Welcome to the Town of Groton, Connecticut

Vital Records

STATE FILE NUMBERS appear on vital records issued by the State Vital Records Office for vital events that took place from 1948 to present. The state file number that appears on state issued vital records is used for administrative purposes by the state office. It has no legal purpose and may not appear on vital records issued by town registrars.

Birth Certificates

If you were born in Groton, or if your mother was living in Groton at the time of your birth, you may obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate from our office.  In addition, any births that occurred in Connecticut after June 2001 are available from our office. The fee for all certified copies of a vital record is $20.00.

There are several choices for processing a request for a certified copy of a birth certificate. We offer online ordering through the independent company Permitium and VitalChek . Permitium orders may be processed for walk-in and for mail service. If you prefer to mail, fax or email a request, please use the Birth Certificate Application. For all orders, we will need a signature either on an application or on an authorization form and a copy of your government issued identification as proof of rightfulness.  VitalChek offers next business day delivery through UPS for an additional fee. Both online companies charge a service fee, please be aware

By State law, your Birth Certificate may be obtained only by

  • yourself
  • your child
  • your parent or legal guardian
  • your spouse
  • your grandparent
  • or by a legal representative, who provides authorized documentation
If you are writing for a copy of your birth certificate make sure in your letter to include:

  • your name
  • your date of birth
  • your mother's full maiden name and birthplace, (her name that was given at birth)
  • your father's name and birthplace
  • identification of your relationship to the person, if not yourself, and documentation if necessary
  • your signature
  • a copy of your government issued photo ID, such as a driver's license
  • a self-addressed stamped envelope or an extra $1 for postage and handling
  • and payment, $20 for each certified copy. If you are using a credit card for payment, expect the vendor’s service fee and postage fee, $1 for regular mail or $17.50 for next business day delivery
Marriage Licenses

Marriage licenses are issued by the Registrar of Vital Statistics only in the Town where the ceremony is to be performed, also known as the Town of Occurrence. In order to obtain a marriage license from the Town of Groton, please follow the directions below:

We ask that you call our office to make an appointment to apply for your marriage license.  Both individuals must appear in person, but you may appear separately if that is more convenient. Our office number is 860-441-6640.

Please use the Fillable Marriage Worksheet Form and Instructions in preparation of obtaining your license.

The marriage license is valid for 65 days from the date that it is issued.

The fee for a marriage license is $50. Certified copies of the license as proof of the marriage are $20.00 each. You may prepay for certified copies to be mailed to you at the time of application.

Public Act 17-54 require minors 16 and 17 years old to petition the Probate Court Judge of the jurisdiction in which the minor resides.  The Probate Judge must approve the issuance of a marriage license. For minors under 16 years of age, no marriage license may be issued under any circumstance.

NOTE: The Justices of the Peace set their own fees for service.

  • Marriage licenses are considered a public record. To obtain a certified copy of a marriage license by mail, write to the Groton Town Clerk, 45 Fort Hill Road, Groton, CT 06340; indicate the full name of couple and the date of the marriage; enclose payment of $20 for each copy, and enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. You may also order a certified copy through our secure online systems either Permitium or VitalChek.
Death Certificates

The Town of Groton has death records back to the early 1700's.

If you are writing for a copy, please include:

  • the date of the event
  • the name of the deceased
  • a self-addressed stamped envelope
  • and the fee of $20 for each certified copy.

We do not accept out of town bank checks.  Please send a money Order or use Permitium or Vitalchek for credit card purchases.

Genealogy

The Town of Groton has vital records and land records dating back - in some cases - to the 1600's.

We do not have the staff to conduct genealogical research, but we will attempt to locate information when we have the time to do so.

You are welcome to visit the office to look at our records. We ask that you not come in the week prior to and after the November election. Please call to make an appointment.

Birth records remain confidential unless you are a member of a legally incorporated genealogical society authorized by the State of Connecticut. Birth records that are more than 100 years old are open to the public.

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