Vermont residents and out-of-state applicants can order a certified birth certificate online through the Vermont Department of Health’s official ordering service, run in partnership with a third-party vendor. This is the recommended option if you’re outside Vermont or not in a rush, since Vermont’s fastest and cheapest method — ordering in person from your town or city clerk — only works if you’re actually in the state. Certified copies cover Vermont births from January 1909 to the present.
Who Can Order
Vermont limits certified birth certificate requests to specific applicants. You’re eligible if you are:
- A family member of the person named on the certificate
- A legal guardian
- A court-appointed party or their legal representative
- Someone with proof of legal interest or Power of Attorney for the person on the record
You’ll need to show valid identification when applying, whether online, by mail, or in person.
How to Apply Online
- Go to the official online ordering service at secure.vermont.gov/VSARA/vitalrecords, provided in partnership with the State of Vermont.
- Select the birth certificate option and choose certified or noncertified copy.
- Fill in the required details about the person on the certificate, including full name, date of birth, and parents’ names.
- Upload proof of identification and documentation of your relationship to the person named on the record, if required.
- Pay by credit card, including the standard certificate fee plus the online processing fee.
- Wait for delivery. Your certificate will be mailed to the address you provide.
Online Ordering Fees
Vermont’s certified birth certificate pricing is simple, with a small surcharge added for online orders:
- Certified copy: $10.00 per certificate
- Online processing fee: $2.00 (added only for online orders)
Noncertified copies, printed on plain paper with a “noncertified copy” watermark, are available at no charge but must be requested separately, typically by mail or in person.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming a certified copy arrives automatically after birth. Vermont law requires the attending physician or midwife to file the birth report within five business days, but new parents don’t automatically receive a copy — you must order one yourself.
- Ordering online when you’re in Vermont and need it fast. If you’re located in the state, your town or city clerk can often issue a certificate faster and cheaper than an online order.
- Forgetting proof of relationship. If you’re not the person named on the certificate, you may need to document your relationship or legal interest before your request can be processed.
- Overlooking home births without a medical professional present. These require direct contact with the Vital Records Office rather than a standard certificate order, since no report of birth was automatically filed.
Other Ways to Apply
If online ordering doesn’t suit your situation, Vermont also offers:
- In person at your town or city clerk — the fastest and cheapest option if you’re located in Vermont, available for records from 1909 to present.
- By mail to the Vermont Department of Health, sending a completed application, valid ID, and a check or money order for the certificate fee.
Official Contacts
Vermont Department of Health, Vital Records Office
Website:
[Login to see the link]
Official Online Ordering Portal:
[Login to see the link]
Application Form (for mail requests):
[Login to see the link]
Phone:
802-863-7275
Toll-Free (within Vermont):
800-439-5008
Mailing Address:
Vermont Department of Health
Vital Records
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-8370
United States
Join The Discussion
Ordering a Vermont birth certificate online is convenient for out-of-state requests, but locals often find their town clerk faster and cheaper. Have you ordered a Vermont birth certificate recently — online, by mail, or through your town clerk? Share your experience with processing times, fees, or any tips for proving your relationship to the person named on the certificate.
