Are Montana Vital Records Open to the Public?

Vital records in Montana are open to the public. However, access to a record primarily depends on the record type, the year the event occurred, and the requester's statutory right. Typically, informational copies of a record may be made available to interested members of the public. The Montana Vital Statistics Code only grants eligible persons access to certified copies, including the registrant, immediate family members, and persons with legal authorization or permission to access the record.

What Information Do I Need to Search for Montana Vital Records Online?

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) provides an online record request service through which interested and eligible persons may order vital records. To request a vital record online, the requestor must provide all information required to process the record search, including:

• The full name(s) of the subject(s) of the record (including any maiden names)
• The place and approximate date of the event
• The license number, court docket number, or case file number of the record (if applicable)
• The full name of the subject's parents and/or legal guardian (if applicable)
• The names of the legal representative(s) involved and/or their state bar identity number

How Do I Obtain Montana Vital Records?

In addition to providing information to facilitate the record search, requestors may also be required to present supporting documents relevant to the record retrieval process. Typically, access to informational copies does not require any documentation. However, requests for certified copies often require the requestor to undergo a verification process in which they provide:

• A government-issued ID.
• Proof of relationship documents.
• A court order authorizing access to the record (if applicable).

Publicly available vital records are also managed and disseminated by some third-party aggregate sites. These sites are generally not limited by geographical record availability and may serve as a reliable jump-off point when researching specific or multiple records. However, third-party sites are not government-sponsored. As such, record availability may differ from official channels. To find a record using the search engines on third party sites, the requesting party will be required to provide:

• The location of the record in question, including the city, county, or state where the case was filed.
• The name of someone involved providing it is not a juvenile.

What's the Difference Between a Certified Record and Informational Copy?

An informational copy is a duplicate of a record often issued for unofficial and non-legal purposes. It provides details regarding a vital event and is typically used for genealogical and research-related functions. On the other hand, certified records are official documents with the legal authority to establish the bearer's identity. They serve a wider range of functions and may be used for applications and business endeavors. These records are primarily distinguished by the raised seal typically featured on the certified record.

Are Montana Marriage Records Public Information?

Yes. Montana marriage records become public information after 30 years. Interested persons may obtain informational copies of these records. However, selected, sensitive information is often excluded from public marriage records. Also, access to certified marriage records is restricted to the persons named on the record and immediate family members.

How Do I Obtain Marriage Records in Montana?

Certified marriage records are available at the clerk's office in the county where the marriage license was issued. The Montana DPHHS has maintained an index of marriage records containing marriage-related information since July 1943. This index of marriage records is available to interested members of the public. Persons requesting the index of marriage records must prepare a written request describing the record in detail. The requester must also attach a valid photo ID, and payment for the search fee per name queried. Enclose the application in a self-addressed stamped envelope and mail it to:

Office of Vital Statistics
111 North Sanders, Room 6
PO Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604
Phone: (406) 444-4226
Fax: (406) 444-1803

Are Montana Divorce Records Public Information?

Yes. Informational copies of Montana divorce records are available to interested members of the public. These copies exclude sensitive details on the event as well as property inventories, social security numbers, and details of any financial settlements. Access to restricted information is excluded to persons with a proven, tangible interest in the record.

How Do I Obtain Divorce Records in Montana?

Montana divorce records are primarily managed and disseminated by the district court clerk's office in the county where the divorce decree was issued. However, the state DPHHS also maintains an index of divorce decrees going back to July 1943, and divorce information can be obtained by sending a written request to the state office. Requests must detail pertinent information on the divorce, including the names of the parties involved and the place and date the decree was granted. All requests are to be accompanied by a fee of $10 and delivered in person or via mail to:

Office of Vital Statistics
111 North Sanders, Room 6
PO Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604
Phone: (406) 444-4226
Fax: (406) 444-1803

Are Montana Birth Records Public Information?

Yes. Informational copies of Montana birth records are open to the public if the birth is more than thirty years old. Per MCA 50-15-121 and ARM 37-8-126, only the following persons can access certified birth records in Montana:

• The registrant (must be at least 14 years old at the time of the request)
• The registrant's parents or legal guardians
• Other immediate family members, including the spouse, children, and grandparents
• Legal representatives
• Persons authorized by court order

How Do I Obtain Montana Birth Records?

To order birth certificates replacements or public birth records in Montana, interested persons may contact the clerk and recorder's office in the county where the birth happened. The Vital Records Office also maintains a statewide registry of births in Montana. Interested persons must complete a birth record application form, notarize, and attach a photo ID to the form. Next, the requester must attach a check or money order with the application forms and enclose the application packet in a self-addressed stamped envelope and mail it to:

Montana Office of Vital Statistics
111 North Sanders, Room 6
PO Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604
Phone: (406) 444-4226
Fax: (406) 444-1803

Are Montana Death Records Open to the Public?

Yes. Informational copies of death records in Montana are open to the public. However, the applicant must fulfill ID requirements and pay the application fees. Only the deceased's family and persons with the required legal authority may obtain certified death records.  

How Do I Obtain Death Records in Montana?

The State Vital Records Office processes requests for public death records search by name in Montana. Generally, the applicant must complete a death record application form, attach a valid ID, and payment in the form of a check or money order. Next, the requester must enclose the request in a self-addressed, stamped envelope and mail it to:

Montana Office of Vital Statistics
111 North Sanders, Room 6
PO Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604
Phone: (406) 444-4226
Fax: (406) 444-1803

Death records are also available at the clerk's office in the county where the death happened. Interested persons must visit the clerk's office in person during business hours and submit an application. Similar ID and payment requirements apply.  

How Do I Obtain Sealed Vital Records in Montana

Sealed vital records in Montana are restricted from public access but may be made available to eligible persons. The requirement for accessing a sealed vital record is primarily dependent on the reason for its restriction. Suppose a record is sealed following the petition of persons named on the record. Then, interested persons may access the record by obtaining a written request from either or both parties.

More often than not, records are sealed by a court, often according to the provisions of the law. Where this is the case, then the record can be accessed if the requestor petitions a Montana-licensed judge for a subpoena. After receiving the subpoena, the requestor may request the record of interest using the appropriate request form and the relevant supporting documents.