DC Department of Health - Vital Records - Washington, District of Columbia

beyondTabu

New building with convenient paid parking lot next door.

Staff were helpful and everything went smoothly.
Needed a birth certificate urgently so we couldn’t do online.
The system is pretty fluid & the process took about 45 mins from the time we entered.

S W.

I am uncertain about where to begin. We required a birth certificate, and initially, we were informed that we needed to complete a form and either mail it or submit it in person. We believed that submitting it in person would expedite the process. However, it took approximately 45 minutes to drop off the paperwork, and we expected it to be processed immediately. Instead, we were informed that we would need to wait 10 to 15 days for a response, which merely instructed us to make a payment. Following this payment, we had to endure further delays to pick up the document, which took an additional 40 minutes after getting a ticket

I would like to suggest the implementation of a separate line for collecting items that have already been paid for, as this would streamline the process. It seems inefficient to require individuals to navigate multiple windows, resulting in unnecessary duplication of work for both staff and clients. Furthermore, there were 2 to 3 personnel positioned outside the door after passing through security. It would be beneficial for these individuals to engage in more productive tasks rather than merely directing people on which line to join. Overall, the current system appears dysfunctional and represents a significant waste of time.

Julie

Better than my most recent experience at the Virginia DMV. Process to get a birth certificate was easy: showed up a few minutes after they opened, building is new and comfortable, there were plenty of people to help me find my way, and the self serve kiosk was easy to use, plus I didn't have to use any of the backup documents I brought just in case there was an issue with my regular drivers ID. Took a star off because the whole thing required more steps than I expected - had to go through security screening to get into the building (underwire bra will set it off, so plan accordingly) then did self serve kiosk where they asked identity verification questions I hadn't expected (no real problems there, just typical historical credit record kinds of questions and I've lived many places so sometimes I struggle to remember the details), then had to wait ~5 min after using the kiosk before I was called up to the desk to verify my order and the info on the certificate, then sat back down and waited another ~10 min for them to call me up again to a different desk where they printed and put the raised seal on the certificate while I watched. That last desk - where I picked up the certificate - was around the corner fom the waiting area so it wasn't visible when I was waiting, but again, plenty of signs and people there to help me find it. There were TVs in the waiting area but they weren't on, and there were signs saying "No cell phones No food No drinks except water" and I hadn't been prepared for that, so I was bored. Thankfully the chairs were reasonably comfortable (again, compared to VA DMV...not my own living room 😉 Eventually noticed that others were looking at their phones, so I think they just mean no calls? But talking to your friends and family who are sitting with you is fine, so even no phone calls seems odd to me; maybe they just don't want us to take pictures. I stopped in one of the the unisex singleton restrooms, which was clean and big and had a changing table, but no hook for a purse. Anyway. All said and done, I was able to get exactly what I came for and walk out with the printed birth certificate about 45 min after I arrived on a Friday morning, then got on with the rest of my day. Hopefully this review helps others know more about what to expect!

K L.

I debated coming to the office rather than spending a bunch of money ordering a copy-do NOT make my mistake. Spend whatever you have to in order to avoid coming here! Checked in on the kiosk and printed a ticket at 9:22, walked out of there at 11:45. There were three workers and the entire waiting area was packed. Order online, avoid this place at all costs.

LATESE G.

I don’t usually write reviews, but I felt compelled to share my experience. I was at my wit’s end trying to resolve an issue, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to Ms. Shirley at the Vital Statistics office. She was incredibly helpful and understanding of my needs. While I had to call the office multiple times—admittedly, their responsiveness to returning calls could be improved—the in-person customer service was exceptional. I also appreciated the addition of a greeter, which enhanced the overall customer experience. Ms. Shirley went above and beyond, making my day and simplifying my life by ensuring my birth certificate was corrected.

Thank you, Ms. Shirley!

—Latese

Savannah D.

What a great, easy experience. I was dreading picking up my baby’s birth certificate, but it was so easy, with a big, cheap and safe parking lot right in front of the building, the staff was all super nice, the facility was really nice, and the operation was smoothly run/managed. Was in and out with the birth certificate in hardly 20 mins. 5 star experience.

Brandi M.

Been waiting a week now for a birth certificate I ordered through vital chek. A company dc vital records list on their website.Paid for expedited UPS next day air, the document was given a tracking number on the 18th it is now the 24th and still have not recieved the package nor has UPS.

Mary G.

Please and I repeat please if you need to order do not and I repeat do not go through vital check !! Myself and my mother never received our documents or a refund for our purchase my mom had to drive from NC to DC and I had to put my daughter on a flight from CA. They toook my money have me the run around and never came through with the service they were supposed to provide. If you can you are better off going into the office.