Official documents recording key life events such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces.
Definition
Vital records are government-issued documents that officially record significant life events including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These records serve as primary sources for verifying identities and family relationships.
Why It Matters
Access to vital records is essential for researchers conducting genealogical, legal, or investigative inquiries as they provide authoritative proof of personal information and life events, which can link individuals to other public records and assist in building accurate profiles.