Frequently Asked Questions

How can I place my order?

Click on the "State Button" for the State from which you are ordering your record.

The information for that state will be displayed including pricing, shipping and additional information.

At the bottom of that page, you will be given the option to order online or by fax.

If you choose "Order by Fax", A printable form will appear. Print, complete, and fax to us along with any Identification requirements (where applicable).

Be sure to fill out all forms accurately and sign each one.

If you choose "Order Online", An online application will appear. Fill out completely and submit. You will then be taken to the Shopping Cart where you will be charged for the Express Vital Records fee.

* The Express Vital Records processing fee will be a separate charge from the State.

You will be charged by the State when Express Vital Records submits your completed application form.

Can I get any record from any state?

You can order most types of records from most states. A few states do not allow third party companies to order some types of records, such as death and divorce.

Please check the information page for the state from where your record will be coming. You can, however, order a Birth Certificate from every state.

How much will it cost, and how fast can I get it?

The cost for each state different; the information pages for each state will contain the price for the certificate and the shipping charged by that state. Express Vital Records charges a processing fee, which ensures that your order will be delivered/processed to the state agency the same day that your completed order is received by us. You will be contacted if there is a problem with your record, and we will do everything necessary to make sure that your important document is delivered to you by the times listed on the information pages.

The shipping times listed are provided by the state. Express Vital Records can not guarantee these times, as delays on the part of the state agency or the shipping carrier could exceed the turnaround times that are listed (although this is rare).

*Incorrect information given by the requestor could result in non-receipt of record. If your State can not find your record due to incomplete or incorrect information, they may keep your payment for a search fee and send you a No Find letter.

*Fraudulent information given could result in fines or prosecution.

*If Express Vital Records fulfills your order but you do not receive your record because of incorrect or false information, or your record is late (through no fault of ours), the Processing Fee is Non-Refundable.

What are the requirements, and what constitutes a valid I.D.?

Requirements vary from state to state; check the states information page for the required Identity Verification method. For most states, you will see ÒValid I.D.Ó listed as the requirement.

This would be a copy of a state-issued photo I.D. with signature.

*The best I.D. is the valid Drivers License of the requestor. Other acceptable I.D.s could be: State Issued Photo I.D. card (non-driving), US Passport with photo and signature, US Military I.D.

Many states may also accept other approved identification.

How Do I provide Proof of Relation or Proof of Legal Interest?

Proof of Relation could mean an I.D. or legal paperwork stating that a person has legal right to someones record.

A Legal Interest would be someone who can prove Power of Attorney.

Explain Immediate Family Member or Legal Right.

Immediate Family Member includes {Mother, Father, brother, sister, son, daughter}

Legal right would mean legal guardian or lawyer with power of attorney privileges.

What does Sworn Statement Required mean?

This is the Identification requirement for orders from California or Minnesota. A printable copy of this statement is available on these State pages.

The Sworn Statement must be completed, notarized and faxed to us with your order.

The notary seal must be visible on the fax.

What must I do to prove Eligibility?

Not just anyone can order anyone elses record; eligibility means that it must be the person named on the record, family member, or a lawyer with power of attorney privileges.

What do I do if I'm not sure about the required information on the form?

We will need all of the required information on the forms to insure that you receive your record.

*If you are not sure of certain info, such as date of event (birth, death, etc.), or the city, any names, etc., we will not be able to process your record.

We suggest that you contact the State from where you believe your record to be, and they may be able to perform a search for you.

What if adopted, or had a legal name change (other than marriage)?

Generally, these are sealed records and require that you contact the State agency yourself.

How can I pay?

We accept all major credit cards, as well as bank debit cards with a Visa or MC logo.