Vermont Vital Records: History and Overview
Vermont has one of the longest vital records histories in the United States, with records dating back to approximately 1760 — over 266 years of documented history. Mandatory statewide reporting was required starting in 1857.
Vermont: An Open Records State
Vermont is an open records state, meaning vital records are generally accessible to the public. This makes Vermont one of the more accessible states for genealogical research and public records requests.
Open records state. Town clerk records are publicly accessible (sometimes with $2/hour viewing fee). Certified copies of recent births and deaths restricted to family members, legal guardians, court-appointed parties, or their representatives. Noncertified copies available to anyone for free.
Start with Your Town Clerk
Vermont uses a unique decentralized system: original vital records are maintained by town and city clerks, not the state government. Your fastest option is often visiting your local town clerk.
Vermont uses a UNIQUE DECENTRALIZED system: original records are maintained by town/city clerks, NOT the state. Town clerks can issue certified copies. Vermont Department of Health has records from 1909+. For records between 1760 and 1909, contact the town clerk or VSARA.
State Office (for records 1857 and later)
| Address | 108 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05402 |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.healthvermont.gov/stats/vital-records |
Vermont Vital Records Fees
| Record Type | First Copy | Additional Copies |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $10 | $10 |
| Death Certificate | $10 | $10 |
| Marriage Certificate | $10 | $10 |
| Divorce Certificate | $10 | $10 |
Online orders through VitalChek include an additional $2.00 convenience fee.
Among the lowest vital records fees in the US ($10 vs $30+ in many states). Noncertified copies on plain paper are FREE. $2 additional fee for online processing.
At $10, Vermont has some of the lowest vital records fees in the country (compared to $30+ in many states).
Fees last verified: 2026-02-24. Always confirm current fees with the office directly.
What to Bring: ID Requirements
To request certified vital records in Vermont, you will need:
- valid identification
Proof of relationship to the person named on the record is required.
Proof of relationship required for certified copies of recent births and deaths. Noncertified copies available to anyone without proof of relationship.
Vermont Processing Times
| Method | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| By Mail | 3–5 weeks |
| In Person | same day at town clerks |
In-person same-day service available at town clerk offices. Online processing time not specified.
What Makes Vermont Different
Decentralized Town Clerk System
Vermont's vital records system is uniquely decentralized: original records are maintained by town and city clerks, not the state. This means for many requests — especially older records — you must contact the specific town clerk where the event occurred rather than a central state office.
Free Online Searchable Index
The Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA) provides a free online searchable index of vital records from 1909 to the present, allowing anyone to search for records without visiting an office.
Lowest Fees in the Country
At $10 per certified copy, Vermont has among the lowest vital records fees in the United States — significantly below the $30+ charged by many other states. Noncertified copies are available for free.
Did You Know?
Eight Vital Event Types: Vermont officially registers eight types of vital events: births, deaths, marriages, civil unions, divorces, dissolutions, fetal deaths, and abortions — one of the most comprehensive vital records systems in the country.
Records Since 1760: Vermont has vital records stretching back over 265 years to approximately 1760, predating statehood (1791). These early records are held by town clerks and VSARA.
Historical and Genealogy Records
Records before 1857 (the start of statewide registration) may be found through alternative sources.
Town/city clerk offices; Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA)
Town records back to approximately 1760. Centralized state registration began 1919.
Busiest Vital Records Offices in Vermont
These local offices process the most vital records requests in the state:
- Chittenden — Population: 168,323
- Washington — Population: 58,336
- Rutland — Population: 58,191
- Windsor — Population: 55,062
- Franklin — Population: 49,946
Vital Records in Neighboring States
Moving to or from Vermont? Vital records procedures vary significantly by state.
Other Vital Records in Vermont
Sources
- Vermont Department of Health Vital Records (accessed 2026-02-24)
- VSARA Vital Records Search Tool (accessed 2026-02-24)
- FamilySearch Vermont Vital Records (accessed 2026-02-24)
Information last verified: 2026-02-24. This information is provided for reference purposes only and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any government office. For the most current fees, requirements, and processing times, contact Vermont Department of Health directly.