Home › Indiana › How-To Guide
Indiana · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), Division of Vital Records (state level) / County Health Department (county level - where birth occurred)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Indiana birth records less than 75 years old are restricted. Eligible requesters: the person named (if 18+), parents listed on the certificate, grandparents, siblings 18+, adult child, current spouse, aunt/uncle, stepparent, legal guardian, or someone showing cause.
  2. Determine which office to use:
  3. COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT: for births occurring in that specific county - generally faster; typically same-day or next-day in person; fee varies by county
  4. STATE ISDH: for births occurring anywhere in Indiana from 1907 to present; in person, by mail, or online via VitalChek
  5. Choose your method:
  6. IN PERSON AT COUNTY: Visit the county health department where the birth occurred; bring valid photo ID; fastest option for local births
  7. BY MAIL TO STATE OR COUNTY: Complete application; include copy of photo ID and proof of relationship; include payment; mail to ISDH Division of Vital Records, 2 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
  8. ONLINE (expedited): Order through VitalChek - additional fees apply
  9. Submit application with valid photo ID
  10. Pay the fee and receive certificate
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed birth certificate request application
  • Copy of valid government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of qualifying relationship if requesting on behalf of another
  • Payment (check or money order for mail; card for in-person/VitalChek)
Processing Time
County in person: same day or next day; state mail: 4-8 weeks; VitalChek: expedited with additional fee
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek; check in.gov/health/vital-records for current link
Where to Go
County Health Department (faster for local births); ISDH Division of Vital Records, 2 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 (state office)
County-specific variations apply

Each Indiana county health department handles births in their county only - for births in other counties, contact that county's health department or the state ISDH. County fees and procedures vary. Contact your specific county health department before visiting (list at in.gov/isdh/24822.htm). For births in counties not maintaining local records, the state ISDH is the primary source.

Indiana Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Indiana birth records restricted until 75 years after birth (different from most states' 100-year rule).
  • Death and marriage records are PUBLIC RECORDS in Indiana - available to anyone (different from birth records).
  • State ISDH has birth records from 1907 to present; county health departments may have older records going back to 1882 in some counties.
  • VitalChek is the only authorized online vendor for Indiana state vital records.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Indiana ISDH Division of Vital Records - in.gov/health/vital-records | (317) 233-2700 | 2 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46204