Request Vital Records

Vital records include birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.

The Department of Public Health’s State Office of Vital Records maintains all of Georgia’s birth and death certificates. It also holds marriage records from 1952 to 1996.

Although the department can confirm divorces, copies of the records are held by the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was granted. Any requests for divorce records must go through the superior court.

How Do I … Request Vital Records?

  • Get Prepared

    1. Figure out where to go. If you need to obtain a marriage record from before 1952 or after 1996, contact the probate court in the county where the marriage was held.

    2. Be aware that only the registrant, an immediate family member, or a legal representative can request a birth certificate or death record.

  • Gather What You’ll Need

    • Valid photo ID or a photocopy of that ID

      Valid forms of ID include, but are not limited to:

      • Georgia Driver’s license unexpired or expired for not more than one year

      • Unexpired driver’s license issued by another U.S. State, jurisdiction or territory

      • State of Georgia Identification Card unexpired or expired for not more than one year

      • Unexpired official Identification Card issued by another U.S. State, jurisdiction or territory

      • Unexpired U.S. Passport 

      • U.S. Military Identification, Military Dependent Identification, Veteran’s Identification

      • Debit Card with Picture

      • Employer ID Card

      • School, University, or College Identification Card

      • Department of Corrections Identification Card

    • Valid payment for fees

      The fee for birth and death certificates is $25 and includes one certified copy. The fee for a marriage record is $10. Each additional copy costs $5. Accepted forms of payment included a certified check, money order, Visa or MasterCard (walk-in and online only), cash or debit card (walk-in only).

    • A completed and signed request form for the appropriate record

  • Choose Your Method and Request Your Vital Record

    You can request copies online, by mail, or in person.

    • Request online

      • Order with a major credit card through one of the following vendors:

      • Response Time: 2-4 weeks, or up to 5 business days on all expedited orders.

      • A surcharge and expedite fee applies for credit card payments. Only birth and death certificates are available.

    • Request by mail

      • Mail a completed copy of the appropriate request form and payment to:

        State Office of Vital Records
        1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100
        Atlanta, GA 30349

      • Response Time: 8-10 Weeks

    • Request in-person

      • For same-day service, visit the State Office of Vital Records or any County Vital Records Office in person.

      • State Office of Vital Records:

        1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100
        ​Atlanta, GA 30349
        Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday (except state holidays)

      • Response Time: Same Day

  • When to Expect Your Vital Record

    Once you have followed the proper procedure for requesting your vital record, it may take between 1 business day to 10 weeks to receive it. Processing time is dependent upon the request method and expedite orders.

Georgia Department of Public Health About

24/7 Public Health Emergency Line 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584)
(If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.)

Main
(404) 657-2700

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This information was prepared as a public service of the State of Georgia to provide general information, not to advise on any specific legal problem. It is not, and cannot be construed to be, legal advice. If you have questions regarding any matter contained on this page, please contact the related agency.

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