Personal Records Copy: Keeping a Copy of a Vital Record
"Personal records copy" is not an official legal term. It usually means a copy of a birth, death or marriage record ordered for your own files, often a non-certified or informational copy rather than a certified one.
What vital record do you need?
Choose your certificate to start your order.
Informational versus certified
Washington's Department of Health describes the split clearly. Certified copies are issued on security paper and can serve as base documents that prove identity. Non-certified informational copies cannot be used for legal purposes and carry a watermark saying "Cannot be used for legal purposes. Informational only." Anyone may order an informational copy, while certified copies are limited to qualified applicants who show identity and relationship.
Genealogy and family records
New Jersey offers a "certification," an uncertified informational copy that is "not valid for establishing identity or legal purposes" and needs no proof of relationship. Maine requires a direct and legitimate interest for recent records but allows non-certified copies for older records to applicants with identification.
Check before you order
Before ordering either type, check with the agency or business that will use the copy, since some do not accept informational copies. Rules vary by state.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an informational copy to get a passport or ID?
Generally no. Washington says informational copies cannot be used for legal purposes.
Who can order an informational copy?
In Washington, anyone. Other states restrict recent records. Rules vary by state.
Will an informational copy show the same information?
In Washington, a birth informational copy has the same information as the certified one. Death informational copies omit cause and manner of death.
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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