District Of Columbia Vital Records Search

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What are District of Columbia Vital Records?

The DC Health Vital Records Division (DCVRD) is the government agency in Washington, DC that collects, stores, maintains, and issues vital records for the state. They also handle amendments and corrections to vital records and also health statistics and data. They allow people to request copies through the mail, online, by phone, and in person. Their vital records include birth, death, and domestic partnership certificates. The DC Department of Health is in charge of emergency preparedness, health, licensing regulations, and other state tasks regarding the well-being of the state's residents.

District of Columbia Birth Records

Washington, DC, began keeping birth records in 1874. Birth records are not public records until after 125 years. Therefore, only certain people can obtain a copy of yours. Only close personal relatives may request a copy for someone other than themselves. Even your spouse or domestic partner cannot get a copy of yours legally without proper documentation giving them permission. The DC Health Vital Records Division (DCVRD) is the government agency in charge of issuing birth records to individuals and organizations. You can get one by phone, online, in-person, and through the mail. You do have to pay a fee for certified copies, however.

Frequently Asked Questions About District of Columbia Birth Records

How do I find birth records in District of Columbia?

The DC Health Vital Records Division (DCVRD) is the government agency in charge of birth records, and you can contact them to perform a search. You may also check other online public records databases to search for birth records in DC.

How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate in District of Columbia?

The DC Health Vital Records Division (DCVRD) is the government agency in charge of birth records, and their website offers a few different ways you can order certified copies. They do charge fees for this service.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a birth certificate in District of Columbia?

The cost to search for a birth record is $23, and a certified copy costs $18. The search covers three years. Other fees apply to specific situations.

Who can request birth records?

Birth records in Washington DC are not public records until 125 years. Therefore, only the following people can get a copy of yours:

  1. Your parent.
  2. An adult child.
  3. An adult sibling.
  4. Your grandparents.
  5. A legal guardian.
  6. A legal representative.
  7. A social worker.
  8. Someone with your power of attorney.
  9. A member of law enforcement.

What birth records are available in District of Columbia?

Washington, DC, began keeping birth records in 1874. As long as you are 18 years or older, you can get a copy of your own. With permission, you can get a copy of someone else's.

What information do I need when getting a copy of my District of Columbia birth certificate?

When ordering birth certificates from Washington, DC, you need to provide some information such as:

  1. Full name of the person on the certificate.
  2. Father's full name.
  3. Mother's full name.
  4. Date of birth.
  5. Place of birth.
  6. Hospital.
  7. Is the person still living or not?
  8. Gender.
  9. The reason for the request.

You must also provide your personal details and proof of the relationship or ID.

Where can I find historical vital records in District of Columbia for genealogy research?

The DC Health Vital Records Division has birth records going back to 1874. However, birth records are confidential until 125 years. If you are doing genealogy research, you can contact the DC. Public Library and they have city directories and an alphabetical listing of people going back to 1822.

How can I correct an error on my birth record?

The DC Health Vital Records Division handles all changes and corrections to vital records. You can contact them through the mail, by phone, or in-person to make changes or get something corrected.

Can I get a refund if my District of Columbia birth record is not available?

No. Birth certificate search fees are not refundable.

District of Columbia Death Records

The DC Vital Records Division (DCVRD) is the government agency in charge of death records. They store and maintain records going back to August 1874. Death records are private until they reach 75 years, then they are opened up to the public. If you need a certified copy, you can get one from the DCVRD by mail, in person, online, or by phone. If you need even older death records, you can contact the Washington DC Office of Public Records, where they keep death record archives. Only certain people can get copies of death records for the first 75 years, and it includes close family members and your spouse or domestic partner.

Frequently Asked Questions About District of Columbia Death Records

How do I find death records in District of Columbia?

The DC Vital Records Division (DCVRD) has death records dating back to 1874, and if you pay the fee, they are happy to search the records for you to find one you need. You can get a certified copy for a close personal relative or your spouse.

Are death records public in District of Columbia?

Not until they reach 75 years of age. Before that, access is restricted to family and legal representatives.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a death certificate in District of Columbia?

It costs $18 to search a three-year period for a death certificate. If you need a certified copy, you will have to pay another $18.

How long does it take to get a copy of a District of Columbia death record?

If you visit the office in person, you can wait while they search and prepare your copy. If you order online, by phone, or by mail, you will wait a few days to get your copy.

Who can request death records?

