Montana · County vital records
Carter County Vital Records
Where and how to request certified birth, death, and marriage certificates for Carter County, Montana — including the responsible state office, current fees, and what to bring with you.
About Carter County
Carter County is one of 56 counties and county-equivalents in Montana recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau (FIPS code 30011, ANSI identifier 01688746). Vital records for events that occurred in Carter County are filed with the appropriate state office and, in many cases, mirrored locally with the county clerk, register of deeds, probate court, or county recorder, depending on local custom in Montana.
Pick the certificate you need
Birth certificate
Certified copy for passports, REAL ID, school enrollment, and benefits eligibility.
Open guide →Death certificate
Certified copies for probate, life insurance, Social Security, and title transfer.
Open guide →Marriage certificate
Certified marriage records for name changes, immigration filings, and joint accounts.
Open guide →How requests work in Montana
Birth and death certificates for any event recorded in Carter County are issued by the Montana Office of Vital Statistics. Statewide registration in Montana began approximately 1907. Statewide vital records since 1907. Marriage records on file with the clerk of the district court in the county where the license was issued.
For most certified copies the process is the same: complete an application form (online portal or paper form), present a clear photocopy of a valid government-issued photo ID, supply the basic facts of the event (full names, date, and place), pay the applicable fee, and provide a return mailing address. The current state-office fee schedule for Montana is $15.00 for a birth certificate, $15.00 for a death certificate, and Contact county for a marriage certificate. County offices may add their own service charge or expedited handling fee.
Methods accepted by most counties
- In person: Visit the county office that holds the record, or the state vital records office in person. In-person service typically returns a certified copy the same day.
- By mail: Mail a completed application with payment by check or money order made out to the issuing office, a photocopy of your ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail processing typically takes 2–6 weeks.
- Online: Most states partner with VitalChek or a similar approved vendor. Online orders carry a service surcharge but are usually delivered within 5–10 business days.
- By phone: Some county and state offices accept telephone orders with a credit card payment for in-state requesters.
Tips for a successful request
- Spell the names exactly as they appear on the original record — including maiden names for marriage and birth records.
- Include the approximate date of the event. If unknown, supply the year range you believe is correct.
- If you are not the registrant, document your relationship: copies of your own birth certificate or marriage license usually establish a parent, child, or spouse relationship.
- Order extra certified copies of death certificates upfront. Estates routinely need 6–12 originals to process insurance, retirement, and title transfers.