Yes, it is legit. It is a real and authorized online service that helps people order official vital records — like birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and more — from government agencies in the United States. It processes real requests, works with state and local offices, and delivers certified documents to customers. It is not a scam site that takes money without delivering the records you request.
However, while VitalChek is legitimate, there are important details about fees, processing times, and alternatives that every user should understand before ordering.
What VitalChek Actually Is
VitalChek is an authorized third-party service used by many government agencies to accept online orders for official vital records. Instead of mailing a paper form or visiting a government office in person, VitalChek lets you:
- Submit a request online
- Upload required identification
- Pay fees electronically
- Get your record mailed or delivered securely
Many states and counties use VitalChek as their online processor for these official documents. That means when you order through VitalChek, the request still goes to the government office that actually issues the certificate.
How VitalChek Works
Here’s the basic process:
- You visit the VitalChek website
- You choose the type of record you need
- You enter required personal information
- You upload ID documents (if required)
- You pay the service and government fees
- VitalChek forwards your request to the issuing agency
- You receive your official record by mail
VitalChek acts as a facilitator, not as the issuing authority. The government agency — such as a state health department — still creates and certifies the record.
Is VitalChek a Scam or Fake Website?
No — VitalChek is not a scam:
- It is widely used by government agencies to accept online requests
- Orders result in official certificates from the issuing office
- Payments go through secure processing
- Millions of people have used the service successfully over many years
Scam sites often take payments with no official delivery. VitalChek does not do this — it actually forwards your request to a government office that issues the document.
Why VitalChek Charges Fees
VitalChek charges two types of fees:
1. Government Issuance Fee
This is the fee set by the issuing agency (state or county). It pays for making the actual certificate.
2. VitalChek Service Fee
This is an extra processing fee that VitalChek charges for handling the online order and technology.
Sometimes people assume all fees are government fees, but part is the convenience fee for using the online portal.
If you want to avoid the service fee, many agencies still accept paper applications by mail, though that takes more time.
Is Your Payment Safe?
Yes. VitalChek uses secure payment systems with encryption. Your credit card or bank information is processed through standard secure checkout, and the site does not have a pattern of widespread fraud or unauthorized charges tied to legitimate use.
However, always make sure:
- You are using the official VitalChek site, not a look-alike
- The URL starts with https://
- You save your order confirmation
These are good practices for any online payment.
Delivery and Processing Times
VitalChek does not control how fast the government agency issues the certificate. Typical timelines depend on:
- The issuing state or county
- Whether you requested standard mail or expedited shipping
- How busy the office is
Even though VitalChek forwards the request quickly, the certificate still has to be printed and certified by the government office. That can take days or weeks, depending on the jurisdiction.
Identification Requirements
Because vital records are legal and sensitive documents, most states require you to prove your identity. You must upload or provide:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of relationship (for dependent records)
- Signed authorization (if required)
If you don’t provide the right documents, the agency will reject the request, and you may need to start over.
This is a government rule, not a scam.
Common Complaints You Should Expect
Even though VitalChek is legit, common frustrations include:
- High service fees
- Slow delivery due to government office timelines
- Confusion about total cost (service + government fees)
- Complicated ID requirements
These issues are about cost and process, not legitimacy.
Alternatives to VitalChek
If you don’t want to pay the service fee, you can often:
- Order directly from your state health department’s website
- Mail a paper application to the vital records office
- Visit the office in person (if available)
These options can be slower but may reduce or eliminate third-party fees.
Who VitalChek Is Best For
VitalChek works well for:
- People who want a fast and convenient online process
- Those who cannot visit a government office
- Users who prefer digital submission and tracking
It is less ideal for:
- People who want to avoid service fees completely
- Those who are comfortable mailing paper applications
- Users who don’t mind waiting
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Legit and widely used service
- Secure online ordering
- Official certificates issued by government agencies
- More convenient than mail or in-person requests
Cons
- Service fees add cost
- You still wait for government processing
- ID requirements can be strict
- Some complain fees feel high
Final Verdict
Yes, It is a real and trusted online service that helps people order official vital records from government offices. It is not a scam.
However, because it charges a service fee on top of government fees, you should understand the total cost before you order. If convenience and speed matter most, VitalChek can be a good choice. If minimizing fees matters more, you might consider direct ordering from the issuing agency.