What VitalChek Actually Is and How It Operates
If you’ve ever clicked a link from a state agency to order a birth certificate or marriage record and been taken to a site called VitalChek, you’re not necessarily on a scam site. VitalChek is an authorized online service provider used by many state and local government agencies in the U.S. The site is used to process requests for certified vital records, like birth certificates, marriage records, divorce decrees, death certificates.
According to the company, it serves as the exclusive partner for more than 450 government agencies. VitalChek is owned by LexisNexis Risk Solutions (formerly part of LexisNexis) and has been in operation for decades.
Here’s how it works: you go to the VitalChek website, select the state/agency that holds your records, fill out the application, upload required identification or relationship documentation, and pay the processing fee. VitalChek then forwards your request to the state or county agency that actually issues the certified document. The certificate you receive comes from the government agency, not from VitalChek itself.
Because VitalChek is not the issuing body (it’s a third party processor) they handle the online interface, payment, and forwarding, but the record still originates from the official agency. That distinction is important for understanding legitimacy.
How to Be Sure You’re on the Real VitalChek Site
Even though VitalChek is legitimate, impostor websites mimicking its name, logo, or appearance are common. Here are key verification tips to help you stay safe:
- The official website is ** www.vitalchek.com **. Always check that the address exactly matches and begins with https:// so that you have the secure connection.
- Avoid clicking on ads or “sponsored” search results that claim to provide VitalChek services. These may redirect you to look-alike domains (for example, “vital-chek.com” or “vitalchek-order.net”) that are not legitimate.
- The real VitalChek site will not ask you to pay via unusual methods like gift cards, money apps, or unverified payment links. These are red flags for scam sites.
- VitalChek explicitly states that they use encryption and identity verification processes to protect your personal data.
When in doubt, cross-check with the government agency whose records you’re requesting. Many state vital records departments will list the authorized third-party processor on their website so keep their constituents from being caught off guard.
What It Costs, Alternatives & Smart Consumer Tips
One of the trade-offs for using a service like VitalChek is cost and control. Here’s what you should know:
- VitalChek typically charges a processing fee on top of the actual state record fee. Industry commentary suggests the total extra cost (processing + delivery) may fall in the $5-$20 range depending on state and shipping method.
- If you prefer, you can go directly to the issuing state’s Department of Health, Vital Records office, or county clerk and submit your request yourself. This may reduce the extra fee, but turnaround time can be longer and the online experience may be less streamlined.
To avoid scams or unwanted surprises:
- Use only official government links or use services vetted by consumer watchdogs.
- Be cautious of emails or text messages offering “expedited” vital records for unusually low fees or via non-standard payment. Many of these turn out to be fraudulent.
- Keep records of your payment receipts, screenshots of your submission, and any correspondence. If something goes wrong you’ll need documentation.
Final Thoughts & What to Do Next
In short: yes, VitalChek is a legitimate processor for ordering vital records online, and trusted by hundreds of state and local agencies across the country. But legitimacy doesn’t mean you can relax. Surprise, surprise: scammers routinely try to piggy-back off its name and your need for important documents.
Whenever you’re requesting something as sensitive and essential as a birth certificate, marriage record, or death certificate, your best defense is vigilance. Make sure to only use secure and verified links, read the payment and processing terms carefully, and keep a close eye on the submission process and delivery.
If you’re ready to order your document, start at the official VitalChek website or check directly with the state agency to see whether they endorse VitalChek or another processor. Avoid shortcuts, unsolicited links, or “too good to be true” offers for expedited services.
VitalChek is trusted by state agencies nationwide, but fake sites aren’t. Always begin your request with official links to protect your identity and ensure you’re getting the real deal.