International Vital Records Handbook

At one time of another all of us need copies of birth, marriage, or death certificates for driver’s licenses, passports, jobs, Social Security, family history research, or for simple proof of identity. But the fact is that the application forms needed to obtain copies of vital records vary from state to state and from country to country, often necessitating a tedious and time-wasting exchange of correspondence. The International Vital Records Handbook is designed to put an end to all that, as it offers a complete, up-to-date collection of vital records application forms from nations throughout the world, thus simplifying and speeding up the process by which vital records are obtained.Divided into two parts, this new 4th edition of the International Vital Records Handbook contains the latest forms and information for each of the fifty states and also furnishes details about the records that were created prior to statewide vital records registration; then, in alphabetical sequence, it covers all the other countries of the world, giving, where available, their current forms and instructions; and since most non-English-speaking nations have neither a centralized vital records registration system nor application forms of any kind, this work provides as a substitute a list of national and provincial record repositories or key addresses of other institutions that might be of assistance. Application forms issued by the various civil registration offices and the current procedures for obtaining a birth, marriage, or death certificate (and, in many cases, a divorce or adoption record) are given for each state, province, territory, or country. The application forms are the most current forms in use, and they can be copies and re-copied as often as the need arises. Simply photocopy the form you need, check the corresponding data page for the name and address of the vital records office, the fees involved in applying for copies of vital records, and any special notes on the records themselves, then send the fee and the completed form to the appropriate record office. Simple as that!

(Reviews of Previous Editions)

"First [this] is a wonderful compilation of vital-records application forms. . . . Second, the group of forms for each locale is preceded by a data page which includes the correct name and address of the vital-records office, the phone number, the fees and the method of payment, and special notes on the records themselves. This volume is a must for any genealogical reference collection." —National Genealogical Society Quarterly (Sept. 1988)

"Who has not been forced to obtain, usually in a hurry, a copy of a birth certificate for passport, driver’s license, job, or the like? Aiming to make that task as easy as possible, this book provides the actual application forms required for obtaining birth, marriage, or death certificates. This practical addition to reference collections is for most public libraries."—Library Journal (June 1, 1987)

"For the first time, this third edition includes all countries, forms for divorce certificates, and alternative record locations, including vital records microfilmed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. . . . it is essential for all reference desks. In both institutional and home libraries, the completely new third edition will replace the older editions."—Library Journal (Feb. 1, 1995)

"Absolutely indispensable is the only way to describe this book. . . . Mr. Kemp’s book is the very best available work of its type. All public libraries should have this handbook in their reference sections."—The New England Historical and Genealogical Register (April 1991)

". . . as a published source itself this guide cannot be overlooked. . . . As an aid to the researcher, Kemp included information (for the United States and some other countries) about how to obtain records faster . . . and about which of the records are available through the Family History Library."—Kory L. Meyerink, Printed Sources (1998)

"Another book I would recommend is Thomas Jay Kemp’s International Vital Records Handbook. . . . This provides addresses of vital records offices, starting dates of the records, fees, and copies of application forms."—Val D. Greenwood, The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy, 3rd ed. (2000)

"One particularly good source is Thomas Kemp’s International Vital Records Handbook. The starting dates of state registrations, fees, addresses, and a copy of the forms on which to order the documents are included."—Christine Rose, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Genealogy (1997)

"The work, updated in some instances by hand just before going to press, is a valuable service for public libraries and genealogical libraries to provide to their patrons, saving them many days of anxiety and time wasted. The correct form, the address and the fee are all here and can easily be photocopied. Patrons will bless you for your foresight in buying this book."—American Reference Books Annual (1995)

"This is a very convenient source and a library’s failure to replace the [earlier editions] with the new International Vital Records Handbook would be as serious a mistake as a genealogist’s pruning illegitimate progeny from the family tree."—Wilson Library Bulletin (June 1990)

"If you don’t have a clue as to where to write, what form is needed, or how much it costs, this book is for you . . . With this valuable aid, any excuse for not writing for your family’s vital records has vanished."—Federation of Genealogical Societies Forum (Spring 1996)