Who maintains the records of vital statistics?

The responsibility for maintaining records of vital statistics, which include birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and related documents, typically falls to the state or county registrar. This office is tasked with collecting, storing, and providing access to these records, ensuring they are managed according to state law and regulations.

Vital statistics are essential for various legal and administrative purposes, such as confirming identity, processing insurance claims, and supporting public health initiatives. The state or county registrar compiles this information and ensures that it is accurate and up-to-date.

In contrast, local funeral homes do not have the authority to maintain these records; instead, they may assist in the completion of required documents for the registrar. The office of the governor does not handle vital statistics directly, as this function is usually delegated to specific state agencies. Lastly, while the National Vital Statistics System plays a role in aggregating and analyzing vital statistics data at a national level, it is not responsible for maintaining the individual records, which are kept at the state or county level.