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 CertificateDeath 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 CertificateMarriage 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 CertificateDivorce 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 CertificateStart 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.