What term refers to documents such as certificates and reports of birth, death, marriage, and divorce?

The term "vital records" specifically refers to the official documents that record significant life events such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce. These records are crucial for various legal and administrative purposes and serve as primary sources of data for demographic statistics and social services. Vital records are maintained by government entities and are typically required for identification, proof of events, and vital statistics compilations.

While "public records" and "official documents" may encompass a wider range of materials, they do not specifically denote the focus on life events that are characteristic of vital records. Similarly, "vital statistics" generally refers to the statistical data generated from the collection of vital records rather than the records themselves. Thus, when identifying documents that pertain directly to births, deaths, marriages, and divorces, "vital records" is the most accurate and appropriate term.