Vital records are among the most important documents you’ll ever have. They mark major milestones in life — from birth to marriage, through divorce, and even at death. These official documents are often required for legal, government, and personal purposes.

Whether you’re applying for a passport, handling estate matters, or getting documents apostilled for international use, having the right vital record in hand can make all the difference.

At Quality Assurance 24/7 in Davenport, FL, we help clients understand what vital records are, when they’re needed, and how to ensure they’re properly notarized or prepared for use.

What Are Vital Records?

Vital records are official government-issued documents that record life events. They are usually maintained by the state or county where the event occurred. The four main categories are:

• Birth Certificates
• Marriage Certificates
• Divorce Decrees
• Death Certificates

Each plays a unique role in legal and personal matters. Let’s break them down.

Birth Certificates

Your birth certificate is your very first official record. It proves your identity, place of birth, and parentage.

Common Uses:

• Applying for a passport or government ID
• Enrolling in school
• Verifying citizenship

Obtaining a marriage license 

 If you were born in Florida, your birth certificate can be obtained from the Florida Department of Health in the county of birth. If you were born elsewhere, you’ll need to request it from that state’s vital records office.

Marriage Certificates

A marriage certificate proves that a legal marriage took place. It’s not the same as a marriage license (the license allows you to marry, while the certificate proves the marriage occurred).

Common Uses:

• Changing your name after marriage
• Filing taxes jointly
• Applying for spousal benefits (Social Security, insurance, etc.)
• Immigration processes (spousal visas, green cards)

In Florida, marriage records are usually filed with the Clerk of Court in the county where the marriage license was issued.

Divorce Decrees

A divorce decree is a court-issued document that finalizes the end of a marriage. It contains important details about property division, child custody, and financial obligations.

Common Uses:

• Proving legal single status for remarriage
• Updating name or marital status on records
• Enforcing custody or support orders
• Immigration or international recognition of divorce

In Florida, divorce records are handled by the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was granted.

Death Certificates

A death certificate provides legal proof that a person has passed away. It includes the date, place, and cause of death.

Common Uses:

• Settling estates and wills
• Claiming life insurance benefits
• Applying for survivor benefits
• Closing financial accounts

In Florida, death certificates are issued by the Department of Health in the county where the death occurred.

Why Vital Records Matter for Notarization & Apostille Services

Vital records often need to be:

• Notarized — to confirm the authenticity of copies or affidavits related to them.
• Apostilled — if you need to use them in another country that follows the Hague Apostille Convention.

At Quality Assurance 24/7, we help clients navigate these steps to ensure their documents are ready for legal and international use.

Get Help with Your Vital Records in Davenport, FL

If you need assistance with birth, marriage, divorce, or death certificates — whether for notarization, apostille, or simply understanding the process — Quality Assurance 24/7 is here for you.

Quality Assurance 24/7
📧 [email protected]

🌐www.qualityassurance247.com
📍 456 N. Wabash Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33815
📞 (863) 457-2912

#FloridaApostille #DocumentLegalization #PolkCounty