject individual and each parent including mother's maiden name
Occupation of parents
Age and address of parents at time of birth
Birthplace of parents
Birth date
Location of birth including city, state, country and hospital name
Delivering doctor

Death Certificates

Full name of the deceased
Name of the person who reported the death
Location of where the deceased will be buried
Birth date of the deceased
Date, time, location and cause of death
Age and residence at time of death
Marital status
Name and birthplace of mother and father
Name of person who reported death

How to Conduct a Birth or Death Records Search?

To conduct a search or obtain copies of birth or death certificates, you should contact:

The vital records office in the applicable state of birth or death. The location of this office varies from state to state, but in many cases this office or these records are maintained through the state's department of health. Birth and death certificates typically require identification and proof of relationship to the person whose record is being requested, though some states consider this information to be public and will release it despite the lack of proof of relationship.

National Birth and Death Records Resource Links

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vital Records Resources - Birth and death certificates are handled at the state level, but the CDC does offer a composite list of links to each state's vital records office.

Public Records by Category

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Birth and Death Records

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Search Real Property and Tax Records for Ownership, Zoning, Liens and Easements

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Latest Questions and Comments for Birth and Death

25 Comment(s) • Last comment at 2017-09-06 23:46 GMT

ypeach02 posted inNew York - Birth and Death Records

On the top of the page, please enter the First Name & Last Name of your friend, New York as the state and click "Search Now", you will be shown many results matching your criteria. You can review those results to narrow down the record for your friend and then get the report for her. This detailed report should have the information you are looking for.

Answer • 2017-09-06 23:46 GMT

Donna (r.nels***@cox.net) posted inWashington - Birth and Death Records

I am looking for death records for Charles V. Anderson. It would probably be in Island county

Answer • 2016-07-12 06:42 GMT

Mary Kelly posted inKentucky - Birth and Death Records

My grandmother was born in Louisville. in 1/2/1873 .She died in National City, California, and she was buried in Louisville. Anna Hughes Grevemeyer. Death in Sept. 1970, and was 97 years old. I can't find anything 'free' on her. I am trying to find out where in Louisville she is buried.

Answer • 2016-07-10 16:07 GMT

Patricia Greathouse posted inMissouri - Birth and Death Records

I am trying to find my brothers birth record but am having a difficult time doing so. I know that a family ,ember had gotten a copy years ago (about 24) and gave it to her husband at that time to get credentials for himself with it but I am just trying to see how I can find his birth records and death record as well, he was only 4 months old when he passed.

Answer • 2016-06-15 19:33 GMT

Megala (info2meg***@gmail.com) posted inTennessee - Birth and Death Records

Im From India, My Card is Not Accpeted and I cant able to Register Here

Answer • 2016-05-23 09:15 GMT

Megala (info2meg***@gmail.com) posted inTennessee - Birth and Death Records

Answer • 2016-05-23 09:14 GMT

Amy posted inMinnesota - Birth and Death Records

I learned recently that my maternal grandmother gave birth to a child that was kept a secret in Stearns County. My mother would like to locate the birth record to see if she can locate this sibling of hers. What form do we need to complete, not knowing the name of the baby that was born, or the exact date. I just have my grandmother's name and the dates that the birth fell between. Thank you.

Answer • 2015-02-03 21:20 GMT

William Parr (wpar***@gmail.com) posted inTexas - Birth and Death Records

Per law states does not publish death certificates within 25 years of their occurrence. I suggest that you contact Texas Vital Resources located in Austin, if I am right off the top of my mind.

Answer • 2014-12-13 11:47 GMT

thresa key posted inTennessee - Birth and Death Records

my sister had a baby so where around 1985-1986 come home with no baby how can I find out what happened to her baby she said he passed a way in Tennessee her name is peggy sue key can u help me

Answer • 2014-12-05 23:47 GMT

Kay Lewis (klewis5***@charter.net) posted inMississippi - Birth and Death Records

My father was given away when he was very young.I am not sure if he was born in Marshall Co. or Dekalb Co. in Alabama around 1914.He was born to a Tucker woman and a Malone father.How can I find out who the mother is?I know his father was Ervin Malone.

