Vital Records

Birth Records:

Fee for Certified Copy of Birth Record: $16.00 for the first copy, $7.00 for each additional copy of the same record.

You may obtain a certified copy of a Birth Record in the following ways:

• In person at the County Clerk’s office during regular business hours. Must provide valid photo ID and payment in the form of cash or check. No debit or credit capability.
• By mail using the printable application below. A copy of a valid photo ID and payment by check is required.

         Application for Birth Record

Birth Records are not public record and therefore are available only to the specified individual.

Certified copies of Birth Certificates can be issued to:

• The person named on the record: If they are 18 years of age or older.
• Parent(s): As listed on the birth certificate.
• Legal guardian: Requires official guardianship papers signed by a judge.
• Legal representative: This can include an attorney, someone with a power of attorney, or another agent approved by the State Registrar, with proper authorization.

Other ways to get a copy:

• Court order: A judge can issue an order for a certified copy.
• Notarized authorization: A notarized letter from the person named on the record or their parent/guardian authorizing another person to obtain the record is acceptable.
• Genealogical interest: A person with a genealogical interest may obtain a copy of a birth record that is over 100 years old, with proof of death.
• Government agency: A representative of a government agency can request a copy for official purposes

Death Records:

Fee for Certified Copy of Death Record: $20.00 for the first copy, $11.00 for each additional copy of the same record.

You may obtain a certified copy of a Death Record in the following ways:

• In person at the County Clerk’s office during regular business hours. Must provide valid photo ID and payment in the form of cash or check. No debit or credit capability.
• By mail using the printable application below. A copy of a valid photo ID and payment by check is required.

         Application for Death Record

Death Records are not public record and therefore are available only to the specified individual.

Certified copies of Death Certificates can be issued to:

• Immediate family members: This includes a spouse, adult children, parents, or adult siblings.
• Legal representatives: This includes a duly authorized agent, an attorney, or a court-appointed executor or administrator of the estate.
• Individuals with a personal or property interest: This can include someone who can prove a financial interest, such as a business partner or someone with a property right.
• Individuals with a genealogical interest: This applies to those who are looking for information for research purposes. Access is restricted for recent records.

Other Requirements:

• For recent records: You must have a direct relationship to the deceased or prove a personal, property, or genealogical right interest.
• For records over 20 years old: Anyone can request a non-certified copy stamped “For Genealogical Purposes Only”.
• For certified copies: You will likely need to provide proof of your relationship or interest, such as a will, a court order, or a letter on official letterhead.
• For non-relatives: If you are not a relative, you must include a letter or document from an agency or office that needs the death certificate to prove your eligibility.

Marriage Records:

Fee for Certified Copy of Marriage Record: $16.00 for the first copy, $7.00 for each additional copy of the same record.

You may obtain a certified copy of a Marriage Record in the following ways:

• In person at the County Clerk’s office during regular business hours. Must provide valid photo ID and payment in the form of cash or check. No debit or credit capability.
• By mail using the printable application below. A copy of a valid photo ID and payment by check is required.

         Application for Marriage Record

Marriage Records are not public record and therefore are available only to the specified individual.

Certified copies of Marriage Certificates can be issued to:

• The bride and groom: Both individuals named on the certificate can request a copy.
• Parents of the bride or groom: Parents of either the bride or the groom listed on the record can typically request a copy.
• Authorized representative: A relative or legal representative with a notarized statement from one of the individuals on the record, along with proper identification, can also get a copy.
• Legal guardian: The legal guardian of a person on the record, with the appropriate court papers and ID, can obtain a copy.

Military Discharge (DD214) Records:

There is no charge for a Certified or Non-Certified Copy of a Military Discharge Record to the Veteran or his/her family.

You may obtain a certified copy of a Military Discharge Record in the following ways:

• In person at the County Clerk’s office during regular business hours. Must provide valid photo ID.
• By mail using the printable application below. A copy of a valid photo ID is required.

         Application for Military Discharge Record (DD214)

Military Discharge Records are not public record and therefore are available only to the specified individual.

Certified & Non-Certified Copies of Military Discharge Records can be issued to:

• The Veteran: The veteran can request their own discharge papers at any time.
• Dependents: A veteran’s dependents, such as a spouse or children, can obtain a copy.
• Veterans’ Service Officers: County veterans’ service officers have access to help veterans and their families.
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs: Representatives from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs can access these records.
• Someone with written authorization: Any other person, such as a family member or legal representative, can get a copy if they have written authorization from the veteran or their dependents.
• Next-of-Kin: The next-of-kin can request records for a deceased veteran. They must provide proof of the veteran’s death, such as a death certificate, obituary, or funeral director’s statement.
• Funeral Homes: Funeral homes can obtain a copy to help with the process of filing a death certificate.
• The general public: Access for the general public is limited. For non-archival records (discharged less than 62 years ago), the public can only get limited information without consent. For archival records (discharged 62 years or more ago), they are open to the public.

Genealogy Records:

Fee for Genealogical Copy of Birth, Death, or Marriage Record: $5.00 per record.

You may obtain a genealogical copy of a record in the following ways:

• In person at the County Clerk’s office during regular business hours.  Must provide valid photo ID and payment in the form of cash or check. No debit or credit capability.
• By mail using any of the printable applications below.  A copy of a valid photo ID and payment by check is required.

         Application for Birth Record

         Application for Death Record

         Application for Marriage Record

         Application for Military Discharge Record (DD214)

Genealogy Records are vital records and therefore cannot be accessed by the public. However, the public may access the indexes.

For genealogical purposes, these records must meet certain age requirements:

• Birth Records: 75 years or older.
• Death Records: 20 years or older.
• Marriage Records: 50 years or older.