International Vital Records Handbook [Paperback]

Thomas Jay Kemp (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0806314249 | ISBN-13: 978-0806314242 | Publication Date: August 1994 | Edition: 3

At one time or another all of us need copies of birth, marriage, or death certificates for driver's licenses, passports, jobs, Social Security, family history research, or for simple proof of identity. But the fact is that the application forms needed to obtain copies of vital records vary from state to state and from country to country, often necessitating a tedious and time-wasting exchange of correspondence. The International Vital Records Handbook is designed to put an end to all that, as it offers a complete, up-to-date collection of vital records application forms from nations throughout the world, thus simplifying and speeding up the process by which vital records are obtained. Divided into two parts, this Fourth Edition of the International Vital Records Handbook contains forms and information for each of the fifty states and also furnishes details about the records that were created prior to statewide vital records registration; then, in alphabetical sequence, it covers all the other countries of the world, giving, where available, their current forms and instructions; and since most non-English-speaking nations have neither a centralized vital records registration system nor application forms of any kind, this work provides as a substitute a list of national and provincial record repositories or key addresses of other institutions that might be of assistance.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Most of us will need a copy of a birth, marriage, or death certificate at some point in our lives. Through his pioneering vital records handbook, Kemp, a former genealogical librarian, has filled this need. For the first time, this third edition includes all countries, forms for divorce certificates, and alternative record locations, including vital records microfilmed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and available at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and its branches, the Family History Centers around the world. The latest edition of this ready-reference work, last updated in 1990, includes current addresses, phone numbers, fees, dates of records, and similar information, covering some 75 pages more than the previous edition. With the latest forms and information for all the states and other countries included, it is essential for all reference desks. In both institutional and home libraries, the completely new third edition will replace the older editions.
Judith P. Reid, Library of Congress
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 417 pages
• Publisher: Genealogical Pub Co; 3 edition (August 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806314249
• ISBN-13: 978-0806314242
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,992,706 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Now in a newly updated fifth edition, January 11, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: International Vital Records Handbook: Births, Marriages, Deaths (International Vital Records Handbook) (Paperback)

Interest in genealogical research and family histories continues to be a popular pastime for hundreds of thousands of people across the country. Now in a newly updated fifth edition, Thomas Jay Kemp's "International Vital Records Handbook" continues to be an indispensable resource for both amateur and professional genealogists with respect to acquiring certificates and other informational records on births, marriages, and deaths. This compendium of application forms is also of critical importance for anyone needing to order information with respect to driver's licenses, passports, proof of identity, employment, even social security. Arranged alphabetically by state, the "International Vital Records Handbook" also covers United States Trust Territories from American Samoa to the Virgin Islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. Of special note is the major international section devoted the countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. An invaluable contribution, "International Vital Records Handbook" is an indispensable addition to personal, professional, academic, and community reference collections.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars CAUTION! OUTDATED!, April 6, 2006

By 

L. Harpool "Librarian" (NJ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: International Vital Records Handbook: Births, Marriages, Deaths (International Vital Records Handbook) (Paperback)

I am a Reference Librarian and have often used this resource for library patrons. It has been a good resource. HOWEVER this edition is prior to the events of 9/11. Many States have greatly revised their requirements for obtaining vital records due to increased security measures. Unless you go online and compare current vital record requirements for each locale, you may be wasting your time using the information in this edition. Hopefully the author is preparing a new edition with post-9/11 requirements; but until then, do NOT rely on this edition as a current accurate handbook for today's requirements. You will be wasting your time and money.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an excellent compilation of material that can prove to be invaluable in your search for information!, June 24, 2010

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: International Vital Records Handbook. 5th Edition (Paperback)

We often find ourselves at odds trying to find the correct form for one thing or another. It can be quite frustrating to fill out a form only to find you need a different one. It may be frustrating if it is a form that can be found locally, but if it is one that will take many emails or phone calls to obtain the proper one it can be very time consuming. In this book of forms you can find forms that deal with "copies of birth, marriage, or death certificates for drivers' licenses, passports, jobs, social security, family history research, or for simple proof of identity."

If you need a form that can be obtained locally, say one to get your driver's license, perhaps you will find investing in this book would be senseless, but if you are a genealogist and need an assortment of forms, this book can be a gold mine. You will find where the vital records are stored, who houses them, where the transcriptions of cemeteries are, how to order the records, telephone numbers, fax numbers, the cost of obtaining certified copies, and more. There are actual copies of forms that you will need. You simply need to copy them, write out a check, send a money order, and simply wait for your document. Of course you will need to keep in mind that many records are only available to relatives and that many forms do ask "your relationship to decedent" or "the person whose record is required."

In addition to a state by state listing of forms, the reader will also be able to find forms or information as to where to obtain them for the U.S. Trust territories and an alphabetical listing of international resources. Canada's are listed by province while most of the other countries have inquiry resources and a brief paragraph outlining what is available. For example, Kazakhstan has an address to send requests, an embassy contact, and states that "Some civil records were destroyed during World War II and may not be available. In the U.S. Kazakhstani documents can be requested through the Embassy of Kazakhstan."

This newly updated book may not have everything you need, but it certainly provides a wealth of information, especially to the genealogy buff. There are two other books I would recommend taking a look at in addition to this one if you are into genealogy. On is the 6th edition "Genealogist's Address Book: State and Local Resources With Special Resources Including Ethnic and Religious Organizations" and the 3rd edition of the "country Courthouse Book: A concise Guide to Country Courthouses and Courthouse Records," both written by Elizabeth Petty Bentley. This is an excellent compilation of material that can prove to be invaluable in your search for information whether it is for simply obtaining your passport or searching for your heritage!