Oregon · How-To Guide
How do I get a copy of a death certificate?
Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Vital Records (state level - Portland) / County Health Departments (county level - recent deaths only)
Details
What you need to know
Processing Time
VitalChek: 2-5 business days; mail: varies; county in-person: faster for recent deaths
Online Option
VitalChek (authorized)
Where to Go
County health department (recent deaths); Oregon Vital Records - state office (older deaths)
Oregon Notes
Important state-specific details
- State records from July 1893 to present (some); comprehensive from 1903+; older records at Oregon State Archives.
- Death records public after 50 years.
- Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need one.
Official Source
State office contact
State Office
Oregon Vital Records - oregon.gov/oha/ph/birthdeathcertificates | (971) 673-1190 | PO Box 14050, Portland, OR 97293-0050