Vital Records Online (VRO) is a safe, secure, and simple service based in the US for ordering Ohio birth, death, and marriage certificates online. Your vital records will be delivered to your home address safely and securely while your private information stays confidential.
Summary:
Ohio’s history of maintaining vital records dates back to 1867 when the state legislature passed a law requiring the registration of births and deaths. In 1908, the Ohio Department of Health was established, and the Bureau of Vital Statistics was created to manage the registration and issuance of vital records. The Bureau began keeping marriage records in 1949 and divorce records in 1954.
Ohio’s population, estimated to be around 11.69 million as of 2021, is managed by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Bureau of Vital Statistics, which is responsible for maintaining vital records in the state. This includes registering vital events such as births, deaths, and other events within the state and issuing certified copies of vital records. The ODH maintains the quality of Ohio’s public health and healthcare delivery systems and coordinates child, family, and community health services.
Find out how to obtain official Ohio vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, and how they are used.
Start your application online for OH vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Vital records are essential for proving your identity, citizenship, and family relationships. Birth, death, and marriage certificates are crucial for various life events, such as getting married, enrolling in school, joining the military, or traveling. If you have lost any of these certificates, it’s critical to file a police report and request a certified replacement as soon as possible. Vital records contain important information about your ancestors, such as their full names, dates of birth and death, and locations. These records can be useful in settling legal disputes, claiming inheritance, and conducting genealogical research. To learn more about the benefits of vital records, you can check out the FAQs section related to birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Ohio vital records can be requested online, in person, or by mail. Each Ohio county is responsible for certifying and issuing birth and death certificates within its jurisdiction. Marriage certificates are issued by the county where the marriage was recorded, not by the state. However, marriage certificates can be ordered online through the VRO from any location.
Search for your county in the state’s complete list of vital record issuing agencies. Some locations offer in-person visits, but the application process varies by county. The list includes all of Ohio’s health departments’ locations, contact information, and access to online applications for requesting birth, death, and marriage certificates.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Ohio, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
When ordering a certified vital record copy from the ODH-BVS, it is crucial to carefully examine the steps and conditions whether ordering online, by mail, or in person, as each type of vital record has unique requirements, eligibility, costs, and processing times. Ordering online is the most reliable and convenient method to request vital records. The state health departments may offer walk-ins for birth and death certificates depending on the local offices.
Ensure you mail your documents, application, and payment to the correct vital record location that produces a certified copy of the original record.
❗️ The ODH-BVS only issues birth and death certificates; marriage certificates are issued from the county office that created the original certificate.
Ordering Ohio vital records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
If you meet the eligibility requirements as an authorized person, you can apply to order a birth, death, or marriage certificate online in Ohio. Before beginning the application process, confirm that you have all the necessary documents to upload during the secure online application process.
VRO is a simplified system that quickly generates your application packet. Once you complete the application process, VRO sends your packet to the appropriate health department’s vital records office, which issues the certified record.
The online application is designed to be simple and can be executed on any device with an internet connection. It takes as little as five minutes to complete and helps ensure your application is not rejected due to common mistakes or missing documents.
✔︎ Our $29 processing fee includes your automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning and printing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and handling process works.
Applying in person is reasonable for those who reside near the state health department office that issues these records. Before traveling, verify that the office is open to the public and be prepared for long queues when arriving. Submitting the application and documents by mail is ideal if you live out of state, while online ordering is the most convenient method for those living out of state or abroad. Ordering online or by mail is ideal if the local vital records office is closed or you prefer to avoid long wait lines. Regardless of your preferred method, the steps for applying are generally the same.
If you choose to apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following steps:
Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need the following:
When replacing a birth, death, or marriage certificate for yourself or a family member, it’s essential to know that each certificate type has specific requirements for who is authorized to request a certified replacement. VRO’s services simplify the process, help reduce errors, and avoid rejected applications, allowing you to complete the entire procedure online and saving you time and hassle of handling documents and mail.
❗️ Review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it to avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information.
❗️ Be sure that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ If you prefer mailing your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
Reviewing the conditions and requirements is necessary before gathering the documents for your vital record application.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
The following table lists the information and documents required to order certified copies of Ohio vital records. Ohio is an “open records state,” meaning that ID is not usually necessary for birth or marriage requests from the state. A standard government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license or passport is acceptable. A secondary ID may be accepted if you do not have a valid form of identification.
Identification is only needed for death or marriage certificates that contain the social security number(s) of the individual(s) on record. However, the identification requirements for requesting a marriage certificate may vary by county since the ODH-BVS does not centralize marriage certificates.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Ohio?
The ODH-BVS defines specific conditions and eligibility for requesting copies of each certificate type and circumstance. Review the details for replacement birth, death, and marriage certificates before applying.
❗️ Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Email, Father's Name at Birth, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Phone Number, Place of Birth, Purpose for the Certificate, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Major Credit Card with Photo, State ID |
Auto Insurance, Pay Stub, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration |
| Death Certificate | Date of Birth, Email, Father's Name at Birth, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Phone Number, Place of Birth, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Major Credit Card with Photo, State ID |
Auto Insurance, Pay Stub, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration |
| Marriage Certificate |
Who can request vital records in Ohio?
