Q: What are Vital Statistics?

A: Vital statistics for the United States are obtained from the official records of live births, deaths, fetal deaths, marriages, divorces, and adoptions. The official recording of these events is the responsibility of the individual states and independent registration areas (District of Columbia, New York City, and territories). The Federal government obtains use of the records for statistical purposes through a cooperative arrangement with the responsible agency in each state.

Q: Why is this information "Vital"?

A: Birth and death records are an essential component of our public health system. These records have traditionally been viewed as one of the major research tools used for the control of epidemics. Vital records are also important measures for a multitude of state and federal health and welfare initiatives. The importance of uniform definitions and quality collection systems has grown with the increasing attention focused on this data and its applications in a wide variety of programs that benefit virtually every citizen in the United States.

Q: What is NAPHSIS?

A: NAPHSIS is the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems. The association is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), membership organization representing the state registrars and directors of vital statistics in the United States. NAPHSIS was organized in 1933 as the American Association of State Registration Executives. The association's national headquarters are located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Q: How can I obtain information regarding my own vital records?

A: Each state, and some of the larger cities, has an office of vital records and statistics. The requirements and fees for obtaining copies of vital records vary from one state to another.  You will have to contact the specific state that you would like information from.