Authorized Requester: Who Can Order a Certified Vital Record
An authorized requester is a person the law allows to obtain a certified copy of a vital record. Each state decides who qualifies, and informational copies are sometimes open to anyone.
What vital record do you need?
Choose your certificate to start your order.
Who is usually eligible
Examples from three states show the pattern:
- Texas: the person named on the record, immediate family members (child, parent or guardian, sibling, grandparent or spouse), a guardian, or a legal agent or representative. Other applicants must provide legal documentation showing a direct, tangible interest, such as a guardianship court order.
- Minnesota: the person named on a birth record, parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren and great-relatives, a guardian or conservator with a court order, and estate representatives for a death certificate. Any eligible requester may name an authorized representative in a signed statement.
- New York (death records): the spouse, parent, child or sibling of the deceased. Others need a documented lawful right or claim, medical need or a court order.
Certified and informational copies
Washington's health department says only qualified applicants may order certified copies of a death record, while anyone can order a noncertified informational copy. Minnesota says similar for public birth records and death records.
Frequently asked questions
Can a friend order a certificate for me?
Usually only if the friend is authorized by the state's rules, for example through a signed statement or legal documentation. Check the state.
What proof will I need?
Typically a valid ID and proof of your relationship. See the entries on identity verification and proof of relationship.
Are the rules the same in every state?
No. Eligibility lists differ by state and by record type.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
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