Gosh! The same thing just happened to me. I tried getting my deceased aunt's birth certifcate who died in 1988, and the letter said I need permission. I took care of her, she was my mom's only sister and we were her only family. I don't get it! Well, not to leave things alone, I called and was told her records were confidential unless I was a sibling or spouse. Please, let me know if you find a way around this. Cheryl