According to Ohio law, vital records are unrestricted and can be requested by anyone who can provide the required information. However, death or marriage certificates that display the individual’s social security number are an exception to this rule.
Authorized third-party applicants are listed in the table below for birth and death certificates. Legal representatives or family members of the individual on record may lawfully request a certified copy of a death certificate that displays the SSN, considering they provide proof of identity and meet the eligibility as authorized individuals to request on behalf of the person on record.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Not Restricted |
| Death Certificate | Not Restricted |
| Marriage Certificate |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record.
Do I need a notary with my application?
The Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics (ODH-BVS) does not require notarized statements from applicants for certified copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates, regardless of the method of request, whether online, mail, telephone, or in-person. Notarizations are also not required for death certificates requested by immediate family members of the individual on record, even if the death certificate displays a Social Security Number.
Notarized statements are usually required when amendments or corrections of a vital record are needed. Visit the ODH-BVS website at https://odh.ohio.gov/vs for additional information regarding special conditions when a notary is required.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when requesting informational copies of Ohio vital records.
The cost of obtaining replacement vital records depends on the fees charged by the ODH-BVS for each type of certificate, how you submit your application, and whether a notary is required for specific circumstances.
VRO’s online application assistant starts at $29. The ODH-BVS charges $21.50 for each certified copy of a birth record and a death certificate. The fees for marriage certificates may vary by county.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $21.50 | $21.50 |
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Ohio?
Check the current processing and delivery times in the table below, as processing and replacement times for birth, death, or marriage certificates fluctuate depending on the volume of backlogged orders the ODH-BVS receives. The application submission method can also affect the total time until you receive your certified replacement.
VRO offers professional assistance in processing, generating, and submitting your application packet with the option to expedite priority, saving time and streamlining your application process.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 3 to 5 weeks | N/A |
| Death Certificate | 3 to 5 weeks | N/A |
| Marriage Certificate | N/A | N/A |
| Divorce Certificate | N/A | N/A |
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by ODH-BVS may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
When you submit your application through Vital Records Online, you can monitor the status of your order and track the application packet to the ODH-BVS with first-class prepaid mail postage included with every order.
If you mail your application packet manually, remember to purchase first-class mail tracking to know when your application arrives successfully. The ODH-BVS ships all vital records via USPS first-class mail to your home for safety, but they do not claim responsibility for any misdirected or lost certificates.
If your birth certificate is lost, file a report immediately. Be mindful that a simple error or typo could lead to your personal information being sent to the wrong address.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Ohio counties office locations directory.
An apostille is necessary when a vital record is submitted to a foreign government. The Ohio Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records initially filed with the ODH-BVS.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
Apostilles for Ohio vital records are only issued by the Secretary of State. Vital Records Online offers online apostille services for all 50 US states, with legal validity governments in over 100 countries. The apostille service includes professional assistance for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates and can be completed online in three simple steps, starting at $149 (plus government fees).
The delivery will be made to your doorstep regardless of your location, whether in the US or any other country. Once you have completed the apostille documentation, it will be sent to you via FedEx or DHL. In most cases, you don’t need to obtain a physical copy of your documents, as the process can be completed online.
You will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Secretary of State at the following addresses:
For standard or express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Ohio Secretary of State,
Client Service Center,
22 North Fourth Street,
Columbus, OH 43215
You can reach the office at https://www.ohiosos.gov/records/apostilles-certifications/submission-information/.
The ODH-BVS provides instructions and common scenarios for individuals who need to legally correct or amend a birth, marriage, or a family member’s death certificate. Dedicated forms are required depending on the information that needs to be amended. While supplemental changes become addendums to the original vital record, no entity can alter the original document. In Ohio, some amendments require a court order, typically requiring an attorney.
Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
In Ohio, many vital records are available to the public free of charge. Birth certificates are transferred to public archives after 125 years, and death certificates after 50 years. When researching Ohio’s public records, prepare to allocate time to review the archives to find relevant records.
Are Ohio Vital Records Open to the Public?
The level of access to Ohio’s public records will vary depending on the types of records you’re looking for and the year in which the birth, death, or marriage occurred.
When conducting research, several third-party websites are available that can provide a good starting point for your research and are not limited to your geographic location. However, while these third-party sites can be helpful, their data may conflict with official government records. To ensure accuracy, check any information on these sites with the official government agencies.
To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following information:
To ensure a certificate is official, compare it to the original certified documents from the county that issued it because each Ohio county and municipality has unique vital records. Informational copies of vital records usually display a stamp or large print across the face of the document stating “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized (certified) copies of vital records are recognized as legal documents for official identification. It’s important to note that only individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the document are eligible to obtain certified copies of vital records.
Informational Copy:
Certain types of birth or marriage certificates are referred to as informational copies, unofficial (non-certified), “heirloom,” or “commemorative certificates.” According to Ohio state law, uncertified copies of birth or death certificates are no longer available due to recent changes in the law.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Ohio government website at https://odh.ohio.gov/vs