Answer • 2014-10-24 17:30 GMT

cheryl (cheryl***@gmail.com) posted inNew York - Birth and Death Records

I am trying to locate a dear old friend. Have tried FB, and all the usual routes. someone told me they heard she passed away. I would like to try and find out if this is true, but can't seem to navigate the webpage when I put in death records, or death certificates. Can someone help?

Answer • 2014-08-28 20:46 GMT

ljd (lornajo***@yahoo.com) posted inMississippi - Birth and Death Records

Hi.. If you know where she passed away go to the county records or health department they helped me get my grandparents death certificates.. You do have to pay for this documentation though..

Answer • 2014-07-14 15:03 GMT

millie higgenbottom (milliehiggenbot***@gmail.com) posted inMississippi - Birth and Death Records

My mom passed away around 1966 how cam we get her death information

Answer • 2014-06-28 20:00 GMT

Marilyn Gay Young-Amick (j9m5amic***@yahoo.com) posted inNorth Carolina - Birth and Death Records

how to find out if my cousin "Teeny Young--Woffe(sp?) has deceased. Her Dad's name is Newton Young who is my Dad's (Irving Wilson Young) older brother.

Answer • 2014-06-05 17:08 GMT

matt (msaxto***@gmail.com) posted inFlorida - Birth and Death Records

How do I find out who was all born by my mother

Answer • 2013-12-01 17:09 GMT

gerty (gerty1***@bellsouth.net) posted inPennsylvania - Birth and Death Records

looking for death records of Mr & Mrs Rollins in Chester Pa. in 1932 no first names are available. I believe both passed away in April, May or June of 1932 my computer is not big enough to download all records. how to I get the first half of 1932.

Answer • 2013-11-16 05:53 GMT

Karen Creech (creech1***@hotmail.com) posted inKentucky - Birth and Death Records

How do I get a death record of someone that died around 1805?

Answer • 2013-10-19 10:48 GMT

Chris (kn***@sbcglobal.net) posted inIllinois - Birth and Death Records

Jeanette Solar info?

Answer • 2013-09-26 21:32 GMT

Mike (mtrumph***@yahoo.com) posted inOhio - Birth and Death Records

I need to know how many people were born on November 10th 1971 at Mt. Carmel Hospital and their names. If I'm correct there were 2 girls and 2 boys.......mtrumphour@yahoo.com

Answer • 2013-08-29 20:26 GMT

Joan Judson Lepar posted inTexas - Birth and Death Records

My name is Joan Judson Lepar and I am trying to get an original death certificate of my husband, William Richard Lepar, Jr., born Feb. 28, 1922, SS# 288-12-7882. I believe he passed away between May and July, 2001 in Temple, Tex. I am 89 years old and cannot find his death certificate anywhere. Can you please help me? Thank you, Joan Lepar email: mwhitworth529@gmail.com 281-827-3480

Answer • 2013-08-06 04:08 GMT

Jeanette Sotelo (jeanette***@yahoo.com) posted inIllinois - Birth and Death Records

My mother needs to order her husband's death certificate.He passed away in the state of Illinois but my mother and I live in Mexico.She has tried ordering it by calling the phone number provided on the web page from Vital Records but the call does not go through. Is there a specific phone number to dial from Mexico? Another problem we found is that she does not have U.S. IDs that are required such as a driver's license. She has a Mexican voting credential and a Mexican passport. Is there a way she can get this death certificate from Mexico?

Answer • 2013-07-22 14:48 GMT

Denise (spoonrz4je***@yahoo.com) posted inCalifornia - Birth and Death Records

How to find date and cause of death of my father who lived in Spring Valley CA?

