FAQs
Vital Records Division
Where can I request a birth or death certificate?
For a birth or death certificate that occurred in Washington, DC only, contact:
Vital Records Division
825 North Capitol Street, NE, First Floor
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 671-5000
What hours are you open?
The Vital Records walk-in counter is open from 8:30 am-3:30 pm Monday-Friday. Closed on major holidays.
The Vital Records Division issues certified copies of birth and death certificates for the District of Columbia only.
Who can request a birth or death certificate?
Persons entitled to purchase a vital record include:
- The registrant
- An immediate nuclear family member
- A legal guardian
- A legal representative
Birth and death records become public after 100 years have elapsed from the date of birth and 50 years have elapsed from the date of death. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, and other relatives not part of the immediate family cannot obtain a birth or death certificate from Vital Records prior to the record becoming open to the public unless the approval guidelines are met.
What is the cost of a birth or death record?
| Birth |
| $23 |
per copy of the original long-form certificate |
| $18 |
per computer short-form certificate |
| Death |
| $18 |
per death certificate |
There is no refund if the certificate is not found. If no record is found of a birth or death, a three-year "Certificate of Search" will be issued.
Make your check* or money order payable to the DC Treasurer.
DO NOT SEND CASH
*The DC Treasurer requires that all checks have an address imprinted on them to be accepted for deposit.
How can I correct information on a certificate?
There are several provisions in the District of Columbia statutes whereby changes may be made on a vital record. We encourage you to write us with your correction request and we will advise you on what needs to be done to make the correction.
What's the quickest way to obtain my birth certificate?
There is an expedited service that you can reach by calling (800) 255-2414 or (877) 572-6332. You will need a major credit card to use this service. Visit the VitalChek website for more information on this service.
Can I request a vital record via email?
No. By law, vital record search requests must be signed and paid for. Therefore, a request can only be made in person, via mail, or by phone to the Vital Chek credit card service.
From what year are birth and death certificates available?
Birth and death certificates are available from August 1874 to present.
Where can I find marriage and divorce records?
For marriage and divorce records contact:
DC Superior Court,
500 Indiana Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
(Room 4335 for Divorce Decree or Room 4485 for marriage license)
Marriage information (202) 879-4840
Divorce Information (202) 879-1261
Where do I request a birth certificate if I was born abroad, with US citizenship at birth?
You can request a birth certificate from:
US Department of State
Passport Correspondence Branch, Overseas Birth
1111 19th Street, NW Suite 510
Washington, DC 20522-1705
Phone: (202) 955-0307
How can I obtain an apostille for my DC Birth Certificate?
To obtain an apostille (state seal of authentication) for a DC birth certificate, you must request a live signature be affixed on your DC birth certificate when purchased from the Vital Records Division.
You must then forward your birth certificate with live signature, and a fee of $10.00 payable to the DC Treasurer and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
DC Office of the Secretary
Notary Commissions & Authentication's Section
441 4th Street, NW Room 810S
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 727-3117
What is a long form birth certificate?
The long form is a certified copy of the original birth certificate in its entirety. This is preferred by the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Passport Services/Customer Service and by the courts.
What is a short form birth certificate?
The short form computerized birth certificate consists of a wallet size birth card and a 5x8 birth document containing abbreviated information.
The information are as follows:
- Child's Name
- Child's Sex
- Parent's Name(s)
- Date of Birth
- Certificate Number
- File Number
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