Act 46 (2017) effective July 1, 2019

18 V.S.A. § 501

A new vital records law that went into effect July 1, 2019 will enhance the safety and security of certified birth and death certificates, better protect against misuse of these documents and reduce the potential for identity theft.

The law, which was passed by the Vermont legislature in 2017, also streamlines the process to create, store, issue and track birth and death certificates through a new electronic Statewide Vital Records System.

The new law specifies who can obtain a certified copy of a birth or death certificate, such as certain family members, or court-appointed parties or their legal representatives. People who request these documents must present valid identification and complete a brief, standardized application. The law does not change the procedure for requesting Vermont marriage, civil union, divorce or dissolution certificates.