United States Document Resources
Birth, Death, Marriage Certificates
If you are required to provide an “authenticated” copy of your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship to someone outside of the U.S. government, you must make an appointment with your local USCIS office to authenticate your photocopy of your certificate.
VitalChek is a government-authorized service used to order certified vital record certificates issued in the United States. For birth and death certificates, using VitalChek is normally faster then applying to the State Vital Records office. The rules of each State determine who can order a certificate, but in most cases only the person named in the certificate or immediate family can order a record.
To obtain a copy of a US Birth, Marriage or Death Certificate, contact the Vital Records Office in the state or territory where the birth, death or marriage took place. Certificates are also available online using 
VitalChek.
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is a document that certifies the birth of a US citizen abroad, issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate. Replacement certficates can be ordered from the U.S. Department of State (Passport Vital Records Section).
Criminal Record Certificates
The FBI can provide individuals with an Identity History Summary. Most countries accept FBI checks as evidence of a clean criminal record. FBI certificates can be obtained online and the electronic certificate can be legalised for international use by an apostille issued by the US Department of State and where necessary attested by foreign embassies and consulates in the United States.
- Apply online at: Apply for FBI Identity History Summary
- Certificates can be received electronically via a secure link sent to your email.
- Applicants will need to upload their fingerprints. These muse be submitted using the FBI fingerprint form (pdf).
- You may visit a participating U.S. Post Office location to submit your fingerprints electronically. If applying from abroad, you can normally have fingerprinting done at a local police station (using the FBI fingerprint card).
- Frequently asked questions: FAQs - FBI Identity History Summary
Notary Services
Instructions to Authenticate Power of Attorney Documents in Michigan