State Vital Records in Vermont
The Vermont Department of Health - Vital Records Office issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Vermont. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.
Administering agency
Vermont Department of Health - Vital Records Office
State Vital Records in Vermont: key facts
- Administering office
- Vermont Department of Health - Vital Records Office.
- Contact
- Phone 802-863-7275; email VitalRecords@vermont.gov.
- Mail orders
- Vermont Department of Health, Vital Records, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-8370.
- Certificate fee
- $10 for the first certified copy.
- Processing time
- 5-7 business days for online orders. Expedited: Shipped overnight on the day the order is fulfilled (expedited shipping only; processing time is unchanged).
- Who may order
- Family members; Legal guardians; Court-appointed parties; Legal representatives; Funeral home or crematorium.
- Filing deadline
- The death certificate must be filed within 1 day.
- Public record
- Death records are public immediately.
- Records available from
- January 1, 1909.
Steps to take when someone dies
- Confirm the death occurred in Vermont — the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
- Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
- Online: Order online with credit card ($10 + $2 processing fee)
- By mail: Mail completed form with copy of ID and check/money order plus self-addressed envelope
- In person: Visit Town or City Clerk (fastest and cheapest for VT residents)
- Include what the office requires with the order:
- Valid photo ID
- Allow the office's processing time (5-7 business days for online orders); expedited handling is available.
Frequently asked questions
by mail: Mail completed form with copy of ID and check/money order plus self-addressed envelope. in person: Visit Town or City Clerk (fastest and cheapest for VT residents). Mail orders go to Vermont Department of Health, Vital Records, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-8370.
The death certificate must be filed within 1 day. The funeral director or person in charge of disposition files the certificate with the state; the family orders certified copies once the record is registered.
Valid photo ID. The office also asks for the deceased's full name, date of death, and place of death to locate the record.
The record belongs to the state where the death occurred, not the state of residence. Order from the state of death, following its fees and eligibility rules.
Sources
Data sourced from State Vital Records in Vermont primary sources (1 page reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Vermont Department of Health - Vital Records Office