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How to obtain vital documents in Washington D.C.

Certain documents in life are essential. Without these documents many other procedures cannot be accomplished such as getting a passport or a license. This document explains in detail how to get these vital documents in case the have been lost or stolen or how to get duplicate certified copies.

Event: Birth or death

Cost of copy:
Birth (short form) $18.00;
Birth (long form) $23.00;
Death $18.00

Address:
Vital Records Division
825 North Capitol Street NE
Washington, DC 20002

Remarks: Office has death records since 1855 and birth records since 1874 but no death records were filed during the Civil War.

Personal check or money order should be made payable to DC Treasurer. A copy of a government issued picture identification must accompany each request. To verify current fees and obtain general information, the telephone number is (202) 671-5000.  This will be a recorded message. Information on how to obtain certified copies is also available via the Internet at http://www.dchealth.dc.gov.

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Event: Marriage

Cost of copy: $10.00

Address:
DC Superior Court
500 Indiana Avenue, NW, Rm. 4485
Washington, DC 20001

Remarks: Marriage
information (202) 879-4840

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Event: Divorce (court)

Cost of copy: $6.50

Address:
DC Superior Court
500 Indiana Avenue, NW, Rm. 4335
Washington, DC 20001

Remarks: Records since September 16, 1956.

Divorce information (202) 879-1261

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Event: Divorce (court)

Cost of copy: Varies

Address:
Clerk, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
Washington, DC 20001

Remarks: Records before
September 16, 1956.

 

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