I find that the best way to get vital records is by using the local genealogical society or county courthouse rather than the state. If you do not live in a state that you need these records it is better to pay someone to do the footwork and get the records and save the hassle of lost checks or months of waiting to get a "not found" when in fact the state worker may not have even had the time or inclination to look for the record. It will usually save you from pointless worry and disappointment, not to mention frustration. I can't research outside of my home due to medical problems and disability so I am comfortable paying someone to get these records if needed. It does not have to cost alot if you know who to contact and ask the right folks for assistance. I am on a very limited income being on SSDI and I still can afford to pay for someone to "gopher" records & copies, etc. when needed. **I save for records I especially want to add to my files. Right here in my own home town of Lincoln, Nebraska which is the state capitol, I could not get diddly-do from vital records on the marriage certificate for my uncle who has been missing for 37 years. His marriage only lasted a year and produced one child who I saw once (I was 8 and my cousin was 3 weeks old). My interest in the certificate was for family records only at this point and to know what my aunt's maiden name had been. I now at least have her full name and her parents names as well as the marriage date. My sister was able to get a copy of this same record by walking into the vital records office and paying for the copy while she waited and she provided her identification as required. Funny thing is that I did exactly as I was supposed to by mail including a photocopy of my State ID and my check and they still would not do it. My point in all this is that State offices are usually too busy, understaffed, or overworked to care about helping people who are researching their family tree. All that is to them is more needless work that they are not really hired to do. That is why it is so important to use the local genealogical & historical societies. Become a member, even if you do not live in that state. If you have an ancestral connection, then it is a very good reason to become a member and there are some benefits to this. Most societies offer free newsletters and certain events may be at reduced rates by being a member. Always digging for my roots, Kathie Harrison GERMANS-WI-L Admin Lancaster Co. Coordinator, NEGenWeb Project http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~irishrose/lancindex.html