The History Of Vital Records

Throughout history, human societies have recognized the importance of tracking major life events like births, marriages, and deaths, which is a crucial aspect of genealogy.

Today, having formal vital records for things like birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates seems commonplace.

However, the history of vital records in America reveals a surprisingly short and fragmented past.

1.In Colonial America, Record-Keeping Was Limited

In colonial times, some town clerks kept informal notes and archives about the registration of births, marriages, and deaths happening in their communities.

However, this record keeping was far from systematic or standardized.

There were no laws requiring documentation of vital events.

Any local records were incomplete at best.

• In 1639, Massachusetts Bay Colony required towns to record births, marriages, and deaths.
• In 1641, Connecticut mandated town clerks to register vital events.
• By 1666, New York required registration of births, marriages, and deaths.
• In 1696, Virginia enacted a law for vital records registration.

2. Cities Led the Way in Creating Formal Systems

In the early to mid-1800s, large cities began to see the benefits of gathering data on vital statistics.

The health departments of cities like Boston and New York City took the lead in creating formal systems to track births and deaths.

Still, rural areas and smaller localities lagged behind.

• In 1842, Boston began systematically recording births and deaths.
• By 1847, New York City implemented a formal vital statistics system.
• In 1850, Philadelphia started collecting vital statistics.
• By the 1860s, Chicago and other cities adopted similar practices.

3. States Gradually Developed Laws & Infrastructure

Over time, state governments recognized the importance of vital records and passed laws to mandate their documentation.

However, this was a gradual process, with some new New England states developing robust systems as early as the 1600s, while other states took until the late 1800s or early 1900s to catch up.

Through statutes, standardized forms, and centralized databases, states developed the vital records infrastructure we rely on today.

• In 1847, Massachusetts established a statewide vital statistics system.
• By 1852, New Hampshire implemented a similar system.
• In 1880, New York standardized vital records statewide.
• By 1907, all states had vital records registration systems, marking a significant milestone in the history of vital records.

4. Vital Records in the Digital Age

Today, vital records systems have modernized yet again with digital databases and online access.

This transition allows people to more easily obtain certified copies of vital records like birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records.

Technologies like digitization, indexing, and search have transformed how vital records data is managed.

• In the 1990s, states began digitizing vital records for better access.
• By the early 2000s, online access to vital records was available in several states.
• In 2011, national initiatives enhanced digital record-keeping.
• Today, most states provide online services for vital records management.

5. The Importance of Vital Records

Modern vital records systems allow us to verify personal facts, trace genealogy and ancestry, compile statistics, establish legal rights, and preserve local histories.

Few realize just how recently such documentation became standardized practice.

The keeping of vital records has evolved enormously in a relatively short period of time. We owe a great debt to the civic leaders who championed vital records and enshrined into law the importance of tracking life's biggest milestones.

• Modern systems verify personal facts, trace genealogy, and compile statistics.
• Standardized documentation of vital records is a recent development.
• Vital records have evolved significantly in a short time.
• Civic leaders played a crucial role in establishing the importance of tracking life's milestones.

HOW STATEVITALRECORDS WORKS 

• Order online – Submit the form on State Vital Records through our online order form.
• Notarization Through NotaryLive - In terms of notarization, some states require notarization of an application or a sworn statement – because of  State Vital Records' partnership with NotaryLive, a remote online notarization platform that provides fast, secure and convenient notarization 24/7. ((Note: Keep in mind there are added fees when using NotaryLive for convenient, remote online notarization.)
  • Upload Your Document
  • VerifyYour Identity
  • Connect Online With An Online Notary
  • NotaryLive Routes Your Documents to State Vital Records Automatically

• State Vital Records – After notarization through NotaryLive,  State Vital Records will send the application to the jurisdiction. This is where the jurisdiction is responsible for the rest of the application process.
• Jurisdiction – Will complete order and mail copy of the requested vital records to you

If you require assistance in notarizing your document, please contact [email protected]. Interested in the notarization process? Click here to learn more.

Looking to order your state vital records? Click here to make a request. Have any questions, contact us!

Frequently Asked Questions

• What documents do I need to order a birth certificate online? 
  • Generally, you’ll need the following:
    • Proof of identity: A valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
    • Information about the individual: Full name, date of birth, and parent’s names.
    • Payment method: A credit card or debit card for the processing fee.
• What’s the fastest way to get a copy of my birth certificate?
  • StateVitalRecords.org offers a convenient process to order your vital records and will send your application to the jurisdiction for you where it is processed.
• Is it safe to order a birth certificate online? 
  • Ordering a birth certificate online from an official government website is generally safe and secure. To protect your personal information, make sure the website uses encryption (check for “https” in the URL like https://statevitalrecords.org/ ). Avoid third-party websites or services that may need additional costs and are not linked with the government

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