Death records in Washington DC are kept private for 75 years. Therefore, only specific people can request a copy. That list includes:

  1. Your spouse.
  2. Your domestic partner.
  3. Your parent.
  4. Your adult child or sibling.
  5. Your grandparent.
  6. Your legal guardian.
  7. A legal representative.
  8. Law enforcement.

What information do I need when getting a copy of someone's District of Columbia death certificate?

When ordering a copy of a Washington DC death certificate, you need to supply the following information:

  1. The full name of the deceased person.
  2. The date of death.
  3. The name of the hospital.
  4. Their gender.
  5. The reason for your request.
  6. The person's social security number (if you have it).

You must also supply your information as the requestor and proof of your relationship and identification.

Where can I find historical death records in District of Columbia?

The DC Vital Records Division has records going back to 1874. If you find you need them even older, you can contact The Washington DC Office of Public Records for help.

How can I correct an error on someone's death record?

Some errors on vital records may be amended. First, you need to contact the DC Vital Records Division (DCVRD) to apply for an amendment. Then you must pass an eligibility test to see if you are able to get the record changed. To make a change, an in-person appointment is needed, and you need to bring paperwork to document the correction.

Can I get a refund if my District of Columbia death record is not available?

No, all death certificate searches are non-refundable.

District of Columbia Marriage Records

Although the DC Vital Records Division (DCVRD) office handles all domestic partnership certificates, it does not handle marriage records. Instead, the District of Columbia Courts stores and maintain all marriage and divorce records. The DC Courts website has a quick and easy form you can use to request a copy of your own marriage certificate. Marriage records are not private, so you can also get a copy of anyone else's as long as you have some information required to locate it, such as the bride and groom's names, the date of the marriage, and any maiden names. A marriage certificate is handy when you want to change your name or verify your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions About District of Columbia Marriage Records

Are District of Columbia marriage records public?

Yes. Marriage records in Washington, DC, are public records and managed by the court system.

What District of Columbia marriage records are available?

The courts have all Washington DC marriage records available. You can contact them directly. The DC Superior Court is the one in charge of marriages and divorces.

How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in District of Columbia?

If you visit in person, you can get one same day. Otherwise, if you order online or by mail, you will wait a few days.

How much does a District of Columbia marriage certificate cost?

Each certified copy of a marriage certificate costs $10, and you can order as many copies as you like. 

When requesting records, what information do I need?

You need some information when requesting a copy of a marriage license. The list of information needed is:

  1. The date of the marriage.
  2. Spouse's name.
  3. Spouse's name.
  4. Maiden names.

You will also have to pay the $10 fee when ordering.

How do I get a copy of a District of Columbia marriage record?

You must contact the DC Courts to search for and get a copy of yours or someone else's marriage record.

What if I didn't get married in District of Columbia?

You must contact the courts where you got married to get a copy of your marriage certificate if you were not married in Washington, DC.

Who can get a copy of my marriage certificate?

Since marriage records in Washington, DC are open, anyone can get a copy of your marriage certificate. They only have to have some information and pay the fee.

How do I correct a marriage certificate in District of Columbia?

The courts issue copies, but they also correct errors. Contact the Washington DC Superior Court, where your marriage was filed to correct any errors.

District of Columbia Divorce Records

Washington, DC, has been keeping track of divorce records since September 16, 1956. The DC Courts is the government agency that handles divorce records. Typically, you must visit or contact the Superior court where you were divorced, and they can supply you with copies of your divorce decree. A copy of your divorce certificate is helpful when you get remarried, need to validate your identity or change your name. Divorce records are not private, and anyone can get a copy of someone else's in Washington, DC.

Frequently Asked Questions About District of Columbia Divorce Records

Can I find divorce records online in District of Columbia?

Yes. You can contact the Washington DC Superior court where the divorce was finalized and pay the fee for them to search and print a copy of the divorce decree.

How do I find old divorce records?

The courts have records going back to 1956. If you need older divorce records, you can try the DC. Public Library, they may have even older records for prosperity purposes.

How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?

Simply visit the Superior court where your divorce was finalized or contact them online or through the mail. You must pay the fee when ordering.

How much does it cost for a certified copy of my divorce certificate?

Each certified copy of a divorce certificate costs $10. However, there is no limit, and you can get as many copies as you need.

What information is needed to search for a District of Columbia divorce record?

You will need the names of both parties on the divorce certificate and also the date of the dissolution of marriage.

If they can't find my divorce record, can I get a refund?

No, all search fees are non-refundable.

What if my divorce took place outside of District of Columbia?

If you did not get divorced in Washington, DC, then contact the courts in the state where you did get divorced, and you can get a copy from them.

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