Answer • 2013-06-02 21:36 GMT

catherine posted inWashington - Birth and Death Records

james kevin kearns born june 26 1954 died the first week in june 1975 in alaska was bruied at holyrood cemetary in shoreline wa i need the exact date of his death please

Answer • 2013-05-31 23:19 GMT

Ellen Glickman-Simon (e***@elgs.net) posted inNebraska - Birth and Death Records

I am trying to find death certificates for two people, both of whom may have died in Omaha. 1. Catherine E. Simmons, born 10-3-1889 in Worcester, MA 2. Elbert McKinley Blanchard, born 11-20-1896 in Anita, Iowa Thank you, Ellen Glickman-Simon

Answer • 2013-05-20 15:12 GMT

david (welc***@ymail.cm) posted inWest Virginia - Birth and Death Records

where can you see a family members death certificate and cause of death at

Answer • 2013-04-14 21:40 GMT

Prominent Records for Birth and Death

California Public Records - Birth And Death Records Edit

Searching for information on family history? Obtain certified copies of California birth and death records through the mail. Get application forms, notarization forms, and find fees for obtaining copies. Birth and death records may also be obtained through the County Recorder's Office where the event took place.

Mailing Address:
Department of Public Health Vital Records - MS 5103 P.O. Box 997410 1501 Capitol Avenue Sacramento, California 95899-7410

Contact Links:
Department of Public Health Contact List

Social Links:

3 Comment(s) • 2013-06-02 21:36 GMT

Denise (spoonrz4je***@yahoo.com)

How to find date and cause of death of my father who lived in Spring Valley CA?

Answer • 2013-06-02 21:36 GMT

Seknigh00 (seknig***@gmail.com)

I am not sure what city I was born in. Is there a way for me to find out before applying for my birth certificate? I know between what two cities just not sure which one

Answer • 2012-11-16 17:01 GMT

Woodeymichael (woodeymich***@gmail.com)

I want to find the cause of death/death certificate for Frank Woodey who died June 19, 1955 in Alameda, CA. He was born Jan. 14, 1923 in China.

Answer • 2012-10-20 16:30 GMT

Florida Public Records - Death Records Edit

Learn how to order an official Florida Death Certificate. Applications are accepted by mail or in person. Download brochures about the Electronic Death Registration System, causes of death, and what physicians should know before signing a death certificate.

Mailing Address:
Bureau of Vital Statistics Attn; Customer Services P.O. Box 210 1217 Pearl St. Jacksonville, Florida 32231-0042

Contact Information:
P: 904.359.6900 Ext. 9000 F: 877.550.7428 (VitalChek)

Ask Question?

Idaho Public Records - Birth And Death Records Edit

The Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics maintains birth and death records from July 1911 to present. Older records may be found in county records where the event occurred. Birth records in the state of Idaho are considered confidential for 100 years, while death certificates are considered confidential for 50 years. Requests for birth or death certificates may be made either by mail or online through third party vendor VitalChek.

Physical Address:
Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics 450 West State St. Boise, Idaho 83702
Contact: P: 208.334.5988 E: IVR@DHW.IDAHO.GOV

Ask Question?

Illinois Public Records - Birth And Death Records Edit

Locate vital records for Illinois including birth records, death records and adoption records through the Illinois Department of Public Health. Birth and death records are available from 1916 to present to the named individual or to a family member. Certificates can be ordered online, by mail, by fax, or in person. Also order a Commemorative Birth Certificate or how to correct a birth certificate.

Physical Address:
Vital Records 925 East Ridgely Ave. Springfield, Illinois 62702
Contact: P: 217.782.6553 F: 217.785.3209

1 Comment(s) • 2013-07-22 14:48 GMT

Jeanette Sotelo (jeanette***@yahoo.com)

Answer • 2013-07-22 14:48 GMT

Iowa Public Records - Birth And Death Records Edit

The Iowa Bureau of Health Statistics provides access to certified copies of vital records. Requests must include government-issued photo identification and must have the applicant's signature signed in front of a notary public or in the presence of an Iowa Registrar of Vital Records. Birth and death records may be obtained by phone, online, by mail, and in person. Birth and death records are available from 1880 to present. The fee for a certified record search is $15 and is non-refundable.

Physical Address:
Bureau of Health Statistics Vital Records Lucas State Ofc. Bldg. 321 E. 12th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Contact: P: 515.281.4944

Ask Question?

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