VERMONT VITAL RECORDS

Vital records are available for research through the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration's (VSARA) Reference Room (see index for PR-016). Records that comprise the State's register of vital events were compiled from various sources dating as early as 1760 through the end of 2003. Vital records dating 2004 and later are available only through the Department of Health's Vital Records Office.

Records in the State registry are not divided by town or county. Until 1979, all vital records were organized alphabetically by the individual's last name. These alphabetical files are divided into five groups based on date: 1760-1870; 1871-1908; 1909-1941; 1942-1954; and 1955-1979. In 1980, the registry system was modernized and records are now organized by the year the event occurred and the file number. An index is available to locate file(s) associated with an individual.

Please note the State's registry is not complete, particularly for pre-1909 records. If you are conducting research for a family that resided in one particular town, the best source for vital records is likely the office of the Town Clerk (see Town Clerks' Guide). A detailed history of the Vital Registry System explains the variation between local vital records and the State registry.

VISITING THE VERMONT STATE ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION

Both certified copies and informational copies of vital records can be obtained by visiting the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration building in Middlesex. Microfilmed copies of vital records are available for researchers to use through our Reference Room, which is open Tuesday - Friday from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM. For directions, see our Contact page.

Requests for informational copies may be e-mailed to or submitted via U.S. mail. We will search up to two microfilm reels for single or multiple requests submitted by a single researcher at any given time. As a courtesy, we are waiving the statutory fees associated with searching and copying vital records. We ask that researchers wait to hear back from us before submitting another request. Your cooperation allows us to continue to waive the statutory fees. If a researcher would like a more extensive search, the Uniform Schedule of Public Records Charges will apply. Please contact the Reference Room for more details before submitting a more extensive request.

Please direct all reference questions or research inquiries to:

VSARA Reference Room Staff

EMAIL:

(For vital records requests use: )

PHONE: 802-828-2308