Processing Times and Fees

Requests for certified copies of vital events have increased substantially because of the upcoming Real ID requirement for people to obtain a Star Card driver’s license by May 2025. Processing time varies based on staffing levels and workload. Thank you for your patience during this time.

Please check your order carefully before mailing it. Orders with unsigned payments, unsigned applications, or incomplete copies of identification that do not clearly show the signature and expiration date will not be processed. A letter will be sent asking for the missing information which will increase the processing time. 

Timing and fees

Certified copies may be ordered using the Montana Vital Records  Certificate Request form-Birth or Certificate Request form-Death. Certified copies of birth certificates are $12 each ( non-refundable). Certified copies of death certificates are $16 each ( non-refundable). All  Vital Records Fees must be paid with one check or money order.  Please check your totals carefully.

Processing Times for Birth and Death Certificates:

  • 2-4 weeks to process certificate orders

Birth and death certificate applications are processed in the order they are received. Processing time frames apply once a properly completed certificate order is received in our office. They do not include estimated mailing times. Customers who place online orders through  vitalchek typically receive their certificates faster because there is no physical payment to process and mail time to our office is eliminated. 

Processing Fees Through VitalChek:

  • VitalChek fee - $14 non-refundable fee applies to all orders
  • Expedited shipping via UPS - $20 for most delivery areas. To verify availability and fees of expedited shipping to your area, visit  vitalchek or call 866-628-9244, option 1. 

Legal Action Processing Times for Amendments, Adoptions, Corrections, Etc:

  • 6-8 weeks for certificate changes

  • Currently working on orders received on 3/11/2024

Legal action applications are processed in the order they are received. Legal actions include corrections, paternity actions, court-ordered name changes, court-ordered certificate changes, adoptions, surrogacy, and delayed certificate filing.

Response time varies depending on the number of requests received, staffing levels, and the complexity of the action being requested. 

Legal Processing Fees: