Birth Certificates

A certified birth certificate is the primary proof of identity, age, citizenship and parentage in the United States.

  • Applying for a U.S. passport, REAL ID or state driver's license
  • Enrolling a child in school, daycare or youth sports
  • Claiming Social Security, pension or survivor benefits
  • Employment eligibility, immigration filings and military enlistment
Order Birth Certificate

Death Certificates

A certified death certificate is required by nearly every institution that holds an account or policy in the decedent's name.

  • Filing life insurance and annuity claims
  • Settling an estate, probate court and transferring real property
  • Closing bank, brokerage, utility and credit accounts
  • Notifying Social Security and claiming survivor benefits
Order Death Certificate

Marriage Certificates

A certified marriage certificate proves a legal union and is the document agencies ask for when a name or status changes.

  • Changing your name with Social Security, the DMV and your bank
  • Adding a spouse to health insurance or an employer benefit plan
  • Spousal immigration petitions and visa applications
  • Joint mortgages, tax filings and beneficiary designations
Order Marriage Certificate

Divorce Certificates

A divorce certificate or certified decree confirms a marriage has legally ended and that you are free to remarry.

  • Obtaining a new marriage license
  • Restoring a former name on identity documents
  • Enforcing custody, support or property terms
  • Refinancing, retitling property and updating beneficiaries
Order Divorce Certificate

Start by state: find your state. Step-by-step birth-certificate guides: Arizona, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Indiana, Missouri, Maryland, Colorado, California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, New Jersey, Virginia, Washington. Browse all guides.