The Vital Records Division is responsible for collecting, preserving, and administering the District's system of birth and death records, as well as other critical records. In accordance with the Vital Records Act of 1981, information is obtained from hospitals, the Medical Examiner's Office, funeral directors, other states, and the federal government. Authorized people may request and receive certified copies of these records upon payment of the appropriate fee. A birth or death certificate is provided only if the birth or death occurred in the District of Columbia. Copies of records may be requested in person at the Division's office, by mail, or by telephone through the VitalChek service.

• Fees
  
• Method of Payments
  
• Mail-Order Requests
  
• Telephone-Order Requests
  
• Walk-in Requests

Fees

Service/Certificate	Fee
Birth certificate (short-form abbreviated computer-generated record) *	$18.00
Birth certificate (long-form photocopy of original record) *	$23.00
Adoptee birth record (includes a copy of the short form birth certificate)	$28.00
Delayed birth record	$23.00
Death certificate *	$18.00
Corrections to a birth record (includes a copy of the short form birth certificate)	$23.00
Correction to a death record (includes a copy of the amended record)	$23.00
Certificate of Search (3 Consecutive Years) (If a birth/death record cannot be located, a fee of $18.00 will be retained for search of our files)	$18.00
* New birth and death certificate fees effective March 10, 2003

Method of Payments

• Walk-ins/In Person: Cash, check or money order payable to DC Treasurer
• Mail: Check or money order payable to the DC Treasurer
• VitalChek: Credit card