Vital records in Vermont are handled at the municipal level. Birth, death, and marriage records are maintained by local city or town clerks. The state office (Town Clerk (local) / VDH (state)) keeps duplicate copies.
What this page covers: Vermont vital record ordering, eligibility requirements, and related databases. What it does not cover: Genealogy records older than the state vital records system (check the Genealogy Resources page for historical records).
Where to start: For certified copies of birth or death certificates, contact Town Clerk (local) / VDH (state). For marriage licenses, contact the Town Clerk in the county where the ceremony will occur. For divorce records, contact the court that granted the decree.
Common mistake: Birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees come from different offices. Do not assume one office handles all vital records.
Vermont Vital Records — Key Facts (2026)
What Changed in 2026 — Vermont Vital Records
The 4-Step Vermont Vital Records Pathway
Five Things People Get Wrong About Vermont Vital Records
Primary Sources (All .gov / Official)
- www.healthvermont.gov — Official Vermont Vital Records — State portal for Vermont vital records
- CDC National Vital Statistics System — National Vital Statistics System
- CDC — Where to Write for Records — CDC state-by-state directory
- National Archives — Vital Records — Federal genealogy & vital guide
- Social Security Death Master File — Social Security death records
- Census — Births and Deaths — Census Bureau vital statistics
- VA — Veterans Records — Veterans Administration records
Related Vital Records Resources
- Vermont Court Records →
- Vermont Criminal Records →
- Vermont Property Records →
- Vermont Voter Records →
- Vermont Wants & Warrants →
- Vermont Licenses →
- Vermont Recorded Documents →
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Vital Records Databases
20 official Vermont government vital records databases.
Vital Records
Vermont Counties
All 14 Vermont counties. Click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I order a Vermont birth certificate?▼
Certified birth certificates for events in Vermont are issued by the Official Vermont Vital Records at www.healthvermont.gov. Requests can be made by mail, in person, or (in most cases) online through the state's authorized vendor. The county of registration may also be able to issue certified copies for recent local events.
How do I get a Vermont death certificate?▼
Vermont death certificates are issued by the Official Vermont Vital Records; eligibility (next of kin, executor, legal representative) and ID documentation requirements are listed at www.healthvermont.gov. For deaths within the last year, the county clerk or local registrar where the death occurred can often issue a copy more quickly.
Can I look up a Vermont marriage or divorce record online?▼
Vermont marriage and divorce records are not generally available in a free, name-searchable online index. The Official Vermont Vital Records (www.healthvermont.gov) handles certified copies; the underlying license/decree is filed with the county clerk or court that issued it, which is also a primary search point.
How long does it take to get a Vermont vital record?▼
Standard Vermont vital-record processing times vary from a few business days (in-person same-day at some county clerks) to several weeks for mailed requests. The Official Vermont Vital Records publishes current turnaround times at www.healthvermont.gov. Expedited processing is usually available for an additional fee.
What ID do I need to order a Vermont certified vital record?▼
The Official Vermont Vital Records requires government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID) and proof of your relationship to the record holder, if applicable. The full list of acceptable ID and supporting documents is published at www.healthvermont.gov.