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Indiana · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

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

How to do it

  1. Note: Indiana death certificates are PUBLIC RECORDS - no proof of relationship required to obtain a certified copy.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON AT COUNTY: Visit the county health department where the death occurred - typically fastest; same-day or next-day service; fee typically $20; county only has records for deaths in their county
  4. BY MAIL TO STATE OR COUNTY: Complete application; include copy of valid photo ID; include payment; mail to ISDH Division of Vital Records, 2 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
  5. ONLINE (expedited): VitalChek at in.gov/health/vital-records - additional fees apply; covers deaths statewide
  6. Submit application with valid photo ID (for identification purposes even though record is public)
  7. Pay the fee and receive certificate
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed death certificate request application
  • Copy of valid government-issued photo ID
  • Payment (check, money order, or card depending on method)
Fee
$20 (in-county deaths), $25 (out-of-county); genealogy copy $12 for records 99+ years old. Huntington County: $20 per certified copy. Fees and procedures vary by county.
Processing Time
County in person: same day or next day; state mail: 4-8 weeks; VitalChek: expedited with additional fee
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek at in.gov/health/vital-records
Where to Go
County Health Department (faster, for deaths in that county); ISDH Division of Vital Records, 2 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 (statewide)
County-specific variations apply

County health departments only have records for deaths occurring in their county - for deaths in other counties, contact that county's health department or use ISDH state office. Knox County fee: $20 (in-county deaths), $25 (out-of-county); genealogy copy $12 for records 99+ years old. Huntington County: $20 per certified copy. Fees and procedures vary by county.

Indiana Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Indiana death certificates are PUBLIC RECORDS - anyone may request; no family relationship proof needed.
  • Marriage records are also PUBLIC RECORDS in Indiana (maintained by County Clerk where marriage occurred - NOT by ISDH).
  • ISDH has death records from 1900 to present; county health departments may have records from 1882 in some counties.
  • Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need a certified copy; most families need 6-10.
  • Funeral homes assist with initial filing for recent deaths.
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