Vital records in Connecticut are handled at the municipal level. Birth, death, and marriage records are maintained by local city or town clerks. The state office (Town Clerk (local) / DPH (state copies)) keeps duplicate copies.
What this page covers: Connecticut vital record ordering, eligibility requirements, and related databases. What it does not cover: Genealogy records older than the state vital records system (check the Genealogy Resources page for historical records).
Where to start: For certified copies of birth or death certificates, contact Town Clerk (local) / DPH (state copies). For marriage licenses, contact the Town Clerk in the municipality where the ceremony will occur. For divorce records, contact the court that granted the decree.
Common mistake: Birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees come from different offices. Do not assume one office handles all vital records.
Connecticut Vital Records — Key Facts (2026)
What Changed in 2026 — Connecticut Vital Records
The 4-Step Connecticut Vital Records Pathway
Five Things People Get Wrong About Connecticut Vital Records
Primary Sources and Official Record Portals
- portal.ct.gov — Official Connecticut Vital Records — State portal for Connecticut vital records
- CDC National Vital Statistics System — National Vital Statistics System
- CDC — Where to Write for Records — CDC state-by-state directory
- National Archives — Vital Records — Federal genealogy & vital guide
- Social Security Death Master File — Social Security death records
- Census — Births and Deaths — Census Bureau vital statistics
- VA — Veterans Records — Veterans Administration records
Related Vital Records Resources
- Connecticut Court Records →
- Connecticut Criminal Records →
- Connecticut Property Records →
- Connecticut Voter Records →
- Connecticut Wants & Warrants →
- Connecticut Licenses →
- Connecticut Recorded Documents →
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Vital Records Databases
11 official Connecticut vital records sources.
Vital Records
Connecticut Counties
All 8 Connecticut counties. Click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I order a Connecticut birth certificate?▼
Certified birth certificates for events in Connecticut are issued by the Official Connecticut Vital Records at portal.ct.gov. Requests can be made by mail, in person, or (in most cases) online through the state's authorized vendor. The county of registration may also be able to issue certified copies for recent local events.
How do I get a Connecticut death certificate?▼
Connecticut death certificates are issued by the Official Connecticut Vital Records; eligibility (next of kin, executor, legal representative) and ID documentation requirements are listed at portal.ct.gov. For deaths within the last year, the county clerk or local registrar where the death occurred can often issue a copy more quickly.
Can I look up a Connecticut marriage or divorce record online?▼
Connecticut marriage and divorce records are not generally available in a free, name-searchable online index. The Official Connecticut Vital Records (portal.ct.gov) handles certified copies; the underlying license/decree is filed with the county clerk or court that issued it, which is also a primary search point.
How long does it take to get a Connecticut vital record?▼
Standard Connecticut vital-record processing times vary from a few business days (in-person same-day at some county clerks) to several weeks for mailed requests. The Official Connecticut Vital Records publishes current turnaround times at portal.ct.gov. Expedited processing is usually available for an additional fee.
What ID do I need to order a Connecticut certified vital record?▼
The Official Connecticut Vital Records requires government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID) and proof of your relationship to the record holder, if applicable. The full list of acceptable ID and supporting documents is published at portal.ct.